Coffee with a CEO: Meredithe Stuart-Smith, Founder of Meri Meri
Est. 1985
First things first, what is your coffee order, and where is the ideal place to get it?
I love a dry cappuccino and a croissant for breakfast. A really beautiful and stylish coffee shop called Makers has just opened in Chelsea next door to de Gournay on Old Church Street and their coffee is delicious. That said, the absolute best croissants are from Birley Bakery on Chelsea Green.
What was the spark that made you realise you needed to create Meri Meri?
There was never one single moment; it was pure drive. I just have this crazy, innate need to make things.
Can you tell us a little bit about the earliest days of building the brand? Did you have any prior business experience?
Meri Meri actually started as a handmade greeting card company. At the time, there was absolutely nothing else like it on the market. Because it was a totally new concept, it was incredibly frustrating trying to convince stores to buy them. Thankfully, a few fashionable boutiques picked up the earliest collections, which kept me going. By my second year in business, Bergdorf Goodman in New York placed an order and that was the moment I knew I was on my way.
What qualities do you think are most necessary to run a successful business?
You need serious resilience. You have to be able to play both offense and defense, and you need to be constantly reinventing. Having a strategy for both the push and the pivot is crucial.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your brand?
Hands down, our team. We are a true creative force. Together, we have built a globally respected brand, and we take enormous pride in creating the absolute best products in our category.
"Over the years, I’ve learned how vital it is to surround yourself with good people, to trust your instincts, and to firmly own your position."
Have you made any mistakes along the way that actually helped you in the long run?
Where do I start! Over the years, I’ve learned how vital it is to surround yourself with good people, to trust your instincts, and to firmly own your position. I’ve also learned that as a founder, you really need to have a foundational understanding of every single aspect of your business.
Are there any lessons from parenthood that have translated into your life as an entrepreneur?
It has definitely helped me be a better, more empathetic employer. It made me truly understand the value of flexibility and part-time schedules. We have had a lot of babies born into the Meri Meri family over the years!
What is your favourite family meal?
I love a cosy supper with my family, but a weekend brunch is incredibly hard to beat.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
I find it absolutely everywhere – it could be a detail at a friend’s house, an art exhibition, or just scrolling through social media. I also subscribe to about a million magazines! But travel, without a doubt, provides the ultimate inspiration.
How do you wind down after a long day of work?
I usually spend the first half-hour after work chatting with my sister about absolute nonsense, and then – honestly – I probably do a bit more work! However, I take a lot of time off during the summer, so I really don’t mind putting in the long hours the rest of the year.
What is your favourite childhood book?
I think Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was definitely my favorite book as a child.
Name a favourite book you’ve read recently?
I am reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry right now. I love all the cowboys!
What are your current favourite items from the Meri Meri collection?
I’m in love with all of our hanging decorations and garlands. It’s where our incredible illustrations and paper engineering really come together. It’s so wonderful seeing people use them for parties, but also in bedrooms, gardens and kitchens. They are all designed to be reusable, so you can just pack them away in your party cupboard to use again and again.
Junior Loves
The Meri Meri party decorations and gifts we can't resist...
You can shop the Meri Meri collection online at Meri Meri , visit Meri Meri’s Notting Hill shop at 19 Kensington Park Road, W11 2EU, or find inspiration on Instagram @merimeriparty
Coffee With A CEO
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