Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Millaire.
Hi Anne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I bought The Gilded Shell a year ago on 6/12/25 from my neighbor 2 doors down. She and her partner have had the business on hold for almost 6 months and were ready for the next step. I had helped my neighbor with her other business, and we stumbled upon discussing The Gilded Shell. I always wanted to own my own business and incorporate my creative side. I felt it was the perfect match. I took over and here I am a year later, still learning the ins and outs. I am enjoying the whole process, from hand picking oysters, prepping, gilding to sending them to customers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The set up of the business was there as well as a customer base. However, I had to learn, and I am still learning the whole process of running a business from social media (my least favorite part), to learning Shopify, to paying monthly taxes, and trying to find ways to promote my business and be a part of the local community through markets.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always liked hands on projects. My husband and I are realtors and we remodel homes. I found my niche of filling in the gaps, literally filling in the gaps of our projects. I love working with wood and this way I leave a little piece of my work with each house. Now I am creative on a much smaller scale, and I see the beauty in each of the shells. It’s so satisfying to put all the pieces together and create something unique and wanted by a customer. Knowing that they have selected an item online that I get to make for them and then the pieces are portrayed in homes or at a store is an incredible feeling and a proud moment when I see my pieces displayed.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The Telepathy Tapes have been one of my favorite podcasts lately. The connectivity and the love is put into my work and I hope people can see that. I also enjoyed the book The Correspondent – the simple things in life of writing and having a penmanship is rewarding. The anticipation of receiving a package brings a smile to everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheGildedShell.com
- Instagram: @TheGildedShell
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheGildedShell
