We recently had the chance to connect with Lorraine Richardson and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Lorraine, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I like to wake up slowly. I don’t turn on any lights in the house until around breakfast time. I come out to the kitchen and get our tea ready (if my husband hasn’t beaten me to it) then i go outside and fill the bird feeders, feed the squirrels, and check my garden. Once I’ve done that, I come inside and have my tea and check my phone. When I get done, I go get ready for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lorraine Richardson. I’m originally from the island of Malta. I’m 59 years old, a wife, mom, and nanna. I’m a creator of many things, repurposed assemblage jewelry, tallow balm, & mustard. I know, a weird combination.
The jewelry (Bits & Bobs) I create is made using vintage and antique finds that are repurposed in to new and unique wearable pieces. I use everything from vintage/antique jewelry pieces and makeup compacts to grampa’s marbles.
I make my small batch tallow balm (Tallow Beauty Balm) from locally sourced pasture raised beef fat that I render. It is a time consuming process. I whip my balm with all natural and organic oils and essential oils, making it a wonderful and natural option for moisturizing your skin. The oils and essential oils that I use all have specific benefits for your skin.
My mustard (Bee & Beer) is also made in small batches using 5 organic and natural ingredients. It makes a delicious addition to your sandwiches as well as many other recipes.
All of my products can be found in shops in Fredericksburg & The Woodlands, TX and Shreveport, LA.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The “people pleaser” part of me. I no longer feel like I need to say yes to every request or do things and go places that I don’t want to. I guess it partly comes with my age. I’ve realized that if it doesn’t make me happy, I don’t need it.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Uuuffff… many times. Especially, when sales are bad and funds are tight. Thankfully, I never “threw in the towel” no matter how much my mind told me to.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family and local healthy food (farmers markets, local farms & producers). I’m passionate about supporting local farms and eating clean healthy food.
I was raised in a very close family. I spent a lot of time with my Nanna, aunties, and cousins… Sunday outings and lunches, holidays, birthdays, etc. Family is very important to me.
At one time in my life, back before there was a market in every community, I was a producer/manager/owner of farmers markets. I loved giving local farmers and food producers a place to get their products to the surrounding communities. But I think my love of healthy local food came from growing up in Malta.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Traveling. I’ve traveled a lot in my life, but I would have liked to do more. There are several places/countries on my bucket list. Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, antique markets in France and Italy and I’d love to see the Aurora Borealis.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Bits_and_Bobs_est2010 / @bee_and_beer_mustard / @rains_bits_and_bobs
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/rainsbitsandbobs/? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551913619940 (Bee & Beer Mustard)
Image Credits
All photos are taken by me, Lorraine Richardson
