Maldon artist opens first lifestyle store in High Street

Suzanne Smith, 40, lives in Maldon and always loved art, colour and creativity as a child.

She previously worked as a graphic designer before she launched Suzi M in September 2021 and opened her first standalone shop in Maldon High Street this year.

Ms Smith said: “The reason I stared the business is because I have a disability.

“My health condition can be quite invisible to most. When you have an invisible disability, people can be more judgemental of it.”

Owner - Suzanne Smith opened Suzi M in April (Image: Carole Smith) Ms Smith was diagnosed with hypermobility spectrum disorder and experiences symptoms of hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome, as she has very flexible joints that can cause pain, dislocation and other problems.

It means she sometimes needs the support of a crutch or wheelchair, but other times can walk with less pain.

It also meant practicing art came with its challenges, including using a paintbrush, but she soon found pencils were easier to manage with her joints.

While working as a graphic designer, Ms Smith began to encounter too many struggles related to her disability, including “crippling pain”, and couldn’t continue.

She said: “I had probably been at my lowest point because of it, but sometimes that spurs you on. It spurred me on to create the business.”

Art - Ms Smith has developed her bold and colourful style (Image: Suzanne Smith) Award - The Suzi M store at Hylands Estate won 'Best Lifestyle Store' in Essex in 2023 at the Muddy Stilettos Awards (Image: Suzanne Smith) When the opportunity came to launch a two-week pop-up in Fenwick shopping centre in Colchester, she took it.

After a great response, she then set up her own studio and shop at Hylands Estate in Chelmsford.

At Suzi M, which opened in April, customers can shop for homeware and lifestyle products including jigsaw puzzles, tote bags, cushions, mugs, as well as beautiful bold art prints.

Ms Smith developed her art style with graphite pencils and uses digital techniques to add colour to her designs, which she dearly loves.

Quality - Suzi M is filled with a variety of lifestyle and home products (Image: Suzanne Smith) She said: “What’s good about running my own business is I can manage my health.

“I know that I’m going to be in the shop and it’s interesting for people to see how everything is created.

“It’s a positive that it’s ended up going this way, really. It’s the perfect space for me. It’s been a blessing.”

For more about Suzi M’s products and art classes for all abilities, visit her website, www.suzim.co.uk, Facebook, or Instagram.