Hello!

I’m Rachel, founder of Kitty & Gus, lover of beautiful things, curator of timeless treasures, big family person, and lifelong sewing enthusiast. I’ve never been one to enjoy being in front of the camera, but I do try to show my face here from time to time!

I live near Coldstream in the beautiful Scottish Borders with my partner, Mike, and our twins, Katie & Angus. Mike also has two older boys, Hayden & Luke, so family life is always lively! Family has always been at the heart of who I am. Growing up as the fourth of five children on our family farm near Selkirk, I learned the values of home, kindness, and caring for others, values that still shape everything I do today.

Both of my parents have influenced my journey in different ways.

My mum, now 90, is a true inspiration. She is kind, hardworking, and endlessly generous, a wonderful cook and a keen gardener. She taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and spinning many plates at once (which I still do!).

My dad sparked the entrepreneur in me. He was always brimming with forward-thinking ideas and had a knack for seeing potential in everything, qualities that have stayed with me throughout my career.

Sewing has been a part of my life since I was 18. What began as a hobby soon became a passion, leading me to weekend courses, work in an interiors shop, and eventually the launch of Decor Interior Design in Berwick in 2001. For a decade, I sold made-to-measure soft furnishings and homewares, running the business alongside my full-time role as National Car Fleet Manager for Allied Grain/Frontier Agriculture.

When the twins arrived, I put Decor Interior Design on hold to focus on them.

Then, in April 2019, I took a leap of faith and left my full-time job, that was the beginning of Kitty & Gus. After months of planning, learning, reconnecting with business contacts, a 50th birthday, and navigating a global pandemic, I finally opened the doors in November 2022. What a journey it’s been!

At Kitty & Gus, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of products from some of my favourite UK brands and emerging independents. From quality clothing to eclectic homewares, every piece is handpicked by me. I also offer a bespoke made-to-measure service for curtains, blinds, cushions, lampshades, and headboards, helping to bring warmth and a sense of home through soft furnishings.

If you’re ever in Kelso, pop in and say hello! And if I’m not in the shop, you’ll probably find me sewing in my studio, sourcing beautiful things, or spending time with my family. You can also explore and shop the collections online.