Our Story

Tilley & Grace began in 2012, founded by Sally Hicks and her late husband after returning from a life in Spain, with a simple idea: to bring beautiful leather handbags and accessories to women back home.

What began around the kitchen table, selling pieces to friends at dinner parties, soon grew into something more. In 2013, we opened a tiny pop-up in the seaside town of Aldeburgh. It was the beginning of our life on the high street and, over the years, Tilley & Grace has grown into a collection of independent boutiques across Suffolk and North Norfolk, alongside our online store.

At heart, though, much of what made Tilley & Grace special in the beginning remains the same.

We believe getting dressed should be enjoyable. Our collections bring together colour, beautiful textures and easy-to-wear pieces that feel special without feeling precious. Clothes to live in, feel good in and make your own — chosen with real women and real wardrobes in mind.

There is a sense of togetherness that has always run through Tilley & Grace. From the women who work in our shops and behind the scenes, to the customers who have been with us for years and those discovering us for the first time, people are at the heart of what we do.

More than a decade on, we're still proudly independent, still evolving and still excited by finding those pieces you reach for again and again.

Meet Sally

A mother of four, a natural entrepreneur and the woman behind Tilley & Grace. With an instinct for style and a warmth that immediately puts people at ease, she has always believed clothing should make women feel good.

A lifelong love of clothes, combined with a frustration at how difficult it was to find stylish, affordable pieces locally, eventually became the starting point for Tilley & Grace. After months spent sourcing the right products, she took the plunge, initially selling at local shows and events before opening the first pop-up in Aldeburgh.

More than a decade later, she remains at the heart of the business. Her eye for pieces that are flattering, wearable and just a little bit different continues to shape the collections, while the warmth and personality of those early days can still be felt in our shops today.

Just as important is the community of women that has grown around Tilley & Grace. From the beginning, the aim has been to create somewhere women feel welcome, valued and confident to express their own sense of style.

For her, style has never been about rules or age. It’s about finding clothes you love, wearing them your way and enjoying the confidence that comes with it.