Kirsten Miller
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Atlantic Blue is an environmentally conscious, clothing and accessories brand ran by the innovative seamstress Kirsten Miller. Established in 1998, Kirsten’s designs often repurpose unwanted material and promote a stylish minimalist lifestyle. You may have come across her iconic seatbelt bags or bold canvas beach totes.
Whilst continuing to experiment with new materials and design bespoke pieces, Atlantic Blue is looking to start two limited edition ranges of clothing and accessories to offer sustainable style to the Island and encourage people to rethink how they shop for goods.
“Investing in yourself is the best advice I can give - do your homework and put the time in, it will pay off now and in the long-run."
Tell us about your path to setting up your business and what motivated you?
A passion for design, ingenuity and sustainability has always been my greatest motivator. When I see waste materials, my mind buzzes with ideas of how they could be repurposed and given a new lease of life.
The idea for my first range and the start of Atlantic Blue began when I discovered just how many seat belts were going into Jersey’s waste stream. I decided to experiment working with this new material and after a lot of trial and error and many prototypes, my distinctive seat belt bag was designed and Atlantic Blue was established.
Over the years, my passion for using responsibly sourced materials has certainly led me on an exciting path, one that I could never have predicted! It has broadened my capabilities as a seamstress and a designer.
What has been your greatest struggle as a business owner so far?
In a one-man band working for yourself, you really don’t have anyone to be accountable to (other than client deadlines). So I’d say my biggest struggle is staying focused. I often find myself getting distracted and running away with ideas rather than working to a plan. It’s not all bad though, some of my best ideas come from impromptu experimenting.
What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?
It’s not so much an a-ha moment, but I feel that experience is paying off these days. I am no-longer doubting myself each step of the way as a designer or seamstress but enjoying doing what I love and continuing to push the boundaries.
Do you have any advice for other small business owners?
Investing in yourself is the best advice I can give - do your homework and put the time in, it will pay off now and in the long-run. I’d also recommend connecting with other businesses. There are so many talented individuals on Jersey and in the wider community of small business owners, share experiences, seek advice and learn from each other.
What currently inspires you?
It is amazing to experience more and more people reacting positively to my work. Individuals and businesses are approaching me with their unwanted materials eager to discuss how I can help them remove these from the waste stream.
As the local community and so many other parts of the world show more interest in recycling and sustainable living, I am inspired every day to keep doing what I am doing!
You can contact and find me here
