A MUM of two from Milton Keynes was so fed up with tiny handbags that she designed her own more practical model.

Charlotte Jamme designed her own bag while living in Vietnam after she struggled to find one she could use when travelling back to the UK with her two children.

None of the bags on the market were stylish and big enough to accommodate everything she had to cart around for two toddlers.

In July 2011 Charlotte and her family relocated to the UK and launched Mia Tui, based in Great Linch, Middleton, to the British market in October using social media and consumer events.

Mia Tui means ‘my bag’ in Vietnamese.

The first 200 bags were made in 2010 and sold out in six weeks. The second production run increased by 200 per cent and was shipped to the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, again selling out within a matter of weeks.

Since then Charlotte has sold over 16,000 bags, achieving success in the mother and baby sector with mums who like the fact that the bags can be used as a changing bag yet still look stylish at the same time. The fitness industry is another sector that is proving successful.

Charlotte found the right materials and fabrics from the markets of Vietnam, as well as a factory to produce the bags for her.

She has spent many hours at the Mia Tui factory to ensure the workers have good working conditions and enjoy their environment. The use of under aged workers is forbidden. She has also developed work from home and basic skill development programmes for all Mia Tui makers.

Charlotte said: “My bags seem to have struck a real chord with mums and women from all walks of life. It can take you from the office to the airport and then out to dinner. I call it ‘a bag for all reasons’.

“I have had nothing but positive feedback about the bags and am excited about what the future holds for the brand.”

A party plan service, Mia Tui at Home, is due to be launched in spring to allow the bags to be sold directly to the consumer. This will be rolled out across the UK with a network of consultants following a successful trial party in Milton Keynes.

Visit www.miatui.com

AN arts company has launched a training service for firms.

Festive Road Community Interest Company, which has a workshop in Hollin Lane, Stacey Bushes, has created a corporate training arm called Tea Breaks.

The company uses the arts to tackle business problems and increase productivity.

Corporate teams take part in workshops using theatre, visual arts, dance and music, but this is fun with a serious purpose.

Festive Road Director Simon Tipping said problems could be solved by looking at them creatively: “Our artists have over 20 years’ experience in working with people creatively to bring the very best out of them.

“We have seen teams and organisations transformed through approaching problems in a different way.

“People don’t need to be painters or musicians to get the most out of our workshops. We are very careful to tailor every business programme for the individuals and issues involved.”

Festive Road say their workshops help to transform business teams through better communication, creative thinking and motivation.

Sessions are facilitated by expert practitioners who have years of experience creating motivational environments and empowering participants to overcome their inhibitions.

Festive Road also works in the community with young people at risk of offending, and other disadvantaged groups.  Their work has included constructing giant illuminated figurines and costumed characters for carnival processions, and this service is also offered to business to liven up corporate events. 

Find out more by visiting www.teabreaks.org.uk