A Stevenage shoe artist has taken a giant step towards becoming one of the UK’s leading creative talents after winning a prestigious award.

Emily Jupp, who operates under the name Milly J, won the Prime Minister-endorsed Outstanding Woman in the Creative Industries at a glitzy-award ceremony in central London.

Shoe artist Emily, who is also 2015’s Footwear Designer of the Year, received the award in front of Kellie Bryan – who was in girl band Eternal.

She also appeared on BBC One talent show The Voice last year and was inspired to become a shoe artist after the death of her brother Dan in 2011.

Emily, of Jessop Road, said: “Dan was a wonderful, creative talent and I was inspired to start my business after his sad passing to honour his memory.

“It wasn’t until he died that I took control of my future.

“I haven’t looked back and I now hand create strikingly unconventional art for shoes.

“I’ve created so many different types of shoes. From ones with grass on, to cows and rocks. I’ve even designed a ‘New York taxi’ style pair.

“When I was on The Voice judge Kylie Minogue said she loved them.

“Boy George is also a fan, along with a lot of other creative celebrities.

“My shoes are also permanently displayed in the world’s leading shoe museum.”

Speaking about her upbringing, she added: “I had an unconventional life.

“I was abandoned as a baby on a bus in Jamaica and found by a policeman, and then adopted by white British parents.

“I was brought up predominantly in Bangladesh and other parts of Asia due to their jobs.

“I had an early creative streak and trained as an opera singer and actress at top performing arts schools in the UK when we realised Bangladesh couldn’t offer me further creative training.

“I was always taught to see past possible barriers. My award is the key to ensuring our future young women have role models to hopefully look towards.”

For more information search ‘Milly J Shoes’ on social networking website Facebook or visit her own site at www.millyjshoes.co.uk.