Meet Katie Miles, a creative spirit who turned her passion into a thriving business on the stunning beachfront of La Herradura, Spain. Read her story.
Why Spain?
I moved to Spain in 2020 from my home of 20+ years, Marlow in the UK. I was working remotely for a Spainish company based in Madrid and took the opportunity to relocate to Spain due to Brexit.
The job ended in November last year and having already fell in love with Spain and my new friends, I decided to stay and to do something creative and follow my passion.
I recently opened a business on the beachfront in La Herradura – The Lucas Miles Atelier. This is a small studio/tienda/workshop where you will find me either making lampshades, restoring vintage lamps, selling art and other retro things of beauty…
And ‘tufting’ where I also offer introductory workshops. (Tufting is the skill of creating rugs, wall hangings, cushion covers etc. using a tufting gun with yarn).
And where are you now?
I feel so fortunate to live by the sea and to have discovered La Herradura.
There is a wonderful creative vibe here and it’s great for cyclists if you don’t mind hills. It’s very international yet still very Spanish. I love meeting new people and learning about what brings them to the Costa Tropical.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
Without a doubt, the language. I’m working on improving my Spanish everyday but progress is slow.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
If you want to hit the ground running, learn Spanish.
How do you spend your Spanish hours?
Most mornings you will typically find me in the atelier either making lampshades, restoring vintage lamps, teaching tufting workshops, and talking to customers and artists.
Some days I bring my labradoodle Ava to work, where we enjoy some lovely walks, and I also love to cycle.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
Every day is different but when I finish a creative project it always brings me joy.
I love the process – it gives me such satisfaction to see something that I’ve made and for it to be appreciated by others… Well…long may that last!
Something you are grateful for?
I’m so grateful to be living the dream – arguably the view of the sea from my shop window makes it the best office in the world.
I feel extremely fortunate to have opened my business here and to be doing something I love.
Who would be at your special dinner party?
My family! Getting everyone together is really difficult as we are all in different countries, I miss my kids especially.
What’s your secret weapon or accomplishment?
Keep on keeping on!
Do you have a favourite mantra?
Be brave – take a risk
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
Artwork that my mum left to me. I couldn’t bring many pictures and paintings, the lion’s share is still in storage in the UK, but I couldn’t be without just a couple of charcoal sketches that were given to her by a good friend and artist who she loved.
Do you have a favourite film?
Arthur Christmas – because there’s always time for a bow!
Something you would tell your younger self?
Believe in yourself. There’s nothing you can’t do if you focus.
Thank you Katie where can we find out more?
My website: https://lucasmiles.com/
Let’s connect on Instagram where I have two accounts. One for the shop https://www.instagram.com/lucasmilesatelier/
And one for my tufting world
https://www.instagram.com/woollymammothtufting/
