Meet Milly: The Story Behind ORA

Hey, I’m Milly — the owner of ORA.

I thought it was about time I properly introduced myself...

Last year, at the age of 24, I quit my 9–5 job to set up my own healthy food–based coffee shop. Like so many of us in our twenties, I was struggling with my mental health, searching for purpose, and feeling stuck in a routine that didn’t feel right. So, I did what most people would probably never do in my situation — I left the security of my job to chase a vision. And well….here we are.

I had no real plan. I wrote my own business plan, started hunting for a unit, and after countless knock-backs (because I wasn’t “established”), I was feeling pretty deflated. Then one day, I saw a space in the Royal Arcade pop up on Rightmove.

Never in a million years did I think I’d have a chance of getting such an iconic spot in Norwich. But luckily, my landlord believed in my vision — and gave me the opportunity to bring ORA to life.

Now, almost a year later, I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. I’m far from perfect, and I still have so much to learn, but I’m grateful every single day for the incredible people of Norwich who’ve helped turn my little idea into a thriving café.

To see hundreds of people coming through our doors daily still feels like a dream — one I don’t take for granted.

So, that’s a little bit about me and the story behind ORA. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you and to show you what’s coming next.

Love always,

Milly x