Behind the Brand

Hello, I’m Janie and I’m so delighted you’re here.

Scarlett & Black grew from a lifelong love of colour, design and beautiful living, and from a dream my late husband Jonathan and I both shared.

More than a decade ago, during a casual conversation about our future, Jonathan suggested we create an online business and call it Scarlett & Black.

The idea felt natural. We had spent years working together in retail, refurbishing and designing boutiques, and curating collections of fashion, accessories and homeware.

We shared an instinctive appreciation for style, colour and aesthetics, and building something together felt like the perfect next chapter.

A Life Shared in Love and Business

Our story began in our thirties. We met, fell in love and married within eighteen months.

At the time I lived with my West Highland Terrier, Hamish, a spirited dog who quickly decided whether Jonathan was worthy of joining the family.

Not only did he pass Hamish’s rigorous inspection, Hamish went on to become “Best Dog” at our wedding and later appeared in fashion shoots and magazine features connected with our retail life.

Together we built and developed a successful retail business, designing boutique interiors and sourcing collections that reflected our shared love of good design.

Despite coming from different backgrounds, we discovered a natural creative synergy that made working together both joyful and successful.

A Pause, Reflection and a New Beginning

Over time our careers evolved and the idea of an online store was quietly set aside. Then in 2020 the pandemic brought unexpected change and time for reflection.

I was made redundant, our lives shifted, and we began to think more seriously about what the future might hold. By this time Hamish had lived a wonderful long life, and we had welcomed a black cat named Gypsy into our home.

With time to reflect, Jonathan and I returned to our shared dream. We planned to create Scarlett & Black and begin a new chapter near the sea.

Courage, Love and Moving Forward

Shortly afterwards, Jonathan was diagnosed with oral cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. The diagnosis came as a profound shock. He faced his illness with extraordinary courage, dignity and positivity.

During this time, I balanced caring for him with continuing to shape the vision for Scarlett & Black, the project we had imagined together. Jonathan passed away at home just before Christmas 2021 and life as I knew it changed forever.

Scarlett & Black became not only a dream realised, but a way to honour his spirit, creativity and belief in building something meaningful together.

Picture taken showing my own label and occasion wear in my twenties.

My Journey in Design

My own career in design began more than 35 years ago in womenswear. I created collections sold in prestigious stores across the UK and Europe, including Harrods and boutiques in Knightsbridge and Chelsea. My work featured in fashion shows, at trade events and I exhibited my own label during London Fashion Week, I also appeared on Sky news and in Hello magazine.

Over the years my work expanded beyond fashion into interiors, retail concepts and visual merchandising. I have collaborated with luxury brands, styled shoots, sourced designer collections and helped shape retail spaces, always guided by a love of elegance, colour and detail.

My experience spans the full retail journey, from concept to shop floor. I have worked with renowned names including Harvey Nichols, Aspinal of London, Max Mara, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer, while also developing boutique concepts and bespoke interiors.

These experiences shaped my belief that design should not only be beautiful, but meaningful and personal.

Style for Living Beautifully

Today, Scarlett & Black is a design-led lifestyle boutique offering a curated collection of home décor, furniture, accessories and jewellery chosen to bring elegance, personality and a touch of everyday glamour into modern living.

I believe your home should be a sanctuary and a reflection of who you are. Whether through a striking lamp, an elegant accessory, a distinctive handbag or a thoughtful gift, small details can bring joy and transform everyday life.

The collection continues to evolve, guided by a love of style, colour and timeless design.

Some pieces are named in Jonathan’s honour, and his influence remains woven into the fabric of the brand - living on in his memory in his unique style.

I work from home with Bluebell at my side, a calm, self-possessed Rag-doll cat who offers quiet companionship, occasional supervision and the clear impression that she is, in fact, in charge! 🐾

Our Promise

Scarlett & Black is an independent business built with care, creativity and attention to detail.

I continue to grow and evolve the collection, always striving to bring you beautiful pieces and thoughtful design.

Thank you for being here and for supporting a small independent business.

With love,
Janie Xxx ❤️🖤

Founder & Creative Director

Scarlett & Black
Fashion for Home, Style for Life