Meet our member Emily from Gilded Bee; she tells us about her business, her highlights & challenges of running her own business, and answers our Local Biz Quickfire.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what your business offers.
I’m a Tring-based mum of two — though if you ask me, my cockapoo, Coco, is very much my third child! I’ve always been incredibly entrepreneurial and love anything creative. I’m also plant-based, which ties into my passion for conscious living.
My background is in sales and marketing, mainly within the tech and HR industries, but in 2016, I founded Gilded Bee to shake up the corporate gifting space. I took one look at the traditional gifting landscape and thought, ‘This needs a refresh.’ So, we scrapped the old rulebook and built something new—gifting that’s thoughtful, sustainable, and centred around wellness.
How and Why Did Your Business Get Started?
Gilded Bee started in the most unexpected way—with a personalised bauble in 2016. I made it for fun, and on a whim, I popped into The Market House shop on Tring High Street to see if they’d sell them. They said yes, and I posted about it on Everything Tring. A few days later, a local company ordered 70 of them, and that’s where it all began.
From there, I started working with Vicky Thomson, and together, we explored different ideas and researched the market. We quickly realised there was a real gap for thoughtful corporate gifts—gifts that people actually value and genuinely want to receive. That’s how Gilded Bee evolved into what it is today.
What’s been your biggest highlight of running your business?
There have been so many highlights—where do I even start? Here are just a few that stand out. Winning a contract to supply handmade ceramic flowers for the Harrods shop window during Chelsea Flower Show week was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. Being one of the winners of Decorum’s Den in 2017 was a huge boost early on. Rebranding the business in 2024 and launching our consumer offering has been an exciting new chapter.
We’ve also had the privilege of working with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Meta, Virgin Media, Hilton, GSK, and Google. Moving into our first offices in 2020 felt like a major milestone, but honestly, still being in business eight years after starting—and still passionately believing in what we do—is something I’m incredibly proud of.
At the heart of it all, Gilded Bee is about spreading joy, one gift at a time. Supporting people through our supplier choices and being kind to our planet are values that have guided us from day one, and they continue to shape everything we do.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge? There are quite a few! The market is constantly changing, and being in an industry with such strong seasonal peaks makes things even trickier. We run out of space in November and December, only to find ourselves with too much in January and February when things quieten down. Managing that balance is always a challenge.
With the launch of our new consumer offering, we’re also navigating the complexities of reaching the consumer market. Playing the SEO and social media algorithm game is tough—there’s so much work still to do here. Growing organically takes time, and it’s a real challenge to cut through the noise. But we’re committed to making it happen, just as we always have.
What are your plans for the future of your business?
The future of Gilded Bee is really exciting! We’re planning to launch more of our own products, which is something I’m especially looking forward to—I love designing and want to do more of it. We’re also working on a subscription model for candles, tea, and sweet treats, which will bring a touch of everyday luxury to people’s lives.
Beyond that, we’re exploring how we can use AI to build some really cool tools that enhance the gifting experience. But first, our main focus is on establishing our consumer offering while continuing to provide the exceptional service our corporate clients know us for. There’s a lot ahead, and we can’t wait to bring these ideas to life!
What’s the best thing about being a member of Chiltern Biz Collective?
The best thing about being a member of Chiltern Biz Collective is the sense of community. Networking with other local businesses, supporting them, and being supported in return is invaluable. Running your own business can be tough, and being part of a group where everyone truly understands the challenges makes such a difference. It’s not just about business—it’s about shared experiences, advice, and encouragement from people who genuinely get it.
How can people work with you and where can they find you?
People can find us at Unit 2, Silk Mill—but we always recommend calling ahead on 01442 732735 to make sure someone is in. You can also shop our lovely range of meaningful gifts through our website.
We’re always on the lookout for suppliers with sustainable and ethical products, and we’d especially love to stock more local ones. If you have something special that aligns with our values, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in Touch!
Visit our website at www.gildedbee.co.uk
Email me at: emily@gildedbee.co.uk
Follow me on IG @gildedbeestudio
Local Biz Quick Fire!
Favourite local place to eat & drink?
Tabure in Berkhamsted
Favourite local retailer (online or bricks & mortar)?
Gilded Bee (obviously!) or Market House
Favourite local day out?
Waddesdon Manor