What makes a muse?
That is the question London-based Jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu posed to their audience for their international women’s day campaign.
I am a big fan of Astrid & Miyu, not only their beautiful jewellery pieces but also their uplifting ethos as a company, and as I pondered their question I couldn’t help but think about all of the incredible muses we have in our A Note of Hope community.
I have met so many people through this project who endlessly inspire me with their strength, bravery, and compassion. So with that in mind, I sent an email to the A&M team, to tell them all about A Note of Hope and what I believe makes a muse.
It was a Friday afternoon in early February when I received a reply from Astrid & Miyu, inviting me to be a part of their IWD photo shoot and share my story. I read the email with a friend as we sheltered from the rain and bitter winter wind. We celebrated together in the corner of an M&S cafe.
I was a bundle of nerves as I walked into the studio, already busy and bustling. I had never been a part of a professional shoot before, but as soon as I walked in I was embraced and welcomed by the amazing A&M team.
The sun was streaming in through arched windows and any nervous energy I had seemed to melt away as I took in the smiling faces of all the women around me, the spread of decadent pastries and delicious fruit, and heard the soothing sound of Taylor Swift playing gently over the speakers. I knew then that I was with my people and I had absolutely nothing to worry about!
I had my hair and make-up done as they talked me through the pieces of jewellery I’d be wearing. I don’t know if anybody else can relate to this - but when I was at my worst with my illnesses I felt like I lost everything, including my sense of self. I was nothing more than a patient, just trying to get through each day.
But in recovery, I've been able to fall back in love with myself and rediscover the joy of expressing myself through my fashion, jewellery, and makeup. When I feel confident in the way that I look and in myself, I feel like I can do anything.
I am in love with the way all of the images turned out. My heart leaps every time I log onto Instagram and see a new post from the campaign.
I am also in Astrid & Miyu stores across the UK along with the other incredible muses who also took part in the campaign. I was bursting from happiness as I walked through Covent Garden last weekend and stumbled upon an Astrid & Miyu store to find myself in the window.
This whole experience has been a dream come true!
The release of the campaign has coincided with the 5th anniversary of me being put on TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition).
Looking at the pictures and reading my interview on the Astrid & Miyu website, has been a much needed reminder of how far I’ve come since I was first put on TPN and how much happier I am now.
"I think its taken me some time but I'm starting to realise that everything I have been through has shaped me into the person I am today" - Read my full interview over on the Astrid & Miyu Website.
Thank you the A&M team for giving me the opportunity to share my story (alongside other amazing women!) and also, for letting me share my passion and love for this project, A Note Of Hope.
If my part in the campaign reaches another young women who is going through chronic illness, and she is able to find hope through this project…then, at the end of the day, that is all that matters to me!
For all of my beautiful A Note of Hope Muses - The lovely team at Astrid & Miyu has given me a discount code (Valid only for this week! 6-12th March 2023) which you can use to get 15% off all of their jewellery! So go on - Treat yourself to some new jewels with code ELLIEMUSE15 , because you all deserve to shine!