‘Chelsea Harper offered me her perspective, one that I feel honoured to have glimpsed. She teaches yoga with deep authenticity and a genuine desire to share a clear vision with her students. She became a friend, someone I can truly trust; she cares deeply andloves fully.’ Karma Yogi, Charlotte

I met Chelsea during my Hatha 200-hour YTT at Sampoorna Yoga in Goa, India, January 2026. Chelsea Harper’s relationship with yoga began early. As a child, she came across her aunt’s yoga teacher training manual and started copying the postures she saw on the page, without any sense of where they came from or what they meant. Around the same time, her mother took her to meditation classes, giving her an early introduction to stillness and reflection.

Movement was always part of her life. Chelsea trained in dance from the age of four through to her A Levels, before stepping away from it as she grew older. Yoga returned in her mid-twenties. At first, it was the physical practice that drew her in. Over time, it became clear that yoga offered far more than strength or flexibility. It gave her structure, perspective and a deeper understanding of herself.

That shift led her towards teaching. In 2020, Chelsea completed her 200-hour Hatha Yoga teacher training. She began teaching soon after, while continuing to prioritise her own practice. Wanting to deepen her knowledge and confidence, she went on to complete a 300-hour training at Sampoorna Yoga. The experience had a lasting impact and she stayed on as a Karma Yogi for a further four months.

Chelsea teaches with honesty and care. Her focus is on creating a space where people feel supported, steady and encouraged to listen to themselves. She guides from experience rather than performance, helping students build a practice that feels personal, sustainable and rooted in self-trust.

What is your favourite yoga book?

My favourite yoga book is probably a very simple version of the 8 limbs of Yoga. I believe that the 8 limbs, when applied, can teach us anything and everything. Although I do love ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle and I really feel the connection between yoga and what he teaches. 

What has been your most difficult teaching moment?

My most difficult teaching moment was when I had received sad news from home, while in India, just before teaching a 6:30am class. I put my best teaching mode on as I could in that moment, but it was a struggle. This had an impact on other students and unfortunately my vulnerability landed in the wrong hands and was taken advantage of. This left me questioning my ability to hold space. Although I would say this was one of my biggest growing points as a teacher too. I learned a lot about myself as a person, a teacher and other people within that time frame. 

Where to next?

That is the ultimate question. When I came to India I didn’t see my life unfolding in the way that it has. It has exceeded my expectations and fulfilled my wildest dreams. As far as I know, UK & back to India…. let’s see :)

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

Ouff in 10 years time… where I’ll be in 1 year’s time is a hard enough question :D - I’d love to say with my own home in India, still teaching yoga and on trainings, but with a deeper sense of knowledge and experience. With my own children and husband, too, preferably. I don’t aspire to reach great heights, but to share the practice with as many people as I can and, in some way, have a positive impact on others' lives is the ultimate goal. I like the life that India has to offer me, especially here in South Goa. I’d just love to share it with someone and enjoy raising my own children. 

5 yoga myths:

1. Yoga is about complex asanas and gaining flexibility - absolutely not! Asana is only a small part of yoga, and actually, just staying seated in one asana while combining all the other limbs of yoga, is the practice of yoga. 

2. For meditation, you have to have a completely quiet mind - not entirely true, this is more like a side effect. First, we bring balance through concentration, then the meditation happens. If a thought arises through stillness this is still meditation. What makes it different is that the thought is intuitive rather than a forced or looping story. 

3. Everyone should meditate - if the person it ready, then yes. But to say everyone straight away is not entirely true straight away. If someone is experiencing a deep sense of depression, actually, what they need first is movement. The energy needs to shift and transmute into positive energy before mediation can happen. When we meditate, thoughts will come. This is natural as the mind is made to think. Although the types of thoughts we have are what create the benefits, or a lack thereof, through meditation. If our thoughts are clean and positive, we can sit and meditate in peace. If our thoughts are spiralling downward, then we move into more suffering, and it can lead to harmful effects. 

4. You can’t practice yoga and have a good time - not true at all. Yes, yoga teaches us to lead a healthier lifestyle. But it is also teaching how to manage everyday life as it shows up raw and authentically. It shows us how to face the heaviness we may carry and handle that weight without reaching for something outside ourselves. Through the practice of yoga we face, rather than escape. And in that facing, we set ourselves free. And that liberation actually permits us to have the best time of our lives. Literally. 

5. You can drink alcohol & smoke (and other stuff) and do yoga - this may be more of an opinion, but from my experience, it’s a myth. Yes, a yoga practitioner may do these things. But the moment a substance is taken, a shift is created by an external force. Yoga teaches us to make the shift happen from within ourselves. Reaching for these vices means we are reaching outside of ourselves. To reach outside means we are not united with what is happening inside. Yoga is not about escaping; it’s about experiencing. When our practice is solid, we allow ourselves to experience all shades of life. All texture - the rough, the smooth. The dark & the light. We don’t differentiate it - we allow it to take up the space it needs to live its own experience, and then naturally it releases on its own accord. Reaching for vices creates a chain reaction on a physical, mental & emotional level. Can we just drop the vices and let ourselves be… 

Favourite yoga discipline and why

My favourite yoga discipline is not anything to do with asana, meditation or pranayam. Although I have my own discipline within these parts of the practice, too. My discipline is how I show up for myself and others every day. And within that, the required disciplines come. I have my daily routines, small rituals I do every day. But beyond that, if I don’t show up authentically or in a way that harms others, I feel I’ve already done a disservice to the practice. And over the years, what I have learned is that no matter how disciplined you may be, life will always tell you what you need to focus on if you are present enough to observe it, acknowledge it, and act on it. Consistency is absolutely 100% key - show up to the practice, that is the discipline. But the practice itself will change depending on the phase, stage, or state you are in. 

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I love spending quality time with my friends and myself. I spend a lot of time alone because for me, this is how I reserve my energy. But when I am surrounded by good quality people who are like-minded, then I love to be with them. On a weekend, I love to dance, sober of course. I love to chill at the beach, and sometimes I like to read, but not always. I listen to music, go on rides or drives. Sit in nature & maybe go to some nice cafés with a good atmosphere. I love to pamper myself and go to the sauna or do a face mask etc. I like the simple life. 

What brought you to Sampoorna?

I came to Sampoorna to do my 300hrs Advance Vinyasa TTC. I had started following them on IG because of a friend and was following them for about 5 years or so. The time when I came to Sampoorna I was going through a tough time… my life had done a 360 and it felt like the world was crumbling around me. My intention was to come back to me, to see where the journey would take me and ‘maybe’ I would teach when I got back to the UK. But Sampoorna had other plans for me and I’m truly grateful as it’s transformed my life in unimaginable ways. 

Favourite restaurant in Agonda

I wouldn’t say my favourite restaurant for food, but Dunhill is my most visited and most enjoyable place to chill. It’s so simple and easy-going. I think also because they’re open during monsoon, and I was here through monsoon, that I made a nice little connection with the staff and it feels like home.

Swim or gym?

I’m 100% a swim gal! I love to swim! If I’m ever having a hard time or need to gather my thoughts or emotions, swimming is my go to. That then becomes my meditation.

Worst fear

My worst fear is not living my life to the fullest before I reach my time. That’s why I live by the motto ‘Lead with an open mind & an open heart’. Because you never know what doors might open. And I truly believe that some things that this life has to offer are way beyond imagination. The mind is its own 4 walls, and I don’t want to live locked inside 4 walls because society told me to. I want to enjoy my life the way that I want to. 

Who do you look up to who inspires you?

There are too many people for me to mention here who inspire me and whom I look up to. But I’ll name a few. I am inspired by one of the Sampoorna teachers, Rowena. Her strength and grace are such beautiful qualities that she carries so naturally. Her energy demands respect, but her personality is so loving, fun and caring. 

Steph, another teacher at Sampoorna, inspires me. She made her life here in India, and she opened my eyes to the possibilities of me too having my own life here in South Goa. 

Robyn was my initial inspiration to stay in Sampoorna as a KY (Karma Yogi). As our friendship has deepened, I’m inspired by her natural ability to make people smile and laugh. She is always able to lift the energy of the room, even when she doesn’t feel like it. 

I’m inspired by all of the people in the world who have chosen the path less travelled. The ones who said no to societal expectations & still managed to have the things their hearts desired, and never took any of it for granted because they know how hard the road less travelled really is. 

I’m inspired by anyone who has ever faced their demons and said no to them point-blank in the face. The ones who have fallen down a million times and still chose to rise with a grateful heart.

And I’m inspired by those who choose love over and over again, no matter how many times they got the door closed in their face. Because this is a real strength to me. This is true freedom. And this is the standard I like to live by. 

Do you have a guru?

I don’t have a guru. I’m on a path that will hopefully lead me to a guru. But I truly believe that everyone is a guru to some capacity. Whether someone is showing you how to show up, or how not to show up. I used to follow Sadhguru, Mooji, and Eckhart Tolle. I listen to a lot of Louise Hay, Dr Joe Dispenza & Abraham hicks. I read The Secret when I was 16, and then these teachers have naturally found their way to me in one way or another. But I don’t have a specific guru I follow all the time. 

One piece of advice

Just show up and be honest about it. First with yourself, and with others. The way in which we show up matters. We can be honest, authentic, and also compassionate and joyful. We’re all here living for the first time. We need a balance of being serious about the fact we’ve only got this one life,  but also not taking everything too seriously either. But can we just live life authentically, otherwise we create a lot of mess for ourselves, and then we deprive others of reality too. Which is extremely harmful and unfair. Let everyone be happy and free and contribute to that happiness and freedom by giving the blessing of your own truth. Deliverance is key. We don’t have to be mean or miserable about it. Authenticity didn’t come with an instruction label that says ‘to be honest means you have to be mean or miserable’. You can be sad and say so without being a victim or wallowing in it. You can set a boundary with someone who has crossed many without shaming them or belittling them. You can also be unapologetically happy when you know others may not feel happy, and use that energy to uplift them too, rather than rub it in their face.

Be mindfully authentic and don’t attach to any specific emotion or outcome…. Because your authenticity in one moment will look different in the next. 

Favourite Indian film (if you have one!)

I don’t actually have one as I don’t watch TV or movies.

www.sampoornayoga.com

Abigail Tan is not your typical hotel leader. One day she’s boxing at dawn, the next she’s flying a helicopter, racing on a motorbike, strumming her guitar or throwing herself into a Tough Mudder. And when she’s not on the move, she’s discovering something new to eat. That energy runs through everything she does. She believes hotels should be lived with passion, not managed by routine – and that spirit defines the culture at St Giles

What’s your all-time favourite hotel and why does it stay with you?

Can I pick two? I have such fond memories of Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Amanpulo in the Philippines. They both have this rare balance—pure luxury yet deeply personal. You feel like you are part of something special, not just a guest passing through. It’s the small, thoughtful touches in the guest journey that make all the difference. Those quiet moments of care are what stay with you long after you leave.

Your go-to London restaurant right now. What are you ordering?

Sael for amazing British brasserie food by Jason Atherton – their marmite tart is a must.

What’s in your fridge at this exact moment?

Lots of different fruits and vegetables..

Morning routine on a work day. Be honest.

Morning cuddles with Lucas and Elmo. A 5-minute mat stretch if time allows. Shower and get ready for work.

One book or podcast that’s shaped how you lead

I wouldn’t say they have shaped how I lead but they have certainly given me many tools and thoughts to use. Not to sound cliché but Good to Great – Jim Collins and The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni, and The Culture Map – Erin Meyer 

What sets St Giles Hotels apart in a crowded market?

For me, it’s our culture. From the moment I joined, I wanted to nurture a team that truly feels like family because when our people are happy and supported, our guests feel it too. That warmth and authenticity can’t be faked. And of course, there’s Hotels with Heart, our charitable foundation. Every stay at St Giles helps us give back whether that’s supporting the homeless, providing education, or uplifting our communities. We are a business with purpose at its core.

Not many people know St Giles. In one sentence, how do you explain the brand at a dinner party?

I would say: St Giles isn’t just about hotels – it’s about having a place to call home for a night or two, knowing that you are contributing to those who need it most while you sleep, all the while receiving great service and well-appointed rooms in unbeatable locations.

Who is your core audience today and who do you want to win tomorrow?

Our guests consistently appreciate a prime location, where accessibility is assured and genuine value is provided without compromise. Beyond convenience, they seek an experience where they feel truly cared for. Many of our managers have been dedicated members of our team for decades—some for over 40 years—and this enduring sense of community fosters a unique and welcoming environment. Guests perceive this difference from the moment they arrive.

Looking ahead, our objective is to continue earning the loyalty of travellers who are driven by purpose and wish to make a meaningful impact through their choice of accommodation.

The first three changes you made when you took the reins

The first was culture — giving people autonomy and space to be creative is how I naturally lead. The second was building an executive board that reflects further diversity and a shift away from the norm — today, 70% of it is women. And third, we focused on elevating the guest experience and the brand, making every stay as personal and memorable as possible, and refining the brand to one that is capable of playing on a global level.

A decision you’re proud of that made a real difference to guests or your team

Starting Hotels with Heart is something I’m deeply proud of. It began as a way to bring purpose to what we do every day, connecting our business to something bigger than ourselves. It’s changed lives, including our own team’s. Knowing that every room night contributes to real social impact gives our work a meaning that goes far beyond hospitality.

Hotels with a Heart in practice. Tell me about one project that proves the point

One project that truly exemplifies Hotels with Heart is our work with housing rough sleepers. It began during COVID. Overnight, our 720-room St Giles London was empty, and I remember thinking, “We have staff who need work and people outside with nowhere to go.” So, I called Westminster and Camden councils and said, we have rooms, you have people let’s work together. Within days, our hotel was housing rough sleepers. That experience was the spark for Hotels with Heart.

Not only do we offer shelter, but we also provide meals, support services, and a welcoming environment to help guests regain stability. This project has created genuine change—many participants have transitioned into permanent housing or employment, and our team members have been deeply moved by the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Since then, it’s grown into something far greater. We still open our doors in the colder months, but the Hotels with Heart Academy has become the heartbeat of the initiative. In partnership with Saira Hospitality, we train people from difficult backgrounds in every aspect of hotel life from housekeeping to HR, from engineering to the front desk. After four weeks, we help them find jobs, either with us or with other Hotel partners.

What moves me most is seeing someone rediscover their confidence that moment they realize, “I can do this, I belong here.” That’s when you know hospitality really can change lives.

A failure or near-miss that taught you something useful

Learning to set clear boundaries and trust my instincts has taken time and is still a work in progress. I can tend to be naïve, trusting easily from the get-go when I should not always, and experience has taught me such. Failure in that aspect has taught me how to think, how to grow up, how to seek help and opinions, and how to trust myself, and although my default is still to trust, I have a better radar now.

Travel habits. Carry-on essentials you never leave home without

Medicine pouch – it is always in my carry-on. Universal travel adapter and cable adapters! And most recently, my Nurosym device!*

When you switch off, where do you go to reset?

I have a toddler, so I haven’t recently had the chance to reset. But if I could go anywhere to do that, it would be to the beach.

What’s next for you and for St Giles in the next 12 months?

Over the next year, my primary focus will be on deepening our social impact and expanding the Hotels with Heart initiative to reach more communities. We’re looking to build new partnerships, refine our training academy, and create additional pathways for individuals from challenging backgrounds to enter the hospitality sector. For St Giles, we aim to enhance guest experiences through thoughtful innovation, while staying true to our values of inclusivity and compassion. The journey ahead is both exciting and meaningful, and I’m eager to see how much more we can achieve.

https://www.stgileshotels.com/

*Nurosym is a beautifully designed wearable device using advanced neuromodulation technology to support and restore balance in the nervous system. Backed by world-leading research and validated through randomised, placebo-controlled studies, it delivers patented electrical signals through the vagus nerve to stimulate therapeutic responses in the brain. The result: measurable improvements in wellbeing and nervous system regulation.

Recognised as the most studied CE-marked non-invasive vagal neuromodulation system in the world, Nurosym brings cutting-edge science into everyday life.

Roots that taught her the hotel business early

Abigail grew up in Penang where hotels and property were normal dinner-table chat. Her grandfather and great-uncle built one of Malaysia’s real estate dynasties, so she saw the nuts and bolts of the industry young. She apprenticed during school holidays, then joined St Giles in 2009 as Director of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Investments. She cut her teeth on the purchase of two New York properties and the detailed transition that followed. She holds a business management degree and a Master’s with Distinction in international management and innovation from the University of Exeter.

What Abigail runs today

Since 2018, Abigail has been CEO for the UK, Europe and North America. She oversees The Tuscany, A St Giles Signature Hotel in New York, plus St Giles London and St Giles Heathrow. She also scouts new acquisitions and management opportunities and shapes the brand from the inside out. In 2025, St Giles Makati in Manila comes under her wing.

Hotels with a Heart

Abigail’s signature initiative is Hotels with a Heart. It isn’t a side project. It sits at the centre of the St Giles Hotels brand. The aim is simple: hotels are about people and place, a woman after my own heart. Through staff-led fundraising and hands-on involvement, the programme supports underprivileged children and education, with a pledge to raise and invest £1 million locally. Beneficiaries include Coram Life Education, which helps children with relationships, health and wellbeing, and Hospitality Action, which supports people in our industry facing illness, mental health challenges or financial difficulty.

How she leads

Abigail treats hospitality as a way of life. She backs her teams, expects high standards and wants work to feel purposeful as well as fun. The same focus she brings to the gym and the cockpit shows up in her boardroom decisions.

The person behind the title

When she isn’t on a plane between London and New York, she’s with her young son and her much-loved dog, Elmo. It’s the balance many founders know well. Build. Grow. Show up for your team. Then get outside and reset.

Why Abigail belongs on Fabulous Female Founders

Abigail has legacy and drive, but what stands out is her conviction. She keeps the St Giles Hotels brand human, anchors impact in local communities and moves at pace. That mix of substance and heart is exactly what I look for in a Fabulous Female.

Interview coming soon.

How would people describe you both?

Lucy is the creative and Kate is the driving force.  We are both kind, collaborative and supportive.  

When and how did you decide to start up She Grows Veg

Lucy and I met seven years ago. We were doing a garden design course at Beth Chatto gardens and we sat next to each other on the first day, and then we sat next to each other for a whole year while we were still studying. 

What was the time frame from the initial idea to the beginning/website launch?

During our garden design course, Lucy started @shegrowsveg on Instagram, and she shared her growing journey with her Instagram followers and grew a following there.

She got a sense while she was doing that, that there was some potential in the seed market to sell unusual varieties. As she introduced her followers to her unusual veg, they started saying, where do I get these seeds? And she had to say, ‘well, you can't buy these in the UK’. And so she came to me about two years ago and said, listen, I've got an idea, I think people want these seeds. I’d spent 25 years in marketing so I went away and did some market research and saw there was very clear opportunity for a really interesting and new approach to being a seed company. 

So having done the research and obviously getting the feedback that Lucy had, we decided to start a company and She Grows Veg was born. 

From idea to starting to sell was 6 months.  We started trading in November 2023.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Kate always wanted to be in marketing and Lucy wanted to be a fashion designer

When did you become interested in growing vegetables, how and why?

Lucy started growing unusual veg whilst she was going through a challenging period of her personal life and did a deep dive into heirloom growing.  Kate started growing food for her family - she has 3 strapping boys who are always hungry!

Did you both love vegetables as children?

Yes and no.  Like all kids you tend to have to be encouraged to eat vegetables but we were both lucky enough that our parents did that and instilled in us a love of food.  What we love about our business is that the veg we sell is fun, colourful and different and kids love it!

What do you love about your job?

It marries our passions with our skill sets that we’ve accumulated over many years.  We are also on a mission to get as many people as possible to grow their food which impacts the environment and people’s wellbeing which makes us unbelievably happy.

Lucy, have you given up your jewellery designing or do you dabble? Perhaps some vegetable pendants in the future?

The business is all-consuming, so I don’t have time at the moment—maybe some vegan jewellery one day!

What have been the biggest challenges as female founders?

There were lots of challenges! Securing a bank account and business loan due to general gender bias was a huge hurdle. It’s really interesting; we went out to all the high street banks, and no one wanted to let us open a business account. Really still to this day, we don't particularly know why, but we managed to get an account with Monzo, which has functioned okay, but it's not really sophisticated enough for us. We're now looking at another banking option, and actually, now that we've been up and running for a while, and we've got financials that we can share with people, I think it’s going to be easier. 

The real gender bias issue came in when we were trying to secure a business loan. We were going out for around £25,000, not an enormous amount. I tried everything. I approached banks and loan companies. Some of the loan companies that would lend us money had a rate of around 40% percent, which is absolutely outrageous and untenable for a small business. Eventually I ended up chatting to a broker who said to me, I'm really sorry to say this, in 2024 which it was at the time, but actually, as women, you're going to find it harder to secure a loan, which I found absolutely shocking. 

We finally managed to get a loan through the biz Britain, British business bank, and they were superb. It was a very rigorous process, they checked our business plan and everything we were doing, but they were the only people that would lend. In the end, we couldn't get a loan that was below 40% interest from anywhere else. So, they've been superb, and they really backed us and helped us out. 

We also came across some men in the horticulture industry who thought we were setting up a seed company as a hobby or that people didn't want heirloom varieties - we’ve taken great pleasure in proving them wrong on both counts!

What’s Your perfect day?

Some exercise and gardening in the great outdoors, following by a delicious meal with the family

An object you would never part with

Lucy - mobile phone!

Kate - my dog Tiggy

The biggest female influence in your life 

We have built some great mentors around us and that network helps Kate particularly in running the business

An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to in the past 5 years

Kate - Kefalonia in Greece

Lucy - adores our home county of Suffolk

Where would you like to go next?

Kate - Cambodia

Lucy - South America

Favourite thing you’ve bought this year?

We’re not very materialistic people so it’s usually seeds and plants!

Your favourite website

A recent “find” 

Some incredible new heirloom seeds - we are obsessed with!

The books on your bedside table

Kate - Rocket Fuel (a business book)

Lucy - any fantasy books

If you weren’t doing what you do 

We’d be garden designers

In your fridge you’ll always find…?

Hummus

Favourite hotel  

The Newt in Somerset

What’s next for She Grows Veg?
We never stand still and have so many great, really interesting new seed varieties coming down the line. We never stop innovating on that. We've just launched a subscription service, so we send people the right seeds at the right time to sow them with all the growing advice on a QR code and that has really taken off very fast. So we're very excited about that.

We are looking a few years ahead and want to develop a She Grows Veg app and we are looking to grow the business and our gifting range. 

We are investing heavily in marketing and we're looking to double our revenue this year. So there’s a huge push on growing the business and fast. 

She Grows Veg

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]]>Fantastic Female Founder Story with She Grows VegFabulous Female FoundersFounder's InterviewBreathworkFemale FounderInterviewLulu TownsendMon, 14 Oct 2024 15:13:50 +0000https://www.lulusluxurylifestyle.uk/fabulous-female-founders/interview-with-emily-king5f20481b3328ef78f43e7909:5f20481c3328ef78f43e796f:670d25c2b1f40938dfaddfce

How would people describe you?

Travel-lover, ambitious, a bit kooky..

When and how did you decide to start The C Word Mag - I started The C Word Mag during the first COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020. It was a bit of a product of boredom as I was locked down in Bristol with my parents, and it became a form of escapism! I had done part-time graphic design school the year before and was playing around with some logo ideas, built the website and just started writing content for myself. I then reached out to friends or people I knew who would want to write about certain subjects, and it has just grown from there! 

How did you come up with the name? So many people ask me this! It was initially based on that ‘C word’, mainly because our association with that word is something that we (as humans) have attributed to it. If you remove the meaning, you can repurpose it from a negative word and empower it to become something more positive by giving it a new meaning. Coincidentally, though, it turns out there are TONS of empowering words beginning with C, so ironically, there is not just one ‘C word’. 

What did you want to be when you grew up? So many things! At one point, it was a journalist or a novelist; at another, it was an artist or even a fashion designer (specifically shoes). I am one of those people who can’t be defined by one thing - be it a hobby, or career. Jack of all trades, master of only a few! 

When did you become interested in Breathwork, how and why? Funnily enough, it’s quite a recent discovery, so it’s had a profound impact in a very short space of time. I was solo travelling around Central America earlier this year and ended up volunteering at Envision Festival (a wellness and music festival in Costa Rica). While there, I attended a breathwork class that changed the game for me. I found a teacher online a few months later, and I did the online course. Now, I help friends, family, and clients learn how to leverage their breath to create a better life for themselves. I also include breathwork as an option for my marketing clients to help female founders manage stress, anxiety, imposter syndrome and more. 

What do you love about your job? The freedom to work remotely and on my terms. I also love that I can travel so quickly. Freelancing is so great because I can work with many different people in various industries, so no day is the same.

The perfect day - morning breathwork, delicious brekkie and a surf, read, and have a Mediterranean-style lazy lunch outside with music and sunshine. Move my body in some way, whether stretching or doing some pilates or playing tennis, doing some work for my businesses to strategise and improve them, meeting a friend for dinner or cooking up a storm in the kitchen (Asian food most likely!)

An object you would never part with - my gold ring. 

The biggest female influence in your life My mum. With my granny a close second. 

An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to in the past 5 years Oooh, that’s hard. I think Popoyo in Nicaragua to be honest, or maybe El Tunco in El Salvador.

Where would you like to go next? Japan! I am so desperate to spend a good few weeks exploring the country. I’ve only heard good things. 

Favourite thing you’ve bought this year? Plane tickets.

Your favourite website - can I say The C Word?!

A recent “find” - Tribe App here in Lisbon - so great for co-working, events and socialising! 

The books on your bedside table - currently there are three: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins, Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan and If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha

If you weren’t doing what you do -  hard because I now love what I do! But… I’d probably be travelling the world even more. 

In your fridge you’ll always find - Mayo

Favourite hotel  - The Mandarin Oriental, London

What’s next? So much! I’m planning to launch a breathwork subscription service quite soon called The Breathwork Collective (I launched my 7 days of breathwork course recently too), I’m still freelancing as a Marketing Strategist so always on the lookout for new clients I can help support (predominantly female founders), running the occasional virtual breathwork class, I’ve just launched Classroom on The C Word Magazine (a page dedicated to amazing educational online courses built by women), I’m also running a winter campaign for The C Word with Productive Babe Club in the coming months. The fun never stops!

Bio: Emily King is the founder of The C Word Magazine and a passionate advocate for art, travel, culture, cinema, fashion, sports, and feminism. Connect with her on Instagram @_emnco subscribe to her monthly newsletter, read her articles on MuckRack.

Daisy Chain is a free online platform for parents where they can match + connect with flexible employers to enhance their careers and work-life balance.

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Dream it, Do it 〰️

Where were you born? 

Solihull in the West Midlands

What has been your journey to the here and now? 

I wasn’t particularly academic in school, but I loved art and drama and loved being part of the sports teams.  That is why I have worked closely with people and built a community of people.  I love connecting with people and connecting with other people, but stats and figures are not my things.

Why Daisy Chain? And how long did it take you to set up from the initial thought?

Daisy Chain was born after my 3rd child (Daisy) was started mainly due to my frustration with seeing brilliant mums unable to find flexible jobs.

I’m the kind of person that loves to get things done, and I’m a bit impatient, so once I thought of the concept, I found a website designer and developer, and it was done within eight months from concept to launch.

How receptive have companies been to Flexi working during COVID and post-COVID?

Companies are a lot more receptive to flexible working since Covid, but I can sense there is some hesitation with some to go fully flexible (and advertise this). In the current hiring market, though, talent is hard to find, so companies have to think of ways to attract and retain talent and having flexible work is a massive benefit for many people.

Is the idea of flexible working here to stay?

Definitely, and I think it will get more creative and progressive.  I think we will all look back in 5 years at what we all used to do with commuting and being at a desk from 9 am - 5 pm every day, it’s just so outdated!

How important do you think it is now for companies to prioritise a better work/life balance for their employees? As a result, have they seen better productivity?

It’s so important to offer for people’s health and happiness. And then talk about.  Productivity rises when people work flexibly, so it’s a win-win situation.

Describe a typical day.

6 am alarm clock

Get ready with a cup of strong tea!

7 am - start waking my three kids up (this process can take 20 mins!)

7.45 am leave the house with my two youngest on our bikes off to school

8.50 am - back home and start working - create my to-do list for the day (start with my worst job…which normally means something to do with chasing £)

12ish - lunch break plus a short walk with my little Scottie dog Maggie

3.20 pm - set off on my bike to pick the kids up from school

4 pm - back home and start dinner plus nagging about reading/ homework 

7 pm start bedtime 

7.30 pm - dinner for hubby and me

8 pm - 2 youngest are in bed, and my eldest will be watching football or TikTok, so I’ll do some more work stuff.

10 pm - bedtime with a cup of camomile

Do you subscribe to a flexi working lifestyle yourself?

Yes! I am fully flexible on location (sometimes I’m in an office, but mostly I work from home) plus I’m also probably working 4 days a week, not 5 (due to school hours).

How many jobs are flexible and remote?

On Daisy Chain all jobs are flexible - around ⅓ are remote

The most receptive company to Daisy Chain.

Oh this changes all the time, but I’d say at the moment Bloss https://blossapp.com are very flexible and have been really supportive to Daisy Chain

The most satisfying moment of your career so far?

Going to the House of Parliament when I was in the top 100 female entrepreneurs.  My parents were particularly proud of me that day!  Oh, and a close 2nd is when I was on a panel talking about flexible working and Claudia Winkleman was the host of the event…her fringe is just as impressive in real life!

If you were to do it all again would you and what would you change? 

I would have worked abroad at some point in my career.  I did work in Ibiza for 4 summers when I was a student and I wish I’d done this more once I had graduated and started my career.

A female that inspires you

Dame Deborah James (BOWELBABE).  She has touched so many people with her bravery and honesty.  She is a genuinely inspiring female.

An object you would never part with

The silver bangle that my now-husband gave me for my 17th bday.  He can’t believe it’s still silver and I haven’t lost it!

When was the last time you learnt from a mistake you made?

Oh everyday I make mistakes.  I guess the big one recently is that if I don’t put myself out there (and by that I mean approaching companies to join Daisy Chain) then they don’t come flooding in.  I always have to remind myself of the phrase ‘if you don’t ask, then you won’t get’!

How would your friends describe you?

Loyal, caring and disorganised!

The biggest female influence in your life

Oh wow, there are so many!  My mum and sister would be top of the list - both hard-working mums.  Plus, I’ve worked with so many amazingly passionate women it’s hard to name just one.

An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to 

The Maldives - it was just perfect to go with my family.

Your favourite place to be

Ibiza - on a beach with a jug of sparkling sangria!

What’s next for Daisy Chain?

I am partnering with a digital marketing company that will grow Daisy Chain even more. I also want to launch Daisy Chain Awards championing flexible companies and their people.

How do you celebrate your birthday? 

I usually have a party at our house with all my friends and their kids (the kids outnumber us now!) My b’day is around the early bank holiday, and the weather is usually pretty good - so we can all enjoy a bbq and drinks and the kids can play in the garden.

What are you dreaming of?

Ibiza - moving there one day would be the dream!

Your favourite website

Depop - I love selling stuff I don’t wear (or fit into!), and I love finding random things from other people.

Your biggest treat

A Kir Royal - it’s a cocktail with creme de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) with champagne! 

A recent “find.”

Konditors Caramelised Almonds.  They are the only ‘treat’ that my kids don’t like…so they can be all mine!

In my fridge, you’ll always find

Ginger shots, Milk and Ham

The beauty staple I’m never without

YSL Mascara

How do you relax?

I love a hot bath while listening to a podcast (my current favourite is Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s Parenting Hell)

What would you tell your 20-year old self?

Travel as much as you can and learn how to remember people’s names! (I have the worst memory of people’s names!)

Your one word of advice is…. 

Don’t compare yourself with anyone else!

Where were you born? 

I was born and raised in London, United Kingdom

What has been your journey to the here and now?

Since my childhood that I’ve been considered the ‘creative kid’, while playing and talking about my dreams, I’ve ambition having something to call mine! At the time I wasn’t sure of what it was, and after many obstacles, successful and failed attempts, I now know what I aspire the most, to create this Empire that I call Dimple Amani that is really about empowering women and making them feel empowered in their own skin.

Who taught you to massage and how did you develop your own technique?

I believe that one can learn every day, there’s never an end to learning. There are so many talented people in the world, so I really believe in collecting all that knowledge and infuse with the immense learning and training I’ve been acquiring throughout the years. While being in the industry for over 19 years, and having the opportunity to meet and touch the skin it certainly has naturally moulded my hands to understand the demand of each body and face as we hold so much water retention on the face so when having lymphatic facials it helps to flush the toxins. Consequently, I customised all techniques alongside my experience which are results-driven and immediate.

What is Lymphatic Drainage and what are the benefits?

The Lymph system is the largest filter system in our bodies. For me, it plays a key part in body functionality. Stress and lifestyle are all factors affecting our filter system, so in order to keep it clean and healthy, it’s very important to have manual lymphatic drainage to keep our lymph functional. The blockage of our lymphatic system derives from poor lymph, as a consequence we get migraines, breakouts, tiredness. From the lymphatic drainage massage, you benefit from a healthy body, healthy skin, you feel rejuvenated, refreshed, helps with water retention, bloating, swelling, leaves your face glowing and act as an immunity booster. Very important to treat internally to get the external results.

How often should you have it?

Once you have a lymphatic drainage body or facial massage, your lymph system is stimulated for one week so ideally, one should have it once a week.

There are some Ayurvedic influences. How did you become involved in Ayurveda? 

As a child, whenever I had health-related problems, hair and skin issues, my Grandma who lives in India, used to turn to Ayurveda rituals to solve them, and her tricks used to work every time! That made me believe in the power of Ayurveda, which made me travel to the Himalayas and meet Ayurveda practitioners who inspired me into believing that Ayurveda goes far beyond the medicines, it’s a Lifestyle. Hence my treatments are Ayurveda inspired for mind, body and soul, one should incorporate it as a lifestyle and wellbeing.

If you could only use one oil what would it be?

Kumkumadi oil, which is made out of Saffron and twenty-one other Ayurveda herbs. Saffron due to its high content of crocin which is a natural protein found in the saffron oil which acts as natural Spf.

Describe your food

Being brought up in an Indian household, we had our staple diet, from roti dal and rice. As an adult, I’ve kept the base and added fruits and vegetables in my diet with high water content such as cucumber, tomatoes, oranges which keeps me hydrated through the day.

Your favourite recipe

I make the best vegetable oatmeal pancakes.

When did you open your practice in Vauxhall Bridge Road?

I’ve owned the salon for 15 years, yet, due to the high demand, I’ve created my own brand  Dimple Amani which we operate from the saloon.

The most satisfying moment of your career so far? 

The satisfaction in my client’s eyes post-treatment is the one thing that gets me every time. From the moment I ask them to turn off from everything exterior to when they gasp while seeing the results, is a feeling I can never have enough.

How did you develop your Kansa Tool and what are its benefits?

Kansa Wand is an ancient tool that dates back 5,000 years. I’ve noticed some gaps in the Kansa Wand practicalities so I’ve designed my very unique multifunctional double-ended Kansa Wand that gives others the ability to reach the inner corners of the face, eyes and head, respecting the sensitiveness of each zone. The benefits? That’s my favourite part, it releases facial tension; tackles dark circles; improves collagen production; increases blood circulation; prevents ageing; depuffs drains the face and last but not least it lifts + sculpts + firms the jawline and cheeks leaving your face brighter with a velvety texture.

Where do you go for a massage?

Dimple Amani, I always have a massage from one of my Team members trained by me.

What is your most popular treatment?

Body-wise is the Lymphatic Drainage Massage and the Ayurveda Abdominal Sculpting, whereas Face the Miracle Velvet Facial is for sure the most popular.

How long do the benefits last?

Since my approach is inspired by Ayurveda, which is based on a healthy lifestyle my treatments are results-driven and long-lasting if incorporated in your lifestyle.

If you were to do it all again would you and what would you change?

Short answer, yes. If knowing that all errors I’ve made in past were to lead me where I stand today, then without a doubt I would gracefully with no shame go through it all again.

Your favourite restaurant?

Gymkhana, Mayfair (Indian cuisine), 42 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4JH

 A female who inspires you?

Princess Diana, her kind nature, always wanting to serve despite the burdens is the type of characteristic I’ve always admired about her. The simplicity on someone full of privileges that could easily be blind by the luxury, glamour, and , yet, she was always there for the people.

An object you would never part with

My Mobile, my work lives in there.

When was the last time you learnt from a mistake you made?

Every day we learn from the little obstacles coming our way. Like I always say ‘learning is a never-ending process, you fall and you get up, Yet, never forget to get back up.

How would your friends describe you?

My friends would describe me as caring, thoughtful, bubbly and above all a perfectionist! I need everything in place all the time.

The biggest female influence in your life

My Grandma. From her I’ve learned that hard work, discipline and humility are the key to life. She was also a firm believer in treating everything naturally, she thought that presentation, keeping everything clean inside/out matters, and discipline distinguish you from the rest.

 An unforgettable place

Croatia, It’s my go to spot in Europe and a country that has happy memories for me.

What’s next for Dimple Amani?

I dream and aspire for my technique to be spread Worldwide. I’m very keen to share my knowledge with women & men out there and make them aware of the Dimple Amani method, how the treatments go beside the systematic; making the client connect with its mind, body and soul.

How do you celebrate your birthday?

I’m very reserved when it comes to birthdays. I always have close circle of friends and family out for a shopping day.

What are you dreaming of?

Dimple Amani reaching all corners of the globe and make it accessible to everyone regardless of gender, race, background and sexual orientation.

Your favourite website

British Vogue! It has everything - Fashion, Beauty, Arts & Lifestyle, News and it keeps me updated on current runways.

Your biggest treat

Being pampered, selfcare is the key to a happy woman!

A recent find

Dimple Amani, I found a different me within my brand. My brand is everything I believe in.

The last music I downloaded…

What’s in your fridge?

My fridge is never complete without oranges, blueberries, cucumber and ginger.

The beauty staple I’m never without

My double-ended Kansa Wand tool

How do you relax?

Lightening candles, drinking my miracle tea, and having a sea salt bath are my go to steps for a relaxing evening.

My one word of advice is…

Health is Wealth.

Appointments with Dimple Amani can be booked here.

Lulu is a passionate well-travelled creative entrepreneur. Having created a lifestyle brand in 2002, she went on to launch Lulu’s Luxury Lifestyle in 2020, providing a specialist marketing service to small hotels and high-end lifestyle businesses. To feed her creative hunger in 2021 she set up Mixologems - a fun jewellery website selling bespoke creations and limited edition charms and pendants. Here she talks to Gina Long

How did Covid-19 impact your life and how are you adapting?

In March 2020 I went to Rome to review some hotels. Within 48 hours of arriving two things happened: I was called to come home because my father was dying and was unlikely to live another day, and lockdown was announced. I had to reschedule my return flight to the next one back and I just managed to see my father, who I believe waited for me. Given the Covid rules, I then had to quarantine on my own for seven days. And so started a very tough year both personally and in terms of the travel and hospitality industry. My travel consultancy roles ended,  I had to try and pivot, using my marketing skills in other industries and pick up any roles I could. 

What is your connection to East Anglia?

I was born in Colchester and lived and was brought up in Thorpe Morieux - my husband was born in Sudbury. We moved back to Cockfield in 2007 when my girls were four and two as we didn’t want to live in London while they were young.

There’s so much to experience in East Anglia and it’s still so relatively unspoilt, partly due to so many areas being incommutable. I love the creativity that the area invokes and the artisanal food scene which seems to have exploded in the last couple of years.

What is your East Anglian Hell?

We spend half the year in Aldeburgh and whilst we love the business the summer crowds bring, we breathe a sigh of relief when they all leave at the end of August.

What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?

It’s got to be Maggi Hambling’s Scallop on Aldeburgh beach. I wasn’t a fan when it first went up but now, nearly 20 years later it’s part of the landscape which would seem bare without it. It’s lovely that it is climbed on, sat on, and interacted with by so many, and of course it is a tribute to Benjamin Britten.

What’s the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?

Both my girls are tennis players and they have been playing at Framlingham Tennis Tournament (the second oldest in the country after Wimbledon) since they were five. We haven’t missed a year in the last 12 years (apart from COVID) and it’s what we most look forward to in the summer.

What is your favourite restaurant?

I love The Wolseley in London. It has a wonderful atmosphere and a great brasserie menu. My girls are picky eaters and I know there’ll always be something they’ll love on the menu. For breakfast I could spend all day every day at Folk Café, and I think I did when it first opened as my girls were at a school nearby. Some people think it’s a waste of money going out for breakfast but it’s my favourite meal of the day especially when combined with delicious coffee and a great atmosphere.

What your specialist Mastermind subject?

Boutique hotels. They have always been my passion. I started up a boutique hotel brand in 2002 after working for my parent’s hotel in Italy. There’s something unique about privately-owned, family-run hotels as they have been created by passionate owners who love what they do. I’m not involved in that company anymore but still very much involved in the hotel industry as a marketing consultant and travel writer.

What is always in your fridge?

I gave up drinking alcohol the day my father was admitted to hospital with liver failure in December 2019. My go-to drink is Willy’s Fermented Apple ACV Kombucha Drink. It’s grown, harvested and fermented by the small team at Willy’s farm in Herefordshire. I have a subscription to it, so I never run out!

What’s your simple philosophy of life?

Live it. You can’t live your life to please others all of the time.

What’s your favourite film?

Letters to Juliet. It’s a charming romantic film set in Italy with a happy ending.

What was your first job?

I was lucky enough to land a job in Knightsbridge using my French and Italian working as PA for Lorenzo Camerana, who was a charming mix of Italian and Belgian. I worked for him in the Sports Sponsorship world for four years before he moved back to Italy and sadly a year later, he died in a car crash.

What is your most treasured possession?

My health. I had viral meningitis when I was 11 and bacterial meningitis when I was 13.

Who do you admire most?

No one person in particular. I love and admire people who overcome obstacles, follow their dreams and live life to the full.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Holidays and hotels. I love to be away and travelling. The last 18 months have been very testing with all the family at home, juggling being a mother and wife with my work and no chance of escaping! I turned 50 this year and had been hoping to celebrate with a lovely holiday instead I had to cancel four trips.

What do you like about yourself most?

I give 110% to anything that’s thrown at me so I would say my determination.

What’s your worst character trait?

I have many. I would say not being able to do ‘nothing’. I don’t feel deserving of rest.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Italy. We went there on holiday when I was 12 and my parents bought a house there where we spent every summer. They then restored and ran a hotel in Umbria before returning to the UK a few years ago.

Lulu Townsend with her daughters - Credit: Contributed

Best day of your life?

Due to health issues, both pregnancies were a nightmare, so the day both my girls were born, fit and healthy.

What’s your favourite breakfast?

A morning bun from Folk Café with a cappuccino (no chocolate on top) – followed by sourdough with avocado and Marmite sprinkled with chilli flakes.

What’s your hidden talent?

I’m not sure I have one. I love being creative, it makes me happy and feeds the soul.

What’s your earliest memory?

I think it’s difficult to look back and know how old you were when it comes to memories. I have many but have no idea which is the earliest.

Tell us something people don’t know about you?

I am a qualified reflexologist though I haven’t practised for years. I have always had a love for crystals and essential oils and the course I did involve both.

Tell us why you live here and nowhere else?

I live a mile from where I grew up and so I feel very much at home even though I spent many years in London. East Anglia and Suffolk in particular is unspoilt and unpretentious. It would be lovely if it had more wonderful pubs with rooms like those found in the west country, but then maybe it would lose its charm.

What do you want to tell our readers about most?

My new website mixologems.com – a pick and mix site of charms, pendants and chains, many of which are exclusive to Mixologems. There’s a great selection of exclusive colourful and happy gemstone talismans and I create bespoke candy necklaces and bracelets. I was inspired to start this from my research into a trip to India (which subsequently had to be postponed). I love dealing and designing with artisans who love what they do and who are incredibly talented. If you love positive vibes and colour, you’ll love these! Marketing takes up most of my time though along with my travel column lulusluxurylifestyle.uk

How did Grundisburgh Dog Deli start?

It all started in April 2020 during Lockdown 1.0 when I started an honesty stall at the front of the pub to supply fruit, vegetables, flour and eggs to residents of the village. To begin with, the stall was constructed of two planks of wood, two beer casks and two bar stools then I added a small shed ‘The Deli Shed’ from which I sold dried pasta, pesto, tinned tomatoes, and tonic waters.

I was struggling to keep the sun off the stall so I decided to move everything into the pub and I started to sell cheese which proved very popular and the selection quickly began to grow to the point where I had to buy a big fridge to keep it all in. This meant I could start selling other items requiring refrigeration like meat and fish.

How quickly did you get it up and running?

It happened very quickly! It has gone from strength to strength over the past eleven months and has reached the point where I am having to move it to its own site! It will still be in the village and will still be called The Grundisburgh Dog Delicatessen. As well as being a delicatessen it will be an artisan coffee house serving locally roasted coffee and homemade cakes. In the future, I hope to be able to offer deli platters too.

How do you decide on your brands, and is your focus on local?

I do a lot of research before I chose a brand to stock and I ask for samples where I can. My main focus is quality and luckily we have so many fabulous food producers here in East Anglia so a lot of my stock is local. High animal welfare standards and sustainability are important to me so I am very careful (and picky) about the suppliers and producers I work with.

What were you doing before?

Before I started the deli I was (and still am) running the Grundisburgh Dog pub together with my husband. Since it has been closed we have operated as a takeaway. Charles makes the most amazing pizzas which we offer on Wednesday and Saturday evenings and we do homemade gourmet burgers on Friday evenings. We are both looking forward to the day we can reopen the pub with a brand new head chef onboard and an exciting new menu!

Has Grundisburgh Dog Deli done better than you expected?

So much better. I never dreamed that I would have my own shop and coffee house and it’s all happened within a year from the day I put the vegetable stall out. I have been blessed with amazing support from my local community who have helped me grow the business.

What gets you up in the morning?

Usually a wet dog nose in my face.

An object you would never part with

Two objects: my beautiful engagement and wedding rings. Oh and my phone.

The biggest female influence in your life

There are A LOT of women in my life and it impossible to choose just one who has influenced me the most. I have a wonderful mother, two brilliant sisters and four sisters-in-law who I admire greatly. I also have lots of close female friends and of course my daughter; they all influence me in different ways but recently I have been my own influence! I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved in the past year and I am feeling more driven than I ever have done. I am also influenced by other women who I have met through my new business - there really are a lot of fabulous female founders out there!!

Best Suffolk produce

I love cheese so I would have to say Fen Farm’s Baron Bigod, fresh berries from Newbourne Fresh and samphire harvested from the shores of local rivers.

Where would you like to go next?

Italy.

Favourite Instagram account?

Is it wrong to say my own?! I really like @midweek.kitchen (I think Sarah is hilarious).

The last album I downloaded

I can’t remember!

Favourite Book?

I think that the last time I read was on holiday about three years ago when I read ‘Why Mummy Swears’ followed by ‘Why Mummy Drinks’ by Gill Sims. I related to a lot of it and found myself reading several passages to my husband saying “see it’s not just me”.

Your favourite website

Definitely not my own – it really needs updating but I’m not very ‘computery’ so it has been neglected (it is on my to-do list though). If I was typing this on my phone I would be using the monkey with its hands over its eyes emoji but I don’t know how to do one in Word. I do enjoy having a good explore (nosy) on Google Maps and I love browsing estate agent web pages to look at houses I can’t afford.

A recent “find” or brand

I have several. Stunning flowers by Dianna from Red Lavender Floristry in Creeting St Peter, Honey and Sea Salt Caramels made locally by Anna at B Chocolates, interesting single-origin coffee beans from Butterworth & Son in Bury St Edmunds, Cacklebean Eggs - they aren’t local but they have incredibly high welfare standards which are super important to me and also Bramley Products essential oil hand sanitiser.

In your fridge, you’ll always find

Cheese. And, a bottle of Cremant de Loire because you never know when you might need to celebrate something (I celebrate quite a lot – not just because I like Cremant but because I like to acknowledge my achievements, even the little ones).

The beauty staple you’ll never without

Mascara

Favourite Suffolk restaurant

I definitely have more than one, Suffolk has SO many excellent restaurants! Aside from my own restaurant I love the Ramsholt Arms for its beautiful riverside location (we often sail there), Takayama in Ipswich for the Japanese and Korean food and The Great House in Lavenham for the cheese trolley.

Favourite Suffolk shop

Any food shop.

As soon as lockdown is over you will….

Be very busy in the deli I hope!

Emily and I met at the Rugby Portobello Trust Fair in Notting Hill in November 2019. I was there supporting a friend of mine and browsing for Christmas presents and noticed her selling her Tangerine Dream products. I knew I recognised her from around Cambridge so I introduced myself and we got chatting and I told her I was interested in setting up my own business (which I had been thinking about for ages) and that I would love to chat with her about her experience and maybe get some advice about where to start. We exchanged phone numbers and then met up again in early January over coffee.

When did you start Ozzie & Clementine?

Our first chat together in January 2020 was pretty tentative, we were trying to get to know each other and we talked about my project to start my own Interiors business. I wanted to import French tableware, plates, glasses, pretty vases and table linen and sell them in the UK. Being half French, I had spent all my Summers with my French family, sitting around beautiful tables eating lovely meals and enjoying quality time. It was an idea that I wanted to explore and I really wanted to do something creative.  

And then Emily revealed that she had always wanted to make clothes or sell clothes and that she loved the way French women dressed and so we started discussing our wardrobes and our favourite brands. We discovered we both loved feminine dresses with ruffles and pretty sleeves.

Gradually we started thinking about how much fun it would be to go to Paris and buy a small collection that we could initially try and sell to our friends. Perhaps run a pop-up or two to see if people liked what we were selling and then take it from there….

We agreed to go away and think about it. And so that’s what we did.

How quickly did you decide to get it up and running? From idea to launch?

A week later, I called Emily and said “let’s do it!”. I had a good feeling about the whole project, I had a good feeling about Emily and I knew we would choose some fab clothes. It would give us a chance to see if we got on and we would be bringing complementary skills to the table.  Emily knew how to set up an online business already as her business Tangerine Dream was already a huge success and I could use my fluent French and Financial know-how.

I think we were both ready for a new adventure. My motto in life is always to keep an open mind and when an opportunity comes your way, you have to grab it!

Early February 2020, we got to Paris on a really blustery Sunday evening. We had two days of back to back appointments with French suppliers which we had carefully researched and curated, we had a budget to spend and a clear idea of what we were looking for.

The brands we had used as our benchmark were Sézane, Bash, Ghostfashion to name a few.

How did you decide on the collection?

We wanted to buy a collection of dresses and tops that were stylish and affordable, we wanted a collection full of bright colours and pretty floral prints. The dresses had to be feminine and chic but also flattering. We were aiming to dress women in their 40s and 50s so good design and quality fabrics were key.

We are also obsessed with great sleeves, gold or silver thread, and we both love ruffles. We are always looking for that little detail that makes pieces stand out.

We kept thinking would we wear this dress ourselves? Would this suit our friends or other women like us?  

Our first appointment was definitely an eye-opener: the Parisian assistants were used to seasoned buyers and we were a little hesitant at the start, keen to make sure we got it right.

By the end of the two days, and with lots of translating and espressos, we got the hang of it and we not only knew what we liked but we also knew what we didn’t like!! When we found a brand that ticked all the boxes, then it just felt right.

By the time we started receiving our goods, a few weeks later, rumblings of a virus were starting to surface.  But I suppose like everyone we thought it would all go away, we were so happy with the little collection that we kept going. We were planning to host our Pop-up just after the Easter holidays. We ordered rails and hangers, went through lists of invitees and we were just giddy with excitement.

Why Ozzie & Clementine?

Once the first lockdown was announced, we were faced with a difficult decision. We could either wait for the virus to pass, surely that would not be that long and we could postpone our sale, or we could set up an online business. This is how Ozzie & Clémentine was born.

In order to set up a website, you have to have a name and a good one too! It took a while to choose the name but we decided to use the names of our two youngest children. Emily has three boys and I have three girls.  We loved the combination of Ozzie and Clementine instantly and because our families are at the centre of everything we do, this seemed appropriate.

How many products do you have?

Our business has grown tremendously since last year and we could not have dreamt it would go so well given the epidemic and our lack of retail experience. We started the business with 3 or 4 brands and now we stock about eight different brands. We offer almost the whole range: trousers, jeans, skirts, knitwear, jackets and even coats. We just recently added accessories too.

Has O&C done better than you expected?

Definitely much better than we anticipated. Our friends have been super supportive and we have been growing steadily by word of mouth and through Instagram. Instagram is the key to online shopping, it has really helped us widen our reach and we have discovered a wonderful community of small female entrepreneurs and shop owners.

It has been a steep learning curve and probably harder work than we imagined but as someone said the other day, if you can survive in this environment then you must be doing something right! The fact is we love what we are doing, our customers are all lovely and the clothes just get better and better. We are always finding new brands we love and we listen to what our customers are telling us. Being small we can really offer a personalised service and we use all the feedback to make better decisions.

What were you doing before?

I left business school in the early 90s and went to work in Banking. I worked on a trading floor selling shares in South American companies to European investors. I travelled all over South America, to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile and had the most amazing career. I loved my job because it was fast-paced, always stimulating and I worked with brilliantly intelligent people. I also visited countries I might never have seen in my whole life. It was a lot of fun but after having my second daughter, it was time for me to focus on my family. It was shortly after leaving my job in the City that we decided to move out of London.

What gets you up in the morning?

I am inherently a positive person and I love mornings. I am a doer and not someone who can sit still. I love being busy and, being a mum, you are always juggling. 

I feel very blessed in life. I am healthy and I have a wonderful family and I live in a beautiful part of the world.

Ozzie & Clementine is the icing on the cake. I love working with Emily and dealing with people.

Helping women feel good about themselves and helping them choose a great outfit is a real joy!

An object I would never part with?

I have an espresso cup that my brother bought me when I was just starting my career in my 20s. I had just bought my first flat and I was so excited about being independent and owning a place of my own and I knew I would miss him terribly but it was the start of a new chapter. It is still in my kitchen and it always reminds me of him. We are very close.

The biggest female influence?

My mother is undoubtedly my biggest female influence. She left France when she was 19 to work in London for a year and then met my father and her life changed completely. She got married and they decided to stay in London and raise a family. She managed to run a home, look after everyone and set up her own business too. She was brave and hardworking and driven and I am still in awe of how she coped with all of that in those days. She made it all look so easy. I have always admired strong women.

In my suitcase I pack…

Always a small tube of suncream 50 SPF, a good book, great underwear, my perfume Eau de Neroli from Dyptique and lots and lots of shoes…(my other obsession!)

Where would you like to go to next?

Wow, well that is an endless list really. I love travelling and my parents live in the South of France so travelling always starts with France and then on my bucket list, I have: Japan, Scandinavia, Italy, Vienna, Greece, Islands anywhere… generally I like to choose places where the food is good!

The last album you downloaded 

Celeste and her album is called “Not Your muse” I discovered her for the first time on Graham Norton. I have to admit to downloading Carly Simon recently and listening to her songs all over again!

Best Seller

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd and Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. When I am driving a lot which we haven’t done lately, I listen to audiobooks and I love them.

Your favourite Website

I always look at Sézane and Ulla Johnson and for Interiors Turner Pocock.  

A Recent Find or Brand

Carosomerset - https://www.carosomerset.com/

Wild at Heart - https://wildatheart.com/

LF jewels - https://www.lizziefortunato.com/

Sister Interiors - https://sistersinteriors.com/

Anna’s family kitchen - https://annasfamilykitchen.com/

In your fridge you will always find…

Lemons, Greek yoghurt and Feta cheese -Greek salads are my thing.

The Beauty staple you’re never without

La Roche Posay Crème Nutritic Intense Riche and my honey lip balm from Nuxe.

Favourite Restaurant

Spring in Somerset House and La Bastide Saint Antoine in Grasse on the Cote d’Azur.

What’s new for Ozzie & Clementine in 2021?

We have a lot of plans this year.

We will be opening up our showroom as soon as shops are allowed in April which is very exciting. Customers can come in by appointment for a browse and we will now be offering style consultations in the boutique. These can also happen over zoom if you are not local.

We are also planning a number of pop-up sales around the country and in London. There will be loads of fairs opening their doors so we will be entering quite a few of those. All event detail will be updated on our website.

We will be stocking lots of new brands, some of the names you will be able to discover are Louise Misha, Stella Forest, Cia Fantastica, and MABE which we will be adding to Grace and Mila and FRNCH.

We are working hard on making sure that we improve our ethical credentials: we are choosing more environmentally friendly packaging, choosing clothes that are made of sustainable fabrics such as cotton, viscose, linen, Tencel to name a few. It’s a work in progress but it is something we really care about.

Trends for 2021

People are desperate to dress up again and even though some of us are a bit nervous about getting out there, we think there is real pent up demand. Soon, restaurants will be open and people will be able to socialise and enjoy putting on great outfits!

We all need something to lift our spirits.

There is plenty of colour this season, pastels, pinks of all shades,  peaches, ivory, creams, pistachio, khaki and lilacs and then lots of emerald green and yellow.

Prints are strong too with lots of florals, puff sleeves and ruffles. We are seeing lots of feminine silhouettes in dresses and lots of jackets worn tied at the waist.

A definite 70s vibe think safari style jackets, flared trousers, boho frilly blouses, lurex belts, jumpsuits.

Shirts with big collars, Claudine collars, peter pan collars, Victorian high necks, pretty bows. Tees and sweatshirts with logos.

Layers and layers: fantastic knitwear, cardis, oversized cardis, raincoats, jackets to wear all day.

On the bottom: wide-leg trousers, striped trousers and joggers are given new makeovers.

What’s next for O&C?

We want to continue to grow our business by taking on more brands and hopefully, our boutique will become a go-to shopping destination. We will be looking to stock some Danish brands and a few Spanish ones have caught our attention.

We hope we can get to a few trade fairs as well which would be so useful for making connections and meeting other women in business.  We are conscious that we still have a lot to learn!

In the autumn, we have plans to stock a line of vintage clothes alongside our collections and in a couple of years, if all goes well, we will be looking at making our own range of clothes.

I know this is definitely a dream of ours.

Do you own a dog?

I do! Milo is a rescue dog; he was found under a caravan. He was taken to the local vets and looked after by a nurse with the same name as me (Lauren Evans at the time). When I found this out, I knew it was a sign. I heard they were looking for someone to adopt Milo and so, asked my other half who said no! It was Christmas time and all I could think about was the little 8-month-old puppy all alone (he wasn’t, he was loving life with the vet and her two other dogs, to be fair). Eventually Rob agreed to meet Milo for a walk and as soon as he ran at us sideways and peed on our feet, we knew he’d found his forever home.

Tell us a little about you and your journey to the here and now and how you started Dog Friendly Destinations?

I absolutely love day trips, weekends and holidays in the UK. And Rob and I have always taken Milo with us. It means that I’ve spent years jotting down ideas and itineraries for places where we can go that welcome dogs. My knowledge combined with Rachel’s (Dog Friendly Destinations’ co-founder) years spent working in Communications and Digital Marketing led us to creating Dog Friendly Destinations and showcasing the UK’s best places to stay, eat and go with your four-legged friend. Basically, we couldn’t find anyone that would give us a job combining writing, photography, travel and cute pups so we had to create our own.

New Discoveries in 2021

Sandhole Cottages, Cheshire - beautifully renovated barns in the Cheshire countryside.

Ty Cerrig, Anglesey - one of our favourite locations in North Wales.

The Old Sunday school, Cornwall - we've been dreaming of visiting Cornwall this year so this one was a must with its gorgeous views and beautiful interiors.

Grand Get Togethers, York. The perfect staycation for a special occasion or reunion.

Do you review every place on your website or do you have a team of reviewers that help you?

At the moment, it’s just Rachel and me. Although having spent almost a full year in lockdown, we’ve not been able to get out and about anywhere near as much as we would have liked. It’s meant relying on advice, input and research from some of our favourite dog-owning friends, family and Instagrammers.

What areas does Dog Friendly Destinations cover?

We cover the whole of the UK. We have been approached to feature properties in Europe but we’re not quite ready to expand yet.

How many properties do you have?

We currently have 50 carefully selected dog-friendly holiday properties on the website with more in the process of being written up. And we also feature dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops, too. With having the children at home quite a lot over the past year and home-schooling too, we never seem to be able to get through our to-do lists as quickly as we would like.

Where are you based?

We’re in North Wales with countryside walks on one side and beautiful beaches on the other. It’s also one of our most requested areas for dog-friendly holidays which means that every dog walk we go on is practically research.

Top three places to stay during the summer?

Scotland is always high up on my list. I love a trip that combines beautiful scenery, incredible walks, a day in Edinburgh and the opportunity to sample a whiskey or two. The Lake District is incredibly dog friendly with brilliant pubs that always welcome weary paws with a treat or two after you’ve been out exploring. Rachel would tell you that you can’t beat Cornwall – she’s trying to persuade me that we need to buy our very own dog-friendly holiday property close to the beach. For research for the website, obviously ;)

What were you doing before?

I was a teacher, would you believe? But moved into social media a couple of years ago when Rachel needed an additional pair of hands in her digital marketing consultancy. It wasn’t long after the birth of my little boy which meant that I was better able to juggle work with being a mum.

What gets you up in the morning?

It’s a coin toss between Milo and Emlyn, normally – around 6am. Joking aside, since we launched Dog Friendly Destinations, every day brings something exciting that makes me want to leap out of bed. Whether it’s chatting to our property owners, looking at all the gorgeous photos we get tagged in on Instagram, or discussing future plans with Rachel, I’m so proud to have created something that people are finding genuinely useful. It’s a buzz that I want more of. And that’s why you’ll rarely find me lying in.

An object you would never part with

I’m so sentimental. I have a box of things. All to do with Emlyn. I treasure all his firsts.

The biggest female influence in your life

A more recent one for me is Holly Tucker, for giving us the inspiration to build a business doing what we love! But also, for starting her own multi-award-winning business with a newborn. On days I struggle with now two children and a business, she is my inspiration, that it is possible. Do Friendly Destinations is already proving to be a success during a global pandemic and no childcare and I’m confident this time next year, it will be the business we dreamed of.

In my suitcase I packed..

Everything! With children and a dog, there’s literally nothing that I don’t take on holiday. Honestly, my bags creak from the sheer amount of things I squash in them. Mums are a bit like magicians, aren’t they? Able to make anything appear from the depths of their totes.

Where would you like to go next?

Oh, this changes pretty much every day. The problem with working in travel is that so many amazing places come across your desk. Rachel stayed at Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall and after seeing her photos, that’s definitely somewhere I need to go to soon. We’ve also been trying to find a date to get away to A Corner of Eden in Cumbria but with lockdowns and school holidays ever-changing, we’ve not been able to book it in.

Favourite breed of dog?

It has to be a collie otherwise Milo would get very upset. But, to be honest, all dogs are super cute with their own unique personalities.

Your favourite website

Being dog lovers and taking full advantage of lockdown in loungewear daily, it’s got to be Frankie and Dotties, Luxury loungewear, clothing and accessories made for dog owners. And we have an exciting collaboration coming up with them soon. 

A recent “find” or brand

Olive & Berry, an eco-friendly dog brand selling anything and everything for dog lovers from cosy dog beds to funky collars. We’ve been eyeing up their gorgeous eco-friendly reusable coffee cups to take with us when we can travel more.

If you were to buy a magazine subscription which one would it be?

The Simple Things, a magazine all about taking time to live well. It celebrates slowing down, enjoying what you have and making the most of where you live. It also has delicious recipes which I like to rustle up when we are bored of the same old dish at home and can’t visit our local for a pub lunch.

In your fridge, you’ll always find

Planet Doughnut doughnuts, hands off the Malteser Crunchie Mix-up! The perfect afternoon pick-me-up or even first thing in the morning when the nights have been particularly rough, please don’t judge. 

The beauty staple you’ll never without

Concealer, to attempt to mask my permanent dark circles.

WHAT’S NEXT for Dog Friendly Destinations?

Well, the pandemic ending would be a huge help for us to expand the business. We want to visit and add more handpicked properties to the website and create bespoke itineraries to match each one. Our intention is not to be the biggest website in terms of the number of properties and places we feature; more to be a truly trusted source of high-quality recommendations that inspire people to experience lovely things with their four-legged friends. We’d also like to create a range of stylish travel products too. That would be a dream!

Why Tangerine Dream?

It took ages to come up with a name that a. Wasn’t taken and b. Evoked a sense of colour and happiness and also it’s what I call my husband as a joke sometimes (he is Ginger).

When did you start it?

2016 How quickly did you get it up and running? From idea to launch? Quite quickly. I started it with a friend in London, but the distance was an issue as I live in Cambridge, we had lots of fun for a few years, and then we parted ways, and I took over the business by myself in 2019.

How do you decide on the collection?

I love bright colours, I sell interesting, unique gifts that I would want to receive myself. I source products from far and wide, at home and abroad. I also design in-house. The collection is functional and makes people happy. 

How many products do you have?

About 200. I try to cover all gifting bases! I tend to have more girls items in stock, but I have been told that people go to my shop purely for boys present ideas too.

What were you doing before?

I worked at House & Garden Magazine, then had children and started my own sewing business which was very time consuming, as I did all the sewing myself, but I loved the creative side of it.

Has Tangerine Dream done better than you expected?

It’s had its ups and downs. The more you put into an online business, the more you get out of it. There’s always lots to do, constantly having to post on social media, having good photographs and having to strike a balance but all in all, I have a faithful, lovely following of customers. During lockdown, the gift wrapping service has taken off.

What gets you up in the morning?

Besides my fat cat lying on me, I really enjoy what I do and the creativity it affords me, there is always something to do!

An object you would never part with

My father gave my mother a piece of jewellery on their wedding day that was given to me on my wedding day. My father died when I was younger and so it is very special.

The biggest female influence in your life

My mum who is always so cheerful and positive and kind.

In my suitcase, I packed..

A pretty dress from my other company Ozzie & Clementine. This is my other company and our Summer stock is off-the-scale pretty and beautiful!

Where would you like to go next?

My sister has a house on an island in Croatia and I’m dreaming of returning. The sea is crystal clear. It is very unspoilt.

The last album I downloaded

Isles by Bicep. We are listening to a lot of music in these lockdown months, but this album I can listen to over and over, night and day. It makes me dream of going to a festival again one day.

Bestseller?

At the moment it’s probably the things that are keeping families entertained. Games, Huckleberry range. Penknives, chalk markers, campfire popcorn makers. Basically forest school stuff and games. Things to entertain the kids who are at home at the moment. Also the needlepoint sets. My lips cards are always a best seller, especially now in the run-up to Valentines Day.

Your favourite website (which isn’t yours!)

mollymahon.com who does beautiful colourful Block Printing, Lucy Simmons Jewellery who designs some of our Jewellery range, her delicate pieces are so pretty.

A recent “Find” or brand

BrewBoard Beer. They sell excellent craft beer, in cans which are works of art in their own right. They sell fab gift packs which are a great present for anyone who likes beer.

In my fridge, you’ll always find

Milk, (I live with 4 boys!)

The beauty staple you’ll never without

Orange Blossom perfume by Jo Malone and my own Tangerine Dream, Orange and Jasmine Hand Cream is pretty good too! 

GROWING UP

On the move!

We changed house, home, country, continent, place,  school, friends, and language a great many times in the first 10 years of my life. The only constant was family. 

They are spread all over the world, but each year we summered together in the South of Spain, back in the days when there no developments, no postal deliveries, no marked railway crossings and the beaches were empty scorching sand dunes which you had to navigate stone by stone to get to the water. 

Donkeys and dusty roadside chiringuitos for Fanta and ChupaChups, Uncles, Aunties, cousins, French, German, Scots, bullfighters, horse riders, old and young alike. 

Sharing cartoon books and siesta-ing in the children’s garrets, whilst the ‘grownups”( mostly in the 30’s)  finished their boozy noisy lunches late into the afternoon.

That camaraderie and adventure together collecting pine nuts and ants in matchboxes, bee stings and roof climbing have made a bond around my heart, one that I hold close and have passed not to my children, the treasure that is the experience of inclusive open sharing mealtimes and quiet times, noisy times with friends, family and strangers.

WHERE YOU LIVE

The Jurassic coast where I live in is an unexpected place on this tiny island of ours. 

Nestled into the south coast it is miles and miles of undeveloped coastal land owned and shared with the National Trust.

It is ever-changing. It is a place where life is still at a pace that creates a community, it is far enough from a motorway or rail station that people hesitate to stop off, tourism is happy campers and a few intrepid weekenders.

I deeply love the landscape, the miniature hilliness of the place, the twisty narrow roads, the unexpected plunging away of a vista, it is on a human scale, and most of all it is by the sea, my favourite place.

A place of delight and joy and pleasure and a place to buffer the nonsense out of ones busy head on a blustery afternoon and challenge one’s complacency by braving the cold waters with a dip in January.

My studio is nestled in the far corner of a magnificent ancient courtyard of thatched barns, which the owners have developed into a  wedding venue,  Art Gallery with a variety of shops and food and a village hub Cafe shop.

How did you come to Pottery

I pot now because I had to do something creative, I become twitchy and annoying if I do not channel that energy somewhere.

I could paint or weave, knit or draw, or be a fashion designer which is what I trained as at St Martins Art School in London in the post-punk New Romantic 1980s which seems a lifetime ago.  

I had gone to Uni in Paris in 1977 signed up to be an archaeologist on a three-course at the Louvre to study Art History but also wanted to go to Afghanistan and Iran in 1979! 

Dreams….. but that is it isn’t it?

It’s the colours and smells as much as the place, it is the people you meet and stop off with as much as the food that you try, the discomfort that makes you appreciate home, the languages and gestures that leave you with a new a deeper understanding of connection and humanity.

Back to potting, really I am self-taught. Partly because I find reading glaze recipes and "how-to”…online very difficult and partly because I got started in the process whilst my children were very young, and coiling is a clean, tidy, manageable way to create with clay, whereas “throwing “ requires a fair bit of time to tidy up, and clean and so on. 

I have been over many years to different courses particularly in the early days, but I got hooked on ‘coiling much encouraged by a Brazilian teacher at an ILEA course that I did, where she explained that I could if I wanted to make huge coils and build faster if that was what I wanted to do…! I never looked back. 

Many a good lesson has been well learned by making mistakes.

Anything goes so long as you can manage the disasters and experiments without fearing the results.

I have learned to manipulate the underglazes and oxides that I use, that is the colours and the glazes which I inherited from the lady from whom I bought an old kick wheel, kiln and many unlabelled pots of mostly brown or black oxides about 20 years ago. 

What are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to attending a few glazes courses and learn to throw once more. 

Once I have rebranded and sorted out the pile-up that is my fabulous colour-filled business!

I can no longer manage the lists lost on bits of paper in the car or studio when I need them online, the accounts that never get invoiced properly and the discomfort that leaves me with as each January approaches.

The designs and shapes of work that you sell online 

Have been developed as practical interpretations of the work that I began with.

I am not an ornament person, I dislike clutter.

I DO  like (LOVE)  pattern and colour and texture, but I also like objects to be useful and practical, but beautiful. An object that you look forward to using for a very specific reason or purpose. A whimsy perhaps….but a thoughtful use of an object, a pleasure to use, something that becomes a habit, and hopefully brings you joy

Your favourite ‘find’

The handles and the shapes of the mugs have been designed with a precise purpose in mind, they tell my story. They are the result of a stolen colour seen somewhere, worn by somebody, at a time that I was observing,  consciously listening or imbibed by me.

The dash pattern that a lot of my work is decorated with came from a simple rough homemade-looking brush called a Hake brush. I found it in the treasure trove that is our local art shop in Dorchester called Herrings, I had no idea what to do with it other than it was good for glazing I bought one, and now I have many, each one is different a few more hairs here or there, he colour thread that holds them stitched together makes each one a character to be used for all the different application dash plain, ribbed, glazed surfaces that I use them for.  They’re made of goats hair, and hold the liquid really well and held on its side and applied carefully it forms the pattern.

I prefer the random development of an idea rather than the controlling influence and discipline of the wheel.

My Studio

I spent many months at the beginning asking myself why I was making and who would want these weird wobbly looking things, talking myself out of the studio. 

When things really did take a turn for the worst in my life that is where I went….straight back in the studio it was a place of solace and solitude, a profound distraction and at the end of most days, I was thrilled with what I had made and returned home in anticipation of what would come out of the kiln the following morning. 

A place to allow the clay to speak and a place to doodle to my heart’s content.

I go almost every day to the studio and will stay until it is time to go home often late into the evening If I am working on something that needs finishing. 

Sometimes it is the rim that is exactly dry enough to be “finished” other times it needs me to stop and look at it afresh in the morning, I wrap it up carefully sealed until the next time.

I know that as I coil build a piece I am aiming to create a place or a  person or a meal, situation or a pattern that has evoked a response in me, and with the person that later buys my work, I have joined it and them to me, to be enjoyed and loved.

I went through a stage when I was coiling last summer of incising words or even stories on the News headlines on the underside of the vessels. One read “ I should have been a teapot”, the piece dried too quickly and remained without  a handle or lid but made a good pot

Over many years I have developed a very happy working relationship with a family run business in Sri Lanka in Colombo where I go in January / February most years to work on new ideas and designs. I have trained a few patient women who to produce the “Dash “ pattern on the mugs and they then complete the process and send the work by ship, individually packaged ready to supply shops and clients.

I had to grow my little pottery “doodling “to a form of self-supporting economically viable kind of business so that was after a few bumpy years trying to develop the product in Stoke on Trent, that is how I  found myself working on the other side of the world in the extreme heat in SriLanka, The powers above were on my side again….. It is a factory,  but a small one and everything is made by hand and decorated by a team of giggling smiling gorgeous women.

The brothers that run it are charming and very exacting. Quality control is an ethos, not a chore.

It is a calm quiet haven of a place far from the hurly-burly of fast and furiously up and coming, Colombo.

I feel truly blessed to have their support.

Favourite Books

The Love of Seven Dolls by Paul Gallico magical realism,, romance and imagination

Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain Fornier a coming of age dream

Braided Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer a book of magical Botany and wisdom

Music 

Harvest Moon

Neil Young

Francois Hardy

Al Green

If you weren’t a potter

I might have been an architect or product designer, I create and recreate houses, rooms and spaces. I am for ever shifting things about in my home and my head. I could spend hours lost in reverie trawling through magazines on architecture and design, Dezzen or Cabana Magazine. I love a problem function or form?

Favourite Shop

My Favourite shop is without a doubt the Old Albion on St Michaels trading estate in Bridport belonging to Sharon Bradley . A place to meet up, share the week’s adventures and a take away from the Red Brick, and set the world to rights. Sharon travels weekly to ransack and pillage old factories, refectories and rectories, and returns in her bright yellow van with a collection of soft leathers from a glove factory, French labels, tea trolleys from a factory, or even a merry go round from a travelling fair.

Favourite restaurant

Obviously, I could not fail to mention my daughter Grace. She is the open-air chef on the beach in Soller, Mallorca at Patiki Beach a place of sunshine and dreams, nothing fancy about it just good vibes and a source of all great flavours from Mallorca magically transformed into a truly extraordinary meal that you will never forget. Only local and only seasonal food.

But less of the family, Leilas in London near Arnold Circus, is my second favourite place for a meal in London.

Your Favorite Potter

Hylton Nel. A lovable rogue. I realised that pottery was a vehicle for so much more than the Craft of throwing clay. It is in his case a crazy shape, a vehicle for fun, cheek and pattern, a letter.

Your favourite companion

I have travelled for years and Cato, my disgruntled feline ceramic companion is never far from central a place in the home.

Who sells your pottery?

I have long and faithful relationships with many of the shops that I supply. The indomitable Libby Blakey was the first person to sell my wobbly efforts and still does to this day 15 years on.

I am excited to be supplying new young entrepreneurial shops like Emily's Straw London on Columbia Road with all her fabulous display of vintage and newly designed wicker baskets and as thrilled to be on the shelves at Fortnum and Mason once again once it reopens, as I am to be represented at Collate in Axminster in Dorset amongst Naomie's collection of carefully curated local artists.

Where in India have you travelled?

I’ve been travelling to India since I was a young girl and have travelled all over, but still feel like there’s so much of India to see and experience. I feel a little lost if I haven’t been to India at least once a year.

Who taught you to cook and how to use spices?

I learnt cooking at quite a late age – when I turned 30! I had just moved back to London from living abroad and had a newfound love for the food I had grown up eating – delicious yet simple Gujarati home cooking. I learnt from my mother, my grandmother and my aunts – we’ve all lived very close to each other and eat together very often.

What is Ayurveda? How did you become involved in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda translates as the science or scripture of life. It is a way of living – digestion is of utmost importance, but it encompasses so much more. In many ways, the way we have lived, cooked and eaten has been Ayurvedic from when I was a child. However, it was it my late teenage years that I started going to Ayurvedic health resorts in India and doing week-long cleanses, sometimes longer, where I realised the equal importance of massages, yoga, food and sleep. That said, I would think of Ayurveda as a destination rather than a way of living at home, in my daily life – this happened gradually and more recently.

If you could only use once spice which one would it be?

So hard! I put spices in all my cooking – and drinking. I think ginger and cinnamon are probably my favourites! But turmeric, cumin…. so many important spices.

Describe your food?

Easy to make, easy to digest, simple vegetarian food, using spices in everything, often Indian inspired food or Gujarati home cooking. I also love porridge and have quite a sweet tooth!

Your background is in journalism.. what articles have you written?

I used to be a travel writer and columnist when I lived in Dubai (I wrote under my married name), I used to reviews spas, resorts, write about my travels and food experiences within that. I have written for Gulf News, Harper’s Bazaar, Conde Nast Traveller and others.

What prompted you to write your first book Saffron Soul and your second book  Prajna, Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness?

My newfound fascination for age-old recipes that I’d grown up eating but that I hadn’t learnt was what inspired my first cookbook Saffron Soul. I wanted to share these delicious traditional simple and healthy Gujarati recipes with the world. Gujarati food hasn’t been covered as much as other cuisines around India – but it’s absolutely delicious!

Prajna is all about Ayurveda but it also weaves together elements of my own story and spirituality, how to create your own toolkit for survival and happiness, daily recipes to cook from kichri and daal to creating Buddha bowls and more. It was inspired by my own journey and finding my way back to happiness.

Your favourite recipe

I love the Masala Grilled Aubergines in Saffron Soul and, for dessert, the Shrikhand or the Shrikhand Cheesecake – have made both of these at a lot of my events. My own favourite go-to dishes are probably porridge and daal.

When did you open your café in Kingly Court and what’s the most popular item on the menu?

I launched my café in September 2018. Since it was called Chai by Mira, the chai menu was what most people came for (now available online www.chaibymira.com). However, the daily kichari or daal was also super popular, as was the peanut superberry toast!

The most satisfying moment of your career so far?

Publishing my books. I love reading and I love writing!

Chai by Mira

How many chai spice mixes do you sell?

Currently, online, we have 3 available – the classic chai, the cocoa chai and the golden chai. Gingerbread chai was a seasonal blend which we just finished and will be available again in October/ November. I’ll be introducing new blends soon!

What is your most popular one?

Chai – the classic chai – is definitely the most popular!

Which is your personal favourite?

Cocoa chai! I love the richness of the cacao in this chai… it’s like a spicy hot chocolate.

Is coconut sugar good for you?

Everything in moderation. Coconut sugar is said to spike the blood sugar less quickly than sugar. However, it is still a form of sugar.

What is dirty chai?

Dirty chai is coffee with chai spice stirred into it. It can be black coffee, latte or any coffee you like! Absolutely delicious!

Can you have the spice mixes on their own without tea, with hot milk?

That’s exactly how most people drink them. You can stir it into your tea with a teabag as well, but it tastes delicious just by itself in milk. So many ways to have chai.

What milk do you recommend to use for the best flavour and health benefits.

Any milk is okay. Most prefer oat milk with chai. I do love oat milk too, but tend to drink almond milk more.

Can you use the mixtures in other recipes?

Anything at all! I stir into porridge, bake cookies with it, add to yoghurt… whatever you fancy.

Which restaurants have you consulted for and what input do they value the most?

I have worked with the Holborn Dining Rooms at the Rosewood Hotel where I’ve had a dish on the breakfast menu for the last five years or more. I’ve also worked with a couple of restaurants in Mumbai and Chennai.

If you were to do it all again would you and what would you change? And what advice would you give anyone looking to write a recipe book?

Advice… I would say find a niche and be passionate about it.

Your favourite restaurant?

Not sure I have one!

How would your friends describe you?

Happy, approachable and friendly

The biggest female influence in your life

My own family – my mother, grandmother and sister

An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to

Mount Kailas

Your favourite place to be

India and London, my home

What’s next for Chai by Mira

Growing my online brand and presence

In my fridge you’ll always find

Yoghurt and almond milk

The beauty staple I’m never without

Nourishing face and body oil

How do you relax?

Read, sit in a bath, listen to something calming – either music or Alan Watts

Tell us your story and how and why you started Nostaljik?

Growing up I always associated smells with memories and if I stepped into a room the smell would always transport me back to a place and time. This year, while sitting at my nana's I wished I could bottle up the smell and take it home with me…

I have always had an obsession with candles and have bought and tested so many, but I forever felt something was missing. Now I know it wasn’t the scent that I was trying to recreate but the memory.

I started my business Nostaljik as I wanted to create a scent that would transport people back to a place and time and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Growing up I travelled quite a lot and wanted to create a range that people could associate with a location and memory.

How much did you have to put into the business to get it going?

£4500. I used my savings and believed it was a reasonable amount to invest to get a small business up and running. I did my research to find the most competitive suppliers to get the best cost to keep my profit margin healthy. I gave myself a target and predicted that I would make the money back in three months, fortunately, I am very grateful that I managed to make it back within two.

Have you always loved scented candles?

Yes, since I can remember I’ve always had a passion for home décor and interior design. I lived on my own since the age of 16 and always felt that candles gave me a sense of security and created a warm, homely feel. I love to create the perfect ambience. One of the first candles I ever brought was from The White Company which has always been a huge inspiration of mine.

Had you always been planning to start in 2020 or did the lockdown inspire you?

Throughout the years I kept a journal and jotted down my memories and travel experiences. I always knew I wanted to do something with home décor and fragrance. I merged my love of travel with my love of candles and came up with the name Nostajik. In February 2020, whilst at home recovering from an operation I had three months off work, that’s when I began making candles. Combining my travel-related memories with my love of candles and referring back to my journal, Nostaljik was officially launched on August 31 2020. 

What waxes do you use and are the candles all hand-poured?

The candles, wax-melts and diffusers are all hand poured by myself. Our candles are 100% vegan soy wax and diffusers are only with a 100% eco-friendly blend the candles have a burn time of up to 60+ hours depending on how they are looked after. Trimming the wick etc The reason behind this was to create a non-toxic burn, as I grew up with animals and didn’t want to expose them to chemicals.

How long does it take to make one candle?

It only takes 20 minutes to bring a candle to the perfect temperature and boiling point. It can take up to 4 hours to perfectly set and cure your candle.

How do you know what smells to match with each city?

I always associated smells with a certain feeling and wrote things down in my journal whilst travelling. I constantly got a sense of nostalgia from places I’d been to which helped me to merge scents with destinations.

What new candles are on the horizon?

For Valentines Day we are launching a Venice Candle called Petalo di Rosa – which is a beautiful rose petal and oud scent. Coinciding with this we have a Las Vegas– Whiskey Candle.

Your favourite candle in your collection, yes you do have to choose one!

Cyprus Jasmine candle, this scent is my favourite as its where I’m from and gives me the nostalgic feeling of being back home.

How many are currently in your collection?

Including the two which are soon to be launching, we have 17 different destinations and fragrances.

There are so many candle brands on the market, what sets Nostaljik apart from other scented candles?

We are a brand evoking memories through scent. We celebrate sense ability to give you nostalgia and transport you to your favourite destination.

Where do you source your perfumes from or do you use essential oils?

We use a mixture of essential oils and quality fragrance oils from high-end, premium suppliers.

Do you charge for shipping?

For any purchases above £45, we offer free shipping, for any purchases below that threshold we charge a standard shipping price of £3.75.

What were you doing before?

I am currently a full-time Retail Manager for a premium brand, with 18-years’ worth of experience. 

What gets you up in the morning?

My cats.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from my passion for travel, interior and photography. I am always inspired by the things around me, even the smallest of things like the way an object looks on a table, I find beauty in the simplest of things.

An object you would never part with

My passport. My freedom of travel is priceless.

The biggest female influence in your life

Both my nan’s, they are both cut from the same cloth, old school and passionate with a good ethic.

In my suitcase, I packed..

Sunglasses, my journal and my candles.

Where would you like to go next?

Japan.

Your favourite place you’ve been to?

Impossible to choose, but some of my best experiences have been in Las Vegas… (baby)

Your favourite website

https://www.net-a-porter.com

A recent “find” or brand

For my love of antiques, Aubespoke Studio.

If you were to buy a magazine subscription which one would it be?

I currently have a subscription to House and Garden UK.

In your fridge, you’ll always find

A selection of cheeses.

The beauty staple you’ll never without

By Terry Baume de Rose lip balm

If you had to save one item from a fire..

My photo album, memories are everything.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NOSTALJIK?

We are currently building our homeware range and are expecting to launch new products by summer 2021.

Hello Poppy! What star sign are you and do you believe in Astrology?

I’m a Libra and I believe in using a birth chart! I have used this astrological tool to help me in my business as well as life, so I encourage my clients to also see how this can give insight and they go to my own astrologer.

Tell us a little about you and your journey to the here and now.

Wow, big question. Starting from the now where I am a creative businesswoman running my own life and businesses, I would say that everything that’s happened has led me here. So I had my son at 21 in uni, won a creativity competition with The Guardian, got into TV and worked my way up the creative development and pitching /producing a world of Entertainment and Talent development. I then resigned from an Exec role in 2018 - probably against all odds actually - to go it alone as one of those entrepreneurs. I’ve committed myself to powerful mindset rewiring, energy psychology and manifestation strategies and find myself living the vision I created. Now I help mainly CEOs, new business owners and career women hit their highest goals and live their own true versions of success using my own tactics and my 15+ years in creative media. 

You wear different hats as a mentor, founder and CEO, tell us a little of each role?

Well, I don’t believe that we can wear different hats anymore.

There is no ‘home-life’ and ‘work-life’ it’s you, there is no separation in identity and often when we try to separate this it’s where the struggle lies because we never measure up to our internal rhetoric.

I prefer to see it as one big old hat that has different aspects depending on the weather. We are whole and so I bring different elements to my work - a media career, motherhood, running teams, developing people and ideas… all of it. Then depending on who I am working with and the groups I am coaching, I will show them different angles of the hat. 

What is EFT aka Rapid Tapping and how did you get into it?

Tapping found me about ten years ago in the middle of my marriage breaking down, a bout of blindness and a very stressful position holding up a house alone with a busy job and sudden debt. I was crippled with overwhelming life pain and had to rebuild my life again after being married for 10 years to my teenage love who I discovered had been up to no good. I rebuilt my life into something totally new from scratch and since then, I’ve used tapping as part of my lifestyle. In recent years, after seeing such huge emotional shifts in my clients as an EFT Practitioner, I found I was using something else alongside it that was bringing incredible results, and I used it myself to create a multiple 6-figure launch in the pandemic.

I’ve called it Rapid Tapping, I’m a born-again Rapid Tapper and proud to develop this method for others to use too!  

Rapid Tapping used for and is there anything it can’t help with?

It is the place where neuroscience and spirituality meet. It’s used mainly as an instant mood-changer and emotional tool, so when you’re feeling anxious, lonely, incapable, FOMO, even headaches, you use the process and it shifts you into a higher energetic frequency. There’s nothing it can’t help within my experience - and as it’s used in conjunction with EFT, which is recognised clinically and used with everyone from the US Military to CEO’s, I’m excited to see how it can help people in minutes to shift into new possibilities. 

What are the benefits and how often and for how long do you need to practice it to be affective?

It’s a mood booster. Instant, actually. The point is, it’s accessible and very speedy because it’s a lifestyle choice, not a booked appointment. I do lots of free lives, one on a Monday 11:11am on our Instagram @rapidtapping and I have a Starter Kit with routines, scripts and ways to start taking tapping into your own hands. 

That said, you can also do Deep Rapid Tapping, where we go 1:1 into past emotional blocks, trauma and memories. 

Where are you based?

The cotswolds: I see clients at Soho Farmhouse or in London. 

How have you adapted your therapy during lockdown?

I was tapping online, plus had much of my coaching online on Zoom years before the lockdown, as I work globally with clients and brands. I started my online business in 2018 and have digital courses so I was luckily a dab hand! I have been helping others transition to digital media, new platforms and develop an online presence a lot more. 

What were you doing before?

Much the same! Just a lot more with events and retreats. And working with places like AllBright, Groucho Club I miss those! 

What gets you up in the morning?

My puppy! 

What’s next for Rapid Tapping?

Lots, it’s been placed in the 2021 Wellbeing Lists of a few publications (will send screenshots) recently so I’m ready to bring it to everyone who needs a little tap throughout this time! We kick off with the challenge on 29th Jan weekend where you can get an email and tap a day to use plus a takeover of my life on Instagram @rapidtapping to see how I use it, with a workshop and some exciting guests trying it out for self-love, money and insomnia! 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Oh, anywhere I can get it. Inspiration is available at all times, it’s just whether we are open to the possibility of receiving. 

What is the House of Possibility?

That’s the mothership. It’s where you can go if you want to bring new opportunities into your life an become your most powerful self so you can change the world a little bit! 

An object you would never part with

Not really, I realised stuff is just stuff a long time ago but I do like my Chanel and my stack of old journals. I’d grab those in a fire. 

The biggest female influence in your life

My mum. She’s a warrior. She lost my dad when she was mid-forties and as he had cancer since he was 30, she ran the roost with very little to roost from. She’s also massively intelligent and reads a book a day on everything from physics to Plato. 

In my suitcase I packed..

Loads of unnecessary underwear that cost me a small fortune. 

Where would you like to go next?

ANYWHERE. 

Favourite colour?

Red - powerful AF and the colour of my name. 

Your favourite website

GOOGLE

A recent “find” or brand

Late to the party but loving those massive Alessandra Rich earrings and dresses. 

If you were to buy a magazine subscription which one would it be?

Harpers Bazaar  - I kept every copy for 10 years and created all my vision boards from them. 

In your fridge, you’ll always find

Cheese. 

The beauty staple you’ll never without

Red lipstick. 

Life after death?

We think we are having a spiritual experience but it’s the other way around. I am a soul, hanging out as a human.

Apart from Rapid Tapping, if you were to have an hour’s therapy what would it be and who would give it?

I have Sound therapy and somatic movement therapy. I recommend Nahid’s The Human Method for keeping my nervous system together.

Sound therapy, I am also a sonic healer with a crystal alchemy bowl and I am obsessed with frequency healing. It really works and I use it when tapping. 

Your father passed on some great tips to you?

So many. One that has always paid dividends is to have faith. Faith is an unwavering belief. And so you either have faith in the nothingness of life or the possibilities of the Universe. It’s up to us to choose.

WHAT’S NEXT?

If you want to begin tapping,  we are launching a special Starter Kit - A mini-course to take tapping into your own hands at home - on Feb 8th. You can join the waitlist for the early bird £111 on the website rapidtapping.com 

What is your background and why chocolate?

An eclectic one … PA, Massage Therapist, Aromatherapist, Practice Manager … chocolate found me after competing on BBC Masterchef in 2006.  It got me thinking and exploring and creating.

When did you start Amelia Rope Chocolate and how?

Back in 2007.  I had competed twice on BBC Masterchef (2006/2007) and was thinking about getting into food journalism.  I wrote to William Sitwell,  then Editor of Food Illustrated, to see if I could tap him for advice.  He was very kind and met me.  I took my chocolate mint dark truffles to say thank you. He happened to say he loved them and that I was the next Juliette Binoche … totally off the cuff … this was the confidence shot I needed to think … chocolate … and maybe a Jonny Depp thrown in too 😉. 

The key trigger was a vision, I had, of a rose petal with chocolate at its base and a speck of gold leaf.  It took me 3 months to create and perfect this dream … I then went on to use violas and pansies.  I took the day off work,  dropped them off at the National press and from there it was a surreal time … approaches to appear on the TV and radio to chat about them, my petals to appear on tv and orders from people I had never thought I would be making for. I can honestly say I think these creations were unique in the world.

What was the first flavour of chocolate you created?

The first bar was for a commission for Sofa.com and was a dark Mexican chocolate 70%.  The first flavours were Ginger, Lemon & Sea Salt, Mandarin and Rose (I think).

The most satisfying moment as a chocolate creator?

Ooh, tough one as there were some incredible moments … launching in Selfridges, supplying the stores and hotels I had never dreamed of supplying, visiting Colombia, Mauritius and Tokyo, meeting incredible souls, winning awards, writing commissions, creating flavours people wanted to buy …

I have to ask you what your favourite chocolate is?

It really depends on my mood … I adore Pierre Marcolini, Dormouse, Duffy’s and Lucocoa but also many more too.

I loved the packaging and foil colours of your chocolate, do you miss the aesthetics of creating pretty things..

Yes.  Massively.  I adore creating … it’s in my DNA from Hope, my father’s mother, but I don’t miss the running a chocolate business side of it. 

If you were to do it all again would you and what would you change?  And what advice would you give anyone looking to start their own company?

Have a business partner who complimented my skillset, plenty of cash in the bank, push fast with growth … but then I also wouldn’t change anything either as it’s all helped me become me.  If that makes sense.

Sit with the idea, spin it and spin it again.  Think about the best scenario but also the worst scenario too. Plan. Imagine a life where you will be consumed 24/7 by your business, times when you won’t be there for loved ones, times when you don’t know how you are going to pay your bills.  Then close your eyes and visualise meeting people you have only dreamed of meeting, visiting places you never thought you would ever get to and selling your product wherever you want to sell it.

How did you manage to compete twice on Masterchef and what did you gain from the experience and how did it influence what you did next?

The first time I was so out of my depth.  I thought we had to create recipes that weren’t in any recipe book … so wrong! Tears seeped out when I looked at my two-course menu … the guys I was competing against had the most amazing looking ‘stacks’ – they were really in then – and I had what looked like a plate of s..k.  John Torode was sweet and came backstage and said I should go and get trained up as he hadn’t seen my combinations before.  I would have loved to, but my practical head knew I had to earn a living and I went back to my role as Practice Manager.  

I was amazed when I got the call up to go back on.  I had just been signed off with burn out and knew this was my chance to try and get onto a new path.  So, I went part-time in my job and went on courses to up my game with cooking.  One of which was a 5-day chocolate course at Valrhona.  I went back on the show and again won the restaurant round but didn’t get any further.

John’s words, ‘the experience of the show helped sow a very potent seed to change my life’s direction in the most mind-blowing, dramatic way.’ 

After year 7 of juggling your ‘roles’ of CEO, Creative Director, Finance Director, Sales & Marketing Director, PR Director, Product Development Manager, Packaging Designer, Social Media, Blogger, PA, order processor, in-store taster, customer service and general skivvy you were running on empty… what advice would you give to your younger self?

I can’t believe I managed over 12 years of the above.  I think I would say remember to trust your gut, believe in yourself, push back when you need too, never ever assume anything and trust life will be ok wherever it leads you to.  Oh and well done for not suffering too many fools when they come your way and juggling the tightest cash flow ever!

When did you make the move into podcasting and put chocolate to the side? Or do you still create chocolate on the sly?

I evolved out of chocolate in 2019.  As an opportunist, I always keep my ears to the ground and remain open-minded for things to come my way.  I was chatting with a mate and now my investor about my next chapter.  I have always loved the media – tv, radio and journalism – and podcasting seemed to appear. If you had asked me if I had seen this all happening then the answer would quite simply be: no.

No creating on the sly but still a lot of consumption!  There is a giveaway bar but that’s it.  At one stage I moved 15 times in 15 months to keep money in the business and not on rent and that has always helped me move on mentally … when things have run their course. 

As many of your guests, you’re a woman of many chapters, how would you define yours?

Eclectic but then I think I am a bit of a renaissance woman.  Now they make more sense but at the time I didn’t quite see life in chapters when I was younger and found the constant shifts unsettling yet liberating.  My chapters now make sense and I think my first book written.  Now I am in the sequel and it’s going to be a darn good one! 

Your favourite interviewee?

I don’t have favourites 😉.  I adore them all as each guest shares insights and gems which are free nuggets of advice to absolutely everyone.

A female that inspires you

I don’t have one particular female – people have come on my journey in life and then

An object you would never part with

My ma’s mother, Patience’s ruby and teeny diamond ring which my grandpa gave her for their ruby wedding anniversary.  I wear it every day and know they are around me.  I miss them a lot.  They were amazing grandparents.

The last Hope & Patience podcast that took you by surprise?

Julian Metcalfe’s book choice.  To find out what it is you will have to listen to the episode 😉.

You’re your biggest critic, how do you give yourself a break?

I am much kinder on myself than I used to be but yes I still am a very harsh critic.  Something inside me pushes hard.  I want to deliver quality, try and reach people’s expectations and I want to continue to progress and to grow more.

I wonder if it’s from my school reports which often read ‘could do better’. 

The biggest female influence in your life

I think they have changed as I have travelled through life.  A key influence or sounding board in my teens and twenties was a Godma, Dione.  A very very special soul.  Reading wise Gloria Steinem’s book ‘The Revolution Within’ when it came out in 1992.

In October you launched the Hope and Patience Lemon & Sea Salt chocolate bar as a giveaway. How do we get our hands on it now?

Subscribe to the H&P newsletter – two lucky winners, keep an eye out on social media or catch my attention with something that resonates.

An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to

Ooh, Mauritius – I was very lucky to get a commission for a press trip and flew out first class, stayed in the most amazing hotel, and well the country, the people, the food made my soul go loop the loop.

Your favourite place to be by the sea

Ideally, Cornwall where we went for family holidays for 20 or more years.  My grandparents took a house in Trebetherick and we all tumbled in. 

Is there a flavour of chocolate you would love to see on the shelves?

Dark nougat and sea salt.  It was on my list to create and my tastebuds are craving it.

How do you celebrate your birthday?  

I always daydream that someone will organise a surprise … still daydreaming!

What are you dreaming of?

Freedom. I need to be on the move – I always have.

Apart from Hope & Patience, your favourite website

I love the ‘How To Do Academy’.  Its created by the founder of Intelligence Squared and jam-packed with interesting guests and topics for you to stream online.  It’s been my go-to in lockdown.  I now subscribe but you can pay as you go too. 

Has anyone turned you down for your podcast?

Not so far – a few guests I haven’t heard back from yet so does that mean they have turned me down, in spam or in the pending slot.  Only time will tell  😉.

A recent “find”

Clairol 6 and 6R – needs must in lockdown😉, the most amazing black socks for my boots by Finisterre, The Trouble with Dreams – Sugrue Wines and Eastgate Larder Medlar Jelly.

The last music I downloaded

On my Spotify play list and shuffle play ‘Que c’est triste Venise’ Charles Aznavour.  He takes me back to one of my best road trips to France exploring Burgundy and Beaujolais, meeting a friend in Nuits St Georges and … listening to Charles A. 

In my fridge, you’ll always find

Cheese, milk, lemons, chocolate (you shouldn’t store it here but some I do!), butter, cranberry juice (I drink this heavily diluted with water), a bottle of fizz waiting for an excuse to be opened, Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Ginger Beer, salad, veggies, and leftovers!

The beauty staple I’m never without

Organic Pharmacy’s Double Rose Ultra Cream.  I use this every morning on my face and neck – I adore their products and have been loyal to them for around 20 years I think.

Favourite Hotel

Ooh … sadly I haven’t been to many for some time but one I have never stayed in but adore their décor and cocktail bar is the Firmdale Hotel’s Ham Yard.  Kit Kemp’s design eye is utter magic.

For one I have stayed in … Constance Hotel in Mauritius.  I went there on a press trip and it was really one of the most amazing places EVER.

WHAT’S NEXT?

To keep building the H&P audience and hopefully bring a little sparkle to lives, ramping up to launching an episode very week from March, a few exciting pitches and importantly to see what opportunities flow my way.

What is your favourite colour?

Klein Blue

When and how did you decide to start up Matisa Market?

I had been selling pre-loved in Portugal for many years and when I moved back to Suffolk I wanted to create my own curated space of pre-loved womenswear and accessories, upcycled homewares and new ethical pieces - inspired by my travels and my many years living in Portugal.

Why ‘Matisa’?

After my daughters Matilda and Isabel

What were you doing before?

When I was in Portugal I worked for the FCO as the Honorary Consul. I have a background in fashion from many years ago when I worked for Gucci in London and Gianni Versace in Miami.

Where did you get the inspiration for your brand?

Portugal and Brazil and their innovate retail spaces - in Portugal Fashion Clinic, Cote Sud, Alquatro - Quadrado in Trancoso.

Is there a best-selling brand?

I would say a couple -  Isabel Marant,  DVF, Joseph, Margaret Howell and cashmere is very popular!

Favourite designer?

My favourite designer is Chloe.

What is your best-selling product?

Best-selling - I would say my Essentiel Elements Organic Sanitising Room & Fabric Spray at the moment!

An object you would never part with

Vintage Cartier Love Bracelet

The biggest female influence in your life

Oh Lord, there are many! My daughters, my sisters, my girlfriends and my dear late Mother (I wear her vintage pieces)

In my suitcase, I packed..

Ambas Beach Tunic (which I stock) and Eres swimsuit (they are timeless and universally flattering!) Crumpet cashmere wrap

Where would you like to go next?

Puglia - we have a place in Savelletri and I miss it terribly - it’s definitely my happy place!

Favourite smell?

Stephanotis

Your favourite website

eBay and Vestiaire

A recent “find” or brand

Odile Collective - handwoven woollen cushions and monogrammed Portuguese baskets

The books on your bedside table

Such a fun age by Kiley Reid

Wardrobe Crisis by Clare Press

The Shift by Sam Baker

Chicken breeds and care (we have chickens!)

If you weren’t doing what you do

Estate Agent - love selling and I love looking at properties!

In your fridge you’ll always find

Kimchi, avocados and Booja chocolates and Adnams champagne!

The beauty staple you’ll never without

Sisley Sisleya SPF 50

Favourite City

London - Always!

Beach or pool?

Beach

Where were you brought up?

I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. My parents had an ad agency in the city, and we lived in the countryside. I would spend most afternoons after school in the city, and weekends on the farm. South Africa was a strange place to be a teenager in the 80’s, we had a lot of anger towards our government, and the country experienced sanctions, so even getting a pair of Levi’s was difficult. The only escape I had was magazines - which arrived in SA three months after publication, and music.

I lived in Paris, NYC, Stuttgart, but returned to Johannesburg to be with my family.

When and why did you decide to start Dossier?

I fell in love with magazines as soon as I could start paging through them. My parents had a lot of magazines in the house. I always knew I would have my own magazine. I started buying the British, American, and Italian Vogue in the 70’s as a little girl. I drove my mom mad. I eventually ran out of storage space and donated them to a fashion school. I had an insatiable desire for content from travel to photography, news, beauty, fashion.

Why ‘Dossier’?

Dossier is one of the few words that mean the same in every language- a file/document. I wanted to publish a beauty file, fashion file, travel file. Since I started the magazine 17 years ago, the name has been stolen. I came up with the name more than 20 years ago in a conversation with my mom in a hotel in Fez.

How often do you create a printed version and how do you get your hands on one?

We have weekly content on our site and print an annual. 2020 was the first year we could not print, for obvious reasons, but will pursue it again this year. We distribute through our social media platforms.

What were you doing before?

I have been a photographer since 1986. I was a commercial photographer in SA, but I could not see myself carrying equipment around for the rest of my life. I ran a big studio with staff, catering to clients for breakfast and lunches, had difficult advertising clients. I was a single mom of two boys, working late every night, most weekends. Then everyone bought digital cameras and became a photographer, undercutting each other.  I was burning out, so I thought I would rather do so while following my own dream. For the first few years of the publication, I still worked as a photographer.

What gets you up in the morning?

We have five dogs, so that definitely wakes us up.  I have a husband who makes me a latte before I get out of bed, while I check emails and social media, that’s worth waking up for.  Making travel plans for Dossier keeps me motivated, as long as there is a trip on the horizon, I am happy.

Do you have an international following?

A third of my readership is South African, the rest is from anywhere from Mexico to Thailand, Wales to New Zealand. Being digital means no borders.

Favourite photographer?

This is a very tough one, but if I had to choose one right now it would be Eugenio Recuenco, I love his sets, his quirkiness. In the past, Nick Knight and Javier Valhonrat inspired me. I also love Txema Yeste’s work.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspired by everything, a flower, a movie, a song, my husband. Inspiration is easy for me to come by. It is everywhere.

An object you would never part with.

My Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso watch my mom bought me, and her engagement ring.

The biggest female influence in your life

My mother was an incredible woman. She was an intrepid traveller, going to places way before it became tourist attractions. We were incredibly close, we did everything together. We both loved books, movies, hotels, cafés. I was truly blessed to have a mother that was intellectual yet loving, supportive. She sent me Au Pairing in Paris straight out of school at 17. She had vision. I was blessed to have a woman for her depth and character in my life.

In my suitcase, I packed..

I usually pack at the last minute, I have been travelling for so many years, I have managed to streamline the process. I decided long ago to keep things simple. I do like to have a special fragrance for each trip, as that reminds me of the destination.

Where would you like to go next?

I recently remarried, and I want to take my husband to all my favourite destinations like Morocco, Mozambique, Seychelles, Paris, Tokyo, and Buenos Aires. I can never get enough of the African bush.  I would really like to travel to Stockholm and Copenhagen. Cambodia is also on the list.

Favourite colour?

Electric blue. I sometimes paint, but only in blue.

Your favourite website

The Impression. One needs to subscribe though, but it is worth it if you want to stay informed on fashion and brands.

A recent “find” or brand

It might not be new but I love Memo Fragrances. There is a South African brand called Africology, which I can highly recommend, it is made with great love and passion and smells like heaven. africologyspa.com

If you were to buy a magazine subscription which one would it be?

I like Cereal Magazine, simple and clean. A South African food magazine/book that is special is Jan The Journal. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has a Michelin star restaurant in Nice, and busy launching new restaurant at a lodge in South Africa too. For everyday inspiration, one cannot go wrong with Porter.

If you weren’t doing what you do

Every now and then I get this urge to do something “meaningful” – I once ran a pre-school for little kids from disadvantaged homes, I wanted to open an orphanage for babies born with HIV, was accredited and ready to start. But I realised lately that jobs are meaningful, and by me promoting hotels, brands, restaurants, destinations – that I am promoting jobs.  And that has meaning.

In your fridge, you’ll always find

Currently, South Africa is in a lockdown with alcohol being banned. It is crazy. But normally, if I have my coffee in the morning, and a glass of wine at night, I am pretty content. So in normal times, I would say a bottle of South African bubbly is a must.

The beauty staple you’ll never without

Sunblock. I use Dermaceutic as it is tinted and it has active ingredients as well.

Favourite Hotel

This is terribly hard to answer! But any hotel by the Aman Group always makes me feel good to be alive. There are incredible lodges in South Africa, such as The Singita group. I just adore a hotel. From the Ritz in Paris to a Riad in Fez… I just love a hotel!

Print or digital

Nothing is as gorgeous as a paper magazine. But to reach many, digital has been very good to us.

What are your plans for Dossier?

It has always been the plan to build a Dossier Photographic Museum in South Africa. We have interesting photographers, rich history, and a huge interest in the medium. I will keep on pursuing it, but at the moment our economy is at an all-time low.

 We would also like to add e-commerce to our site as there are stunning things being created in South Africa.

www.dossiermag.net

What’s your birth sign?

Pisces

What’s your connection with Italy

I’ve always been fascinated by Italy. Perhaps it’s because growing up in Australia our neighbours were an elderly couple from Sicily. I was captivated by them and their way of life. They grew all their own vegetables, made their own wine, and invited us over for 7 course Italian feasts! I’ve loved Italy ever since.

When and how did you decide to start up Lois Avery?

The idea for Lois Avery came to me one day in October 2015 whilst I was in the bath.  But I think Lois Avery was actually born out of many, many, years of dreaming of escaping my career as a lawyer for a happier path.

Following my ‘light bulb’ moment I gave myself 12 months to launch, and one of my first steps was to enroll in a number of London College of Fashion short courses, which I attended on weekends whilst I kept my legal career going.

What was the first scarf you started with?

Lois Avery launched with 12 scarves, but the very first scarf I worked on was the Leopard Print in Bengal Kitten (currently sold out). The process for designing this scarf was an amazing experience. I was determined to create the perfect leopard print. My friend, had a gorgeous Bengal kitten called Mya and I worked with a mill to replicate that stunning coat on a cashmere shawl. I was very emotional when the first sample arrived.

How do you decide on the colours?

I follow my instincts. When I look at colour swatches and samples I need to feel something. If I don’t get that feeling of excitement, then it's not good enough for Lois Avery. I remember the first time I saw the samples for our Sea colour. My heart just about leapt out of my chest. I saw my husband and my children's eyes in that colour and I knew it was right. It's been our bestselling scarf of all time!

What’s been your most popular item during lockdown?

The Italian Days cashmere scarf in Sea continues to be my bestselling scarf, but the brand new Stripe scarf in Mixed Pink is definitely having a moment right now!

Where in Italy do the scarves come from?

The scarves are woven in the North of Italy by family-run mills.

How are they made?

All Lois Avery scarves are woven on mechanical looms that are operated by skilled craftspeople.

How quickly do you re-stock, some of your items are so popular they’re often sold out?

The time for re-stocking sold out scarves can vary and all depends on the availability of the yarn.  The mills have worked super hard during lockdown to make our products available, but I know they have had it tough.

What makes Lois Avery unique?

Lois Avery has a magnificent product, but that’s just the start of the story. What makes us truly unique is the way we serve our customers and tell our story. This gives Lois Avery such a deep foundation and tremendously loyal customers.

Are all of the scarves as soft as each other or does the colour affect the softness?

All Lois Avery scarves are incredibly soft. How they handle is not impacted by the colour of the yarn, but by the weave and finish. For example, the Italian Days scarves have an open weave and a soft and fluffy finish, whereas the Classic scarves have a tighter weave and a smooth finish.

An object you would never part with

A beautiful bracelet that I inherited from my Grandmother.  I’ve explained why it is so special to me on my website.

The last meal that truly impressed you               

My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Petersham Nurseries at the end of summer. I always feel like I’ve been on holiday when I lunch there, from the fabulous Italian food and wine to the atmospheric greenhouse, it’s always wonderful.

The biggest female influence in your life

My Mum.

An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to in the past year

Savoca. It’s a beautiful mountain village on the east coast of Sicily where The Godfather was filmed.

If you could choose only one scarf from your collection which one would it be?

I hate to pick favourites, and I do change my mind depending on my mood and the season, but I do wear the Classic in Slate more than any other scarf that I own!

How do you celebrate your birthday?

My birthdays are usually pretty low key. I make an Italian meal at home with as many family members that are in the UK as possible and source an indulgent bottle of wine. Milestone birthdays are celebrated in Italy with my parents and brothers. There is usually a dozen or so of us in a big house having the time of our lives.

Where would you like to go next?

I almost made it to Pantelleria earlier in the year, but Covid put a stop to that. When things calm down I will try again!

What are you dreaming of?

That’s easy: I’m dreaming of seeing all my family in Australia again.

Your favourite website

I love Elizabeth Minchilli’s website and blog. I don’t know how I would have coped with lockdown without her wonderful recipes and insight into her dreamy life in Rome and rural Umbria.

https://www.elizabethminchilli.com/

What’s in your future plans for Lois Avery

I would love to continue to grow Lois Avery, I have no plans to expand beyond cashmere scarves. This is my focus and I think it’s so important to have a niche and be an expert in your field.

A recent “find”

Passito! It’s a rich and syrupy pudding wine (straw wine) from Pantelleria in Italy and it’s the perfect way to end a meal at this time of year. You can find it at some branches of Lidl and online.

The beauty staple I’m never without

I’m so low maintenance when it comes to beauty, but I’m pretty happy with Vaseline lip balm in ‘Rosy Lips’, Chanel nail polish in the colour “Expression” and a squirt of Narciso Rodriguez For Her!

Favourite Italian food

It’s hard to beat a bowl of classic spaghetti vongole, especially if you are eating it with your feet in some Italian sand.

Favourite Hotel

For over the top once-in-a-lifetime indulgence there is nowhere that compares with Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda.

www.loisavery.com