If you’ve noticed things have been a little quieter at Susie’s Sheepskin Boots lately, it’s not because I’ve run off to a tropical island (though don’t think I haven’t considered it!). It’s because I’ve recently started my new full-time job as a senior buyer, all while keeping the shop running, chasing after my two-year-old, and attempting to keep my house from resembling a small wool factory run by monkies.

Buying is what I've been doing pre Susie's for the last 13 years and I missed it. What I've also missed is a stable income, with a family & mortgage to support, I had to take on this role in order to have some security for me & my family but it's fair to say life has gone from “busy” to “what day even is it?” but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Between cutting out sheepskin, joining buyer meetings, and negotiating prices one minute and toddler snack demands the next, I’m becoming quite the multitasking master.

And just to make sure I didn’t get too comfortable, the universe decided to spice things up by sending me to hospital with tonsillitis  despite the fact I had my tonsils removed thirteen years ago. Nobody told me they can grow back!?! I’d laugh if I wasn’t so busy trying to keep up with everything else!

So, if your message reply has taken a little longer or your order’s arrived a day or two late, please know I’m still here just occasionally fuelled by Lemsip and very little sleep. Every order, every message, and every kind comment genuinely keeps me going, and I can’t thank you enough for your patience, support, and humour while I find my new rhythm.

I also want to say a huge thank you to the incredible team at Susie’s who’ve kept things ticking along so smoothly while I’ve been juggling everything. Their hard work, positivity, and good humour mean the world and make it all possible.

Susie’s Sheepskin Boots remains my pride and joy, each pair handmade with care (and a fair bit of coffee). So as the chill creeps in, I’ll keep cutting orders in the evenings, making sure there are plenty of cosy slippers to go around this winter. So if you want to get some Christmas prezzies in this year, make sure you pop your order in soon!

Thank you again for sticking with me — you’re keeping a small and much loved business alive.

Bethan x

I’ve not really written blog posts about my own thoughts and feelings before, but with a to-do list as long as my arm, I started typing and couldn’t stop; so this is me getting things off my chest.

I’m Bethan – busy mum to a toddler, juggling a few jobs, and the slightly frazzled owner of Susie’s Sheepskin Boots. I bought the business in March 2023 and opened our shop in Tenby Indoor Market in June 2024. We sell boots, slippers, hats and accessories – basically anything that makes you look like you’ve borrowed a sheep’s best outfit.

Selling Boots to Bikini-Clad Holidaymakers

Let’s be honest: this summer has been tough. Sales are down 150% on last year, and while I’d love to blame a global anti-sheepskin conspiracy, the reasons are probably more down-to-earth:

• The weather’s been gorgeous: Trying to sell sheepskin to bikini-clad holidaymakers is, well… “character building.” Picture me saying: “Yes, I see you’re holding a lilo and a Solero, but wouldn’t you rather invest in some knee-high boots?” Not exactly an easy sell.

• The cost of living crisis: People are watching their pennies, and slippers don’t always make the cut next to food, fuel, or “just one more” round of 99s for the kids.

• Supplier costs: Every delivery seems to arrive with a price tag that makes me want to sit down with a cuppa and take a deep breath.

Why Sheepskin Still Wins

Sheepskin isn’t just cosy fluff. It’s natural, durable, sustainable and the kind of thing that keeps paying you back every cold morning for years to come. Your future self will thank you when your toes are warm while everyone else is shivering.

Behind the Fluff

Like many small business owners, I’ve had to take on another job to support my family. That does mean orders might take a little longer than usual to arrive, but I promise they’re always packed with care – usually with a toddler tugging at my sleeve while I do it!

I couldn’t do this without my team. They are absolute heroes – keeping the shop running, helping customers, and swooping in whenever I’m juggling one task too many. Without them, this little fluffy empire wouldn’t be standing.

Finding the Joy

It hasn’t all been doom and gloom. I’ve had brilliant chats with locals, tourists slipping into slippers in July and instantly forgetting they’re wearing shorts, and the constant reminder that I’ve built something I’m really proud of.

If you’re passing through Tenby Market, come say hi. Even if you’re not in a slipper-buying mood, a chat is always welcome – I’ll be there among the fluff, juggling orders, customers and childcare.

And when the British weather inevitably flips – usually the minute the schools go back – you’ll know exactly where to come for the warmest toes in town.

Pop in to see us at Tenby Indoor Market or browse our online shop – your feet will thank you!

- Bethan x

QQ1

How to Care for your Sheepskin products

• We recommend using a suede or Nubuck protector spray before wearing. This creates a barrier to repel dust and water. You can buy the protector we use here.

• If your Boots or slippers get wet, dry them slowly - not on a radiator or in direct sunlight as this can cause the skin to become tough.

• If your boots get mucky, a suede brush can be handy. If the mark is mud, wait until it’s fully dry and use the suede brush to gently wipe the dirt off

• If you get oil or grease on your slippers, the best thing to use is talc or chalk shavings, apply a little mound on the stain, wait 24 hours and use a suede brush to brush out.