Ten things we love about you, 2023
One thing we definitely did in 2023 is blink, because here we are at the end of December already! Thankfully, we did lots more exciting things too.
While we're looking forward to sharing some top-secret locker talk in 2024, before we get there, we wanted to take a moment to share some of our highlights from 2023. It's been a big, beautiful year full of growth, so when we started compiling our favourite moments, it got out of hand quickly. We've managed to whittle it down to just ten. Here they are!
one: we took a trip (or 5)
After a couple of years of feeling very grounded (to put it nicely!), this year we made up for lost time. Becca and Jess travelled to NYC for the first time ever, Sophie and Jono both spent some time in the UK, and we even went to some places twice…
two: we went to China! Twice!
Yep, we got to visit our incredible factories in China twice this year, and it was the most inspiring experience. Becca was accompanied by our merchandiser Alex for the first visit and by product designer Kate (one of our new recruits this year!) for the second. We worked with our factory teams to refine some of our processes and ensure our lockers get to you looking picture-perfect. Most excitingly, we finalised some super-secret pieces that we can't wait to share with you! Stay tuned in 2024…
three: we had pinch-me moments
This was a year packed full of pinch-me moments, but a couple of extra special ones included making The Times 100 list and being featured in Forbes! We count ourselves lucky to do what we love every day, but it's really, really cool to see our little locker idea getting recognised out there in the real world.
four: we went viral
We let our imaginations run away with us this year, and lots of people wanted to come along for the ride! We created a one-of-a-kind rainbow Midi to celebrate Pride, and then we answered the call of the Disco-verse with our mirrorball-inspired Disco Midi, which took off like wildfire on Instagram. Play, fun and joy are a huge part of the Mustard DNA, and we love how passionately our community embraces it.
five: we turned five!
If Mustard was our actual baby (it totally is), they'd be all ready to start big school! No wonder we're feeling a little misty-eyed over this one. We celebrated our fifth birthday in 2023, a lovely milestone – and a great excuse for cake.
six: we went home with a lot of people
… it's not what it sounds like! This year you asked and we listened: everybody loves home tours! We took you behind the scenes in some of our favourite homes from Newcastle to New York. We loved seeing how versatile our lockers are, from the cherry on top of the ice cream colour palette in the House of Eden Court to the deep and moody Slate pieces at the heart of Turmeric House.
seven: we beamed up a level
We're proud to be the biggest contributor to our charity partner in the UK, Beam! We donate £5 from every UK order to Beam, a social impact business that helps people experiencing homelessness to access training courses and professional qualifications. It's life-changing stuff and we were SO thrilled to be able to donate our largest-ever amount this November, bringing our total to over £160,000 donated!
eight: we sent our lockers out to play
This year we welcomed a bunch of lovely new Mustard stockists, including the uber-cool Glassette, the super-chic Westwing and, in a total pinch-me moment, Urban Outfitters USA! Seeing our lockers out there in the wild just never gets old, but seeing them in such great company makes us feel like proud parents.
nine: we traded up
We immersed ourselves in the world of trade and wholesale this year, visiting 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen as well as Material Source in the UK and Shoppe Object in the US. As two sisters who started this business all on our own, it's really amazing to get out in the design community (with a whole team behind us!) There are a lot of talented people out there doing super-creative things, and being amongst them never fails to leave us buzzing and inspired.
ten: we had weddings, babies and more!
Team Mustard expanded in a big way this year! Our team grew to over thirty people (!) as we hired new friends in our UK and Australian offices. We had no less than three Mustard weddings (Sophie, Alex and Gemma all got hitched – though not to each other) and welcomed one very tiny, very cute new mini Mustard: Max's son, Mac!
Phew, no wonder we're tired! Before we retire to the couch with a plate full of leftovers, we want to take a moment to say thank you! The support of the wonderful Mustard community has helped us to achieve some big dreams this year. From reading our blogs to chatting to us on Instagram, shopping our big sale and sharing our silly TikToks, we're so grateful for all that you do.
We hope you're planning a restful holiday season because we've got big plans for 2024. See you there!
