Welcome to Mathias & Locke

Today is the launch of our website, we, my two boys Benjamin, Maximus and my husband Andrew are really excited to see what you all think of it… your comments, good and bad will be very much appreciated.  We really do want to make your experience with the us the best possible.

Business is taking up a lot of my time, so I wanted to keep friends, family and customers so far……updated with what’s happening. Therefore, I  decided to create a blog.  People who know me, are aware I have always had a vision to make my dreams a reality.  People have been so supportive and are always asking ‘how’s the business going?’.  The blog will be a chance for me to share our journey but also an opportunity for my children to see how things have evolved, therefore it won’t always be business related.

A little bit about me

My name is Joanne and I moved to England when I was 9 years old from Phoenix, Arizona – U.S.A.  I have two older brothers.  My eldest brother could never quite get to grips with the British weather so decided to stay there with his wife and two daughters.  Both my parents are British and it was my fathers work that took him to the States for 18 years before we moved back.  Experiences I am forever grateful for.

I decided to take a break from work when my mom was unfortunately diagnosed with Cancer in 2013.  I was expecting my 2nd child at the time and although I don’t want to delve too much into this experience it’s important to recognise how important an incredibly painful experience was to the launch of Mathias & Locke.  I always wanted and tried vigorously to find something I could take or give to my mom during her treatment or something that seemed appropriate.  I never found anything that quite did it.  I wanted something personal, something meaningful when words or flowers weren’t enough.  Therefore personalised hampers was the first thing we launched.

Sadly my mom passed away July 2015.  Her maiden name was Locke, and this was the name I gave to my 2nd born Maximus Locke Robinson.  We also named our first born with my mother in law’s maiden name, Mathias.  Benjamin Mathias Robinson.  And there you have it – Mathias & Locke.

The Present

So, bringing me to now, a year later I work from home, and I love it.  For me, it is a lifestyle choice, making money isn’t the real driver.  Although that does help when you have two small children and expensive taste!  Since our launch in September, all our orders have come from word of mouth, Facebook and from having very supportive friends and family.  Therefore, due to demand we have decided to have our website done sooner than planned to help us manage orders.  We have been overwhelmed with the response we’ve had so far.  So, a truly heartfelt thank you.

We attended two events over the Christmas period, and these went extremely well, with lots of positive feedback.  Benjamin was so excited to come and help Mummy and Daddy ‘sell’ things…..that was the maths homework covered !!

The Future

So, what next?  I can’t wait to see where the next few months take us.  I want to bring out new ranges, create my new range of hospital hampers and I would love to do more in the wedding market…..and am looking for any willing volunteers to let me gatecrash your wedding ideas and bring something personal to them.  If you have any bespoke needs, or ideas please do contact us – I would love to be part of your day.

Who knows really what the future holds and one thing I have learnt is to live each day at a time and try and enjoy the journey in what ever direction that may take us.  Also, that people really do care and want you to succeed.  But one thing is for certain life is good at the moment.

I look forward to receiving your comments and feedback.

Joanne xx