Kate is 30 and lives in a Victorian tenement flat in Glasgow with her husband Jordan and two cats, Mouse and Babyman.

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day?

I’m quite a morning person so I usually wake around 7am and get up to make a coffee. I’ll check emails and the news on my phone and have a scroll of social media. After we hit 10k steps (two laps of our local park!), we’ll head home and make a smoothie for breakfast and then I’ll shower and start my day.

Deia rattan daybed, Venice Beach House

What does a typical day involve?

I work from home, so my typical day involves some laptop time and some creative time – I will shoot photos for the blog, film IGTVs, reshuffle rooms and create content, and then I’ll sit down and edit photos, write up blog posts, reply to emails and messages, and chat to my agents.
I don’t tend to have a typical day, I feel like I work better with a loose sort of routine. I typically work from 10-6 each day, but sometimes I’ll do an hour in the evening if I feel like I haven’t been entirely productive that day. I break for lunch at around 1 or 2, usually I’ll have a falafel wrap or some soup and toast, and then it’s back to work.

Sometimes my husband will be home with me, he owns a specialty coffee shop but he also helps me with creating content on the days the shop isn’t open. A few times a week I’ll have a catch up with my agents or a video chat with a brand I’m working with, so my work really varies week to week but it’s generally pretty much the same!

How did you adjust to lockdown life?

I actually found it manageable at first – my life didn’t change too much as I’ve always worked from home, but usually I’d travel a few times per month, either to London for meetings or on press trips with brands.

Jordan had to shut the coffee shop so he was home and we managed to find a really good groove with creating content – I actually miss having him around so much!

What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Keep going! Perseverance is so important when you’re starting out – there will be so many hurdles that will make you want to quit it all, but one day you’ll reach a point where you can look back and appreciate your journey.

Homeware shops and market recommendations?

I love interesting pieces and I’m especially inspired by Balinese and Moroccan interiors. Small indie homeware shops are my favourite, they always have something a bit different from artisans around the world. I find a lot of my homeware shops from Instagram (like Venice Beach House!) – We Are Nomads, La Basketry and Lillian Daph always have beautiful homewares landing all the time.

Favourite homeware piece?

Anything rattan! I just can’t get enough of it!

Your last adventure and your next?

We went to Morocco for the first time last February which was incredible, I loved it so much! I felt so inspired while we were there, all those beautiful riads – the tiles, the colours. What a place!

Current favourite song, book and film?

Song: Run – Pronoun

Book: The Most Fun We Ever Had – Claire Lombardo

Film: Where The Heart Is

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow?

 @jnaydaily – Janea is one of my favourite interiors account, I love her style and her personality is magnetic!
@reserve_home – Mallory’s interiors are incredible!

@velvetcoke – all the 90s nostalgia you’ll ever need.

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

It’s tricky but I do always try to keep the weekends for myself! I sometimes won’t even post on Instagram during the weekends, it’s my time to enjoy myself and have some time away from social media.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

I love cooking so I always shut my laptop and then start to prep dinner. Sometimes after dinner we’ll go for a walk or do a bit of DIY around the flat, and then we’ll settle on the sofa with a G&T and watch a film. I always light a candle and put my phone away for maximum relaxation – heavenly!

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Elvis studied at St Martins, then working in advertising and design. Eventually finding herself with a growing textile business. After developing complications from swine flu, she wasn’t able to manage the growing workload. ‘I thought I’d make smaller textile pieces, so began making ceramics as props for them. To my surprise and eternal delight, the ceramics took off and I was faced with the task of learning on the job’. She quickly grew an unexpected almost accidental business. Many of her original clients from her textile career now collect her ceramics, along with fashion designers, stylists, chefs, prop houses and all manner of people who love handmade. Elvis is 51 years old and lives in a 17^thcentury cobb cottage in rural Dorset with her 13 year old daughter Tallulah and their accident prone cat, Granville.

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day? 

My day starts around 6.15, when I check the news, drink decaf black coffee, feed Granville and check on the garden and birds (in warmer seasons). Once Tallulah’s at school, invariably I go for a quick walk in nature.

My all-time favourite walk is in a white mist with stiff, frozen ground – drifting around aimlessly with dopey pheasants, feeling as if I’m in a cloud. I’ll wear boiler suits, boots, scarves etc. I often gather natural treasure along the way – my home is very full of twigs.I then meet up with friends for a morning coffee, chewing the cud and giggles. I can find too much socialising quite tiring, so morning coffee is easier than parties and bars.

A short 20-30min yoga practice, to keep myself moving and healing. I change outfit again to whatever whim takes my fancy… I often wear cream and white. I love vintage and Japanese clothes, for modern clothes I often buy from Cos and am currently dreaming of a white jumpsuit from Monica Cordera. I’ll put on a perfume from Haeckel, as I like unisex scents. Their connection to the local landscape appeals to me – my current favourite is Reculver.

Work varies a lot – I may be in a making cycle, very meditative and in a flow. I’ll burn incense, listen to music, podcasts or audio books.Another day might be measuring, packing & posting. I can spend a lot of time helping people with orders or choosing pieces for shoots, gifts for family, restaurants etc. Getting to know the people I work with and giving them that focus and time is so rewarding.Photography is a fun part of what I do… I enjoy watching where the light falls all around my house. I know what time it will hit certain spots, then I pop pieces there and wait, contorting myself to get the right angle, moving furniture etc. The light moves fast, so I click away on my iPhone and upload straight to Instagram. I don’t use filters, I simply shoot and post, showing my work as honestly and simply as possible.

How have you adjusted to the lockdown and the current situation?

I’m used to being home, quietly doing my thing, which feels like a privilege just now, particularly as I have friends in the NHS.My health condition means I isolated early and like most people, have had moments of anxiety, particularly as my issues stem from swine flu. A slow, ongoing recovery from that has taught me enormous gratitude, which I feel every day.Work wise, I feel good. I’ve beautiful connections with other makers and people I’ve collaborated with, so I watch talented people supporting each other right now, which makes me happy – I choose to look for positives at such a difficult time.

What does a typical day involve? 

I like to work in the kitchen and use the house as a giant mood board. I stick pictures anywhere I fancy and make odd shapes as glaze samples, which I hang on the walls alongside foliage, photos, glittery pasta necklaces, jewellery, corn dollies etc. The atmosphere of my home feeds into my work, so work and personal life are seamless and flow comfortably in and out of each other. Sometimes I get up at 5am to excitedly get the kiln open… I examine minute details, informing how I want the next batch to go. It’s always a thrill to open the kiln. Even if I’m turning over numerous big orders with a lot of repetition, every piece I make is nevertheless different and I include small experiments with each firing. I work within a small palette, so the changes are subtle, but this helps me with memory problems. I believe in patiently and positively overcoming. Quiet determination has brought me through a long health/recovery journey and a new career direction. 

I don’t have a set routine, but I tend to do errands and socialising in the mornings, giving me a long, uninterrupted afternoon and evening to focus. I’ve a terrible weakness for strong, green & blacks hot chocolate in winter, but otherwise I eat lots of homemade soups and quick salads. Instagram is a big part of my business and another thing I had to learn on the hoof. I’m a small account on there, but can find it incredibly time-consuming, so I tend to post in the evenings, then reply a day or so later, so I can do it in one swoop. I take regular breaks from it and don’t post daily or indeed too heavily. This makes work manageable for me and I don’t want to be worried about numbers, just steadily focused on making my work better.

What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Even if you’re not outwardly confident, believe in yourself and be your own best friend. So, whatever you’d tell your best friend – if you’d support them and encourage them, do it for yourself too. Particularly when things go wrong, because the real world definitely isn’t perfect – so believing in yourself is important. It has to work for you, whether it’s juggling around children or all-consuming and huge – you’re the one steering. And trust your gut – you know what you do better than anyone else.

Homeware shops and market recommendations?

Current favourite monthly market is in Frome in Somerset

All time favourite clothes shop is ‘Egg’ on Kinnerton St, London

Homewares are almost always vintage and antique for me, but Igigi Homewares in Hove is quite lovely

Favourite market find? 

If I had to choose just one… a life-sized plaster cows head from Portobello Market. It’s barely got any horns left as it has moved with me so many times, but it’s like an old friend and I love it.

Your last adventure and your next?

Last adventure was cove hopping in southern Cyprus. I love sea swimming and sunshine in October gives me a boost to get through the winter. I like to spend summers paddle boarding, being on beaches and sitting in fields of corn. I hope this year we’ll still be doing all that, but more locally due to cv19.As travel may be limited for a while… we have a piece of derelict land that’s wild and totally out of control. I’d like to get that sorted and do something with it. Beyond that though, southern Italy is calling.

Current favourite song, book and film?

Songs – Simple Jayne (with blackbirds) by Jeanes & Me in 20 Years by Moses Sumney

Currently reading – Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, by Lindy West

Film – rather than film, I have to choose the TV series Unorthodox on Netflix – so good.

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow? 

Instagram is one of my favourite places and I’m always grateful for the inspiration, support and community on there. I could list so many, but a sensible(ish) selection would be; @pottershousemallorca, @monicacorderaofficial, @monogiraud, @emma_louise_sophia, @thefuturekept and @joannamaclennanphotography and @plumesandfeathers, who included me in their wonderfully inspiring interiors book The Foraged Home.

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

I don’t give myself a hard time about work/life balance. Working from home is definitely challenging and work is demanding, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, closely followed by wedding season, but it also gives me great flexibility to always be around for my daughter. I work mostly around her timings and have the luxury of being able to work whilst I’m in front of a roaring log fire in winter, or in the garden in summer. If I work till 10pm in front of the TV… it’s not a terrible hardship!

How do you wind down at the end of the day? 

I love meeting friends for endless hazy beach days that drift into evening bbq’s – sunshine, families, healthy food and laughter. I’m also happy to sit in front of the log burner with incense or the diffuser on, a glass of wine, a big thick snugly blanket and cuddles in front of the TV, reading or board games suit me just fine.

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How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day? 

My alarm goes off at around 7:30 am. I typically put on a pot of coffee and relax in my quiet corner which is located downstairs in my pink chaise. I love the way the natural light comes in through my windows in the morning, so peaceful and inspiring. Read my Word, and journal what is speaking to me. I typically make breakfast, which is usually something simple but yummy like eggs and salsa or avocado toast, and then I’ll throw on a jumpsuit or rocker T with a great pair of black jeans. You can always find me wearing my turquoise engagement rings and my brass bangles from Morocco! Then I will commute to my new office space, which is located in Uptown Greenville and get my booty to work! 

How have you adjusted to quarantine life and everything that is going on at the moment?

Adjusting to quarantine life hasn’t been easy, but just like everyone else, I am making the best out of all of this uncertainty. I had just started commuting from my home to my new office space for only about a month when everything started to go into lockdown due to the Corona virus. Now, I’m back working in my home office and I miss my new space. I’ll drop by the office from time to time to check on things though, which leaves room for excitement about my future endeavors once all of this is over! Some specific aspects of my daily routine and the design process haven’t changed. For instance, I have a lot of clients whom I already virtually design and style because they either live across the country or even on a different side of the world, so adapting to running a 100% digital business hasn’t been too difficult. However, with that being said, a lot of my design process is hands on and in-person. I find quarantine especially hard when I am working with my interior design clients who are either building or remodeling a space locally, or with my styling and photography clients who have scheduled and paid to fly me out to their locations prior to the virus and have now have had to either postpone or cancel their project all together.   

What does a typical day involve?  

No two days look the same for me! I am constantly running around and on my feet completing errands, pick-ups and drop offs for my clients, or having a photography shoot for a collaboration. Sometimes you’ll find me glued to my computer editing photos from a past session or doing more creative work like crafting up mood boards and picking out furniture or other interior selections for a client’s home, other times I’ll be busy all day working remotely with clients over FaceTime doing consultation calls! 

As I mentioned, I have a new office space that I had been renovating before the virus came into play, for myself and team members which consists of my amazing design assistant and wonderful new interns. Depending on what stage I am at with each of my clients will usually help me to predict my daily tasks. Whether that may be creating mood boards, spreadsheets, FaceTime consultation calls, Instagram collaborations, etc. I’ve reallybeen into doing my work with 1940’s French jazz music playing recently. I love having it on in the background of my thoughts and design processes. 

No lunch for me is typical (haha!) and neither is the time I eat it! I love to shake up my pallet so it could be Mexican soup one day, a really good café salad from a place across the street from my new office space, or even a classic chicken salad lettuce wrap I bring from home. Sometimes I’ll go out and meet my hubby for lunch or he’ll swing by the office and eat lunch with me and my team. 

I have meetings with different design clients or styling for photography clients almost daily and I have a design assistant who helps maintain the admin work and assists me with my calls and client mood boards. I typically have around three or four social media collaborations going on at one time so I try and make sure I am staying up to date with what’s going on via Instagram and I love giving my followers a look into my daily office space life via Instagram story when I can. A lot of times I will have clients even create their own Pinterest mood boards for their dream space so I can already begin to get a visual idea of what they’re looking for. I really enjoy scrolling through Pinterest and even Instagram for inspiration. 

I usually close up shop around 5pm when my husband also is getting off work so we can make or grab dinner together! 

What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs?

It’s never too early to start working on your dream job. Start now. It doesn’t have to look or flow perfectly right away but stay consistent with your drive and work ethic and everything else will eventually fall into place. Females should know that they can never work too hard, or too early, towards their dreams. 

Homeware shops and market recommendations?

Threve Mercantile 

Canary Lane 

Puces de Vanves (which is a flea market in the south of Paris)

Etsy

Favourite market find? 

My large French gold mirror!

Your last adventure and your next?

My last adventure was spent in New York City! I was styling and photographing spaces in Brooklyn and in the Lower West Side. My next adventure is scheduled to be in Morocco, where I will be shooting and working on my new book!

Current favourite song, book and film?

I currently love The Difference by Flume, it’s really lifting my spirits while I’m working around the house! My favorite book would have to be The Bible, it’s something I can lean on constantly for wisdom! My favorite film would have to be the last one I watched, which was Peanut Butter Falcon, starring Shia LaBeouf!

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow? 

@hollywoodathome

@francoishalard

@sfgirlbybay

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

I think maintaining work/life balance is everything. I really try to “unplug” from work once I am home at 5pm with my hubby and two kitties, Ariel and Buddy. Having intentional face-to-face time with your loved ones and pets is sooooo important. In order to assure that happens though, it does mean that when I am at the office I am on my grind and knocking things off my to-do checklists (I am a BIG list gal)! I work really hard during the day and spend my time both wisely and intentionally. I do this so I can feel content, relaxed and at-ease when I close up shop and go home at the end of each day.

How do you wind down at the end of the day? 

I wind down each day a little bit differently, but I mainly enjoy cooking with my husband in the evenings! It’s very relaxing and inspiring to cook and play music (with lamp light) with someone you love.  I also love relaxing with my kitties at night, very therapeutic if you ask me! Finally, I try to straighten up the house for the next day so I wake up more peaceful!

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Sera is 56 and has lived in an apartment in Little Venice for 5 years with her Photojournalist boyfriend Martin. In a Stuccoed building built in 1850, it is here where the real magic happens. As she says herself, it feels like she’s ‘living in a candle lit dream’. Her home and studio reflect her personality, fully embodying the old romantic Hollywood glamour of Sera. Her indoor garden, oversized terracotta planters, layers of dreamy ‘house gown curtains’ and to top it all off an enormous disco ball. She removed most of the walls and doors making it one big flowing space complete with high ceilings and original features. With open fires in every room, we couldn’t think of anywhere better to self-isolate right now.  We spent the day with Sera to see how she stays inspired, where she buys her antiques and how she winds down at the end of a creative day.  Whilst self-isolating, Sera has dedicated her time to making her Rude lampshades, Foxy cushions and face masks- the proceeds of which go towards providing NHS staff with meals.

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day? What does a typical day involve?

I don’t have a routine and no day is typical. I’m certainly not an early bird. 

When I’m working on a design project and need to go onsite or must venture out to a flea market to find pieces for a project, the following is a routine of sorts. 

I’ll make a quick cup of instant coffee, if I’m in a smoking phase, I’ll smoke a cigarette then get dressed in a vintage something or other. Put on a red lipstick and a hat with a wide or wonky brim, pull on my fake fur and platform star boots and I’m out the door. I have a collection of 1970’s sunglasses of which I wouldn’t be seen dead without.

How have you adjusted to quarantine life and everything that is going on at the moment?

I am a very lucky person.  I work from home and have a hermit streak in me so isolation comes as no stranger.   

What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs.  If you have a passion and can make a living out of it, you are very fortunate. I have always worked since the age of 15. I worked in Fiorucci in 1978. I was passionate about clothes, looks and helping people to look great so being a sales assistant wasn’t just a job, it was a passion. And I was good at it. If you are passionate about something and you work hard at it, it’s very difficult to fail.  

Homeware shops and market recommendations?

I love Alfie’s Market. It’s local and has an assortment of all antiques and vintage furnishings. Lighting and clothes all at modest prices.

Your last adventure and your next?

My last adventure was my daughter wedding last summer.  It was The best adventure I ever had.  Letting go was really hard.  But to see her blossom is such a high. My next adventure is to travel the world with my BF Martin Pope. We have a ‘List to do’ book on everywhere and everything we want to do together. Ticking it off as we go along.

Current favourite song, book and film?

Song….any work by the composer Burt Bacharach. 

I’m reading Sarah Bernhardt, My Double Life.   

Favourite film, American Hustle. 

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow? 

@thegoddessspace ( my daughter ) 

@lianlunson ( A Maverick film maker ) 

@crimson_letters ( stationery ) 

@serasestra ( my hand made curtains) 

@michellekellypod ( the lady who did my daughter’s wedding ) 

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

I maintain my life. It’s all part of the same thing. Passion is family is Love is Work Is Friends.   

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

I wind down by lighting candles. Burning incense, listening to music. Being a Soux chef to Martin’s incredible cooking. Watching interesting films or documentaries.   Listening to Martin and telling me and Me telling Him how much we love eachother.  

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Not only has Pearl just launched a new collection for her womenswear brand, vintage inspired dresses handmade by local seamstresses in Somerset. She has been working on a book, ‘Faded Glamour’, giving us a sneak-peek inside her stunning Georgian home along with the homes of her creative friends. It is the ultimate interior inspiration book. She’s even launched a wallpaper collection with Woodchip & Magnolia and there’s even talks of her own candle range. Is there anything this woman can’t do? We stepped a day in the life of Pearl to see how she juggles her various businesses and how she calms her busy mind at the end of a long day.

Pearl is 49 and has lived in a rambling Georgian house in Frome, Somerset for almost 3 years. She lives with her husband Danny, three of her four children Alfie, Frankie & Betty plus their two dogs Angie & Debbie.

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day? 

Our alarm goes off at 7.30am and we get our youngest daughter Betty up for school. After she’s had breakfast, I drop her off and then I go to our local swimming pool for a swim & steam. Then I go back to my studio to work. If I have meetings in London, then I catch the 10am train. I always wear a butterfly necklace that my best friend Zoe bought me from Annina Vogel. I also now only wear the dresses I design for my own brand. Simply because they work for my body shape.

What does a typical day involve? 

My life is very varied, it changes constantly. I do have a studio, where I work with my assistant. That usually involves choosing fabrics, meeting our seamstresses, updating the website. I don’t eat breakfast, but we often go to the local Poke cafe called Nook, which is delicious and healthy. I like working in silence. I think this is because my brain is so busy.

What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs? 

Listen to your gut. If you have an idea, do not let anybody sway you. Keep going, even when it seems challenging or when the odds seem against you. Often when I want to give up, something wonderful happens that makes it all seem worthwhile.

Homeware shops and market recommendations? 

I love antiques, so I buy a lot of stuff on eBay, Etsy, The Hoarde & Decorative Collective.

Favourite market find? 

I have so many. Recently, I picked up a wonderful portrait for my husband’s birthday, which was painted in the painter’s own blood.

Your last adventure and your next? 

I recently went to Ibiza with my best friend and my husband, which was so much fun. I’m about to go to Los Angeles with my daughter Daisy for work.

Current favourite song, book and film?

I’m obsessed with Nick Cave’s ‘Spinning song’. My favourite book that I’ve read was Inheritance by Dani Shapiro, it was completely gripping. My favourite film I’ve seen recently was Blinded by the light. Such a great story.

Any inspiring Instagram accounts us to follow?

I love following interior designers & antique dealers on Instagram, I love Mad about the house, Ben Pentreath & Three Angels in Brighton & Dighaushizzle

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business ? 

Swimming really helps, it’s my meditation. I try and get 8 hours sleep every night, otherwise I’m quite useless the next day. I try and switch off my phone at 6pm to spend time with my husband and kids.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

If we go out, it’s usually to a friends for supper or we go to a local restaurant. In Autumn we love being curled up on the sofa in front of the fire watching a great movie or box set. I will always have a Dyptique candle lit and a fresh ginger tea. I’m not that into cooking, so my husband who is, will often cook something wonderful for us all.

All photography is by Amy Neunsinger from Pearl’s new book ‘Faded Glamour’ which is available to purchase online

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How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day?

My Alarm goes off at 6:20 every morning, but I probably don’t actually get out of bed until 6:45. I turn on the Rocket Apartamento Espresso machine and wait for it to warm up. Put big warm socks on, kiss my husband 102 times and brush my teeth. I work out every morning at 7 or 8, so I get straight into workout clothes. I drink my coffee and try not to check emails or look at my phone too much before my workout so I can have a little time to myself. I love huge sweaters in the morning on the way to workout and really love that time of day to kick start my energy.  

What does a typical work day involve?

After I workout and shower, I like to make breakfast quickly at home – Avocado toast usually or eggs. My commute is about 15 minutes away from my house and I sometimes  make a quick stop at Erewhon to pick up a salad for lunch. I always listen to the Goop Podcast, I dabble in a few murder mystery podcasts, KCRW or sometimes a little Tony Robbins in doses. I get to work at ten, and dive straight in. Emails, meetings, fittings, designing, research, photoshoots, etc. I don’t take lunch breaks, I just eat at my desk, which I’m sure isn’t healthy but my zen time is my morning workout.

I always have our SONOS on, and as nerdy as it sounds, I listen to jazz all day. Sometimes i’ll put on classic blues, but jazz just makes me feel good. I don’t think the other girls in the office agree always. But it’s nice to have soothing music for me to work. Later in the day well put on a good Pandora station to bring the energy up! I finish work out 6.30/7 depending on the day and love to go home to make dinner with my husband. I work a lot on my interiors clients at night when I get home. My brain is very active and I really love working at home so sometimes I get most of my work done late at night. It’s probably why I have a hard time sleeping sometimes!

What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs? Any tips for keeping a clear head and a zen workspace?

We’re all girls at the office, and I’ve had really large teams in my career and really small teams. It’s always important to communicate and support each other to keep the energy positive in the workspace. If any of us are not getting along you can cut the tension with a knife, so we really try to keep it positive at work. We put out soooo many fires all day everyday, that sometimes things bring you down and it’s good to have a support system. I also strongly encourage windows. I always have to have an office with a lot of natural light, it makes me happy. I find that this day in age with all the social media we put so much pressure on ourselves to have everything because it looks like everyone else has everything. Something I am trying to teach myself is to slow down and be happy with the things you have.

Your last adventure and your next?

My last adventure was probably my wedding in Australia in March. We did a week long event showing everyone around Sydney and ended it with the best day of my life. Next up is our honeymoon in Portugal and Mallorca in September, I can’t wait. I am obsessed with interiors and blue and white, so I can’t wait to visit all the markets.

Current favourite song, book and film?

Song- Seabird by Alessi Brothers. Book- I am re-reading Anthony Bourdain’s book. Film- A Bigger Splash

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow?

This is hard I follow a lot of inspiring people! @whiteflowerfarmhouse, @stone_cold_fox, @the_foxalow, @businessandpleasure_co, @yoliandotis, @archdigest, @all.sorts.of, @sproutedkitchen @leanneford

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

I wish I knew a better way to maintain it, I’m still learning every day. It’s really hard, but also so rewarding. I make sure I am home with my husband at night and enjoy him, and I make sure I see my girlfriends and have wild nights with them too. But I really love being at home early in the week to feel settled and catch up and have my head really clear. The older I get, the harder life gets, but you start to realize so many little things don’t matter and find a great balance in what works for you.

Favourite workout?

Boxing, hot sculpt yoga and spin. I switch off with all three of those every day of the week. I really need to work out to clear my head. I also love to get a hike in on weekends when possible to get outside for a great view. It’s a nice break from an intense gym.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

When I get home I love to cook, we make grilled salmon a lot and a big salad or soup. I love to have wine or a tequila on the rocks most nights. Just one when I get home. I try really hard to turn off electronics. I love mindless reality tv sometimes (guilty) and I love, love, love home improvement shows on HGTV. Sometimes i’ll have a date night with my husband, we love to sit at bars and chat about everything under the sun. I at least once or twice a week have dinner with my girlfriends and catch up on life, it always ends with one too many wines. When I renovated my house we had to take out the bath to build a big shower and now I really miss baths. I’m hoping this year I can put a vintage claw foot bathtub outside on my deck so I can enjoy them. I go to bed at 11pm. I light my lavender diffuser every night and drink a huge fresh lemon water before bed. My guilty pleasure is Honey Mamas peppermint chocolate!

Interiors: @thefoxalow

Brand: @stonecoldfox

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How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day?

I set my alarm at 6.45am and aim to do a Hotpod yoga class or go to the gym on weekdays (which doesn’t always work out!). I am lucky enough to be able to walk to the studio. I aim to get in between 7.45-9am (gym/yoga depending), sometimes 10 if I procrastinate at home! When I arrive in the studio I do a 20-minute meditation before anything else. Then I have a cup of black coffee, which is one of my favourite parts of the day. I stopped having breakfast about a year ago to do intermittent fasting (16 hour fast, 8 hour eating window). 

What does a typical work day involve?

I usually start with my emails and work out what I need to get done that day. I have a wall full of artists who inspire me in the studio. I love listening to podcasts, particularly when I am doing jobs like painting pots, which can be mundane and repetitive! I also love audiobooks (without a commute I have less time to read, but plenty of listening time in the studio). I also listen to Spotify, but sometimes I just work best in silence. Podcast recommendations – The High Low, Table Manners, Adam Buxton, Desert Island Discs, Happy Place, Talking Tastebuds. At the moment I have been making soup for lunch – I pretty much always bring in something I have made myself (I love cooking). If I haven’t I like to get a whole bag of brussel sprouts and have them with lots of marmite, or have a boiled egg and rye toast!

What keeps you motivated and where do you look to for inspiration? 

Whenever I am feeling uninspired I like to go and look at other artists’ work. I love going to exhibitions, it is what really fuels me to keep going. I am also really motivated by the community of artists around me. I sell some work through an online platform called Partnership Editions, which in turn has formed a really wonderful group of emerging artists. There is a real community feel with the Partnership Editionsartists, which is brilliant as there is often a feel in London that the idea of the community is disappearing.

Your biggest achievement so far? 

My last solo exhibition, ‘Stretch Marks’ at Noho Studios, London in December 2018.

Your last adventure?

I recently went to Thailand. I’ve never been to that area of the world before and I absolutely loved it. The people were so friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. We did a cooking course when we were there so I am currently attempting to cling onto the holiday as best as I can by cooking the local cuisine!

Here’s the tough one…If you could only listen to one song, read one book, watch one film and speak to one person for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

That is tough! My song would be ‘Let It Be’ The Beatles, a classic. My film would be Notting Hill, I have seen it hundreds of times but never tire of it. If I could only speak to one person it would be my boyfriend, Ned.

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow? 

@thegreatwomenartists @partnershipeditions @jessalynbrooks @feegreening @roseelectraharris @venuslibido @gurlstalk   

How do you maintain work/life balance as a freelancer?

I stick to a working week and aim to have weekends off. Most of my friends work 9-5 so this means I can see people at weekends. I think weekends are so important, to give your mind a rest before the next week. This isn’t always possible and I do find myself working weekends sometimes.  

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

I find cooking really relaxing and a great way to wind down after a long day in the studio. I go through different phases of one pot dinners like curries or soups, or lots of roasted veggies – I aim to cook these to have the next day for lunch in the studio. I love having a glass of wine at home but I try to refrain as much as I can in the week to avoid a foggy head the next day. I always plan to read and I love reading in bed, but more often than not after a long day I watch TV or whatever season I am into on Netflix. I go to bed around 10/10.30pm. 

Photography @evaschwank and @roguematilda

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Krista lives in Santa Monica in a two-bedroom apartment she has shared with her boyfriend, Justin for just under a year. ‘With lots of light and beautiful trees creating a cozy space on our balcony, our home kind of feels like a tree house- which I love. No pets, but I tend to attract neighbourhood cats, who I love very much.’ Lindsey has lived in West Los Angeles in a bright one bedroom apartment for just over two years. ‘I have a really cool retro blue fireplace and a balcony that backs up to a family of Eucalyptus trees that are home to tons of birds and squirrels who make me happy every day. I live by myself, if you don’t count the 15 different plants that call this place home as well!’

Could you start by introducing yourselves?

Lindsey: Hi Venice Beach House Community! We are Krista and Lindsey of the top-rated Almost 30 Podcast, which we founded when we were transitioning from our 20’s to our 30’s. It was a time of major life transitions and we figured we couldn’t be the only one’s experiencing the doubts and the fears and the excitement, so we wanted to invite others to listen in, contribute, and feel less alone and more empowered to own this time. We are both now in our 30’s–31 to be exact. But what we realized is that no matter what age you are, transitional times are inevitable. So we want to provide the inspiration, laughs, and community to help you get through any type of transition as the best version of YOU!

Lindsey (left) and Krista

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day?

Krista: While the sequence of my mornings changes regularly, I do start my day with two things no matter what. When I wake up, I lay in bed next to Justin and allow myself to feel the deep love and gratitude I have for him. With my hand over my heart, I’ll think about a few things I love most about him today, kiss him on the cheek, and then get up! Then I meditate. Meditation has completely changed my life. I’m able to see my thoughts instead of become my thoughts. What follows these two practices is usually a warm elixir or lemon water, a workout or light movement and stretching, and a gratitude practice-usually simple journaling.

Lindsey: I make sure to sleep with my phone outside of my bedroom. Lately, the sound of birds has been waking me up, which is a totally underrated alarm clock. I then get up and boil water for my special elixir. While that is slowly boiling, I will meditate to 432 hz music for 5-10 minutes. I make my elixir of Vital Proteins Collagen Coconut Creamer, Four Sigmatic Coffee, Laird Superfood creamer (yes I love my drinks creamy! and cinnamon. While drinking, I do a daily Tarot card pull and write down a few things I’m super grateful for today. All the while the birds are chirping and the sun is coming up. Mornings are so sacred to me. The morning practice serves as my anchor for the rest of the day.

What does a typical work day involve?

Krista: Every day is a little different here at Almost 30 HQ. Some days are for recording interviews and other content for the podcast, others are for events/speaking/networking, some days are strictly admin and others are strictly creative. We love scheduling in White Space days where we don’t have anything scheduled and allow the space for creative ideas to come through or to let our brains rest. When you own a business, it is really, REALLY hard to turn your brain off. But if you want to be in it for the long game and at your best, like we do, it is best to rest and recharge so that the new can generate and the old can be re-imagined.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Any tips for keeping a clear head and a zen workspace?

Lindsey:I’ll speak for both of us when I say that our work space is super important to us. We do energy clearings with sage and Palo Santo, bells, and 432 hz healing music on the regular. We have a lot of energy coming in and out of the office/studio. 

Your last adventure and your next? 

Krista: I recently went to Coachella- but did it adult style! I stayed in an actual bed, ate super healthy food, hydrated properly, slept 8+ hours every night, took my vitamins, enjoyed time with friends, and saw a bunch of incredible performances. Coachella is also where I fell in love with my boyfriend, Justin, 6 years ago!

Favourite book?

Krista: I just read Energy Medicine by Jill Blakeway and could not put it down. I’m currently studying reiki and this book has helped me to articulate energetics to people in my life who want to better understand. She bridges the gap between science and spirituality in a funny, insightful, and digestible way.

Lindsey: I love keeping the Big Leap by Gay Hendricks at my bedside for poignant reminders around my self-doubt and limiting beliefs. His anecdotes and straightforward explanation brings me back to presence and practice.

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow? 

Krista: @i_weigh – Jameela Jamil is my idol. For all things body positivity and anti-shame.

Lindsey: @geoffreywalk – he and his wife are the cutest people on planet earth. Their love is contagious and they’ve reminded me to find the joy in the smallest, most simple things.

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

Krista: We don’t like to romanticise balance. When you start and run a business, the reality is that your life becomes imbalanced. The business is your baby, which requires a lot of time and attention in order to grow. We do, though, commit to self-care practices so that we can show up for everyone in our lives, business and personal, as our best selves. Any time we feel out of whack, we make sure that we have satisfied our basic needs: restful sleep, hydration and nutritional nourishment. We are kind to ourselves when it all gets a little messy and we are sure to live and connect from a place of gratitude in every moment.

Favourite workout?

Krista: I’m loving megaformer pilates lately. The slow, focused movements, help me to be in my body and channel my energy to that specific muscle group. I feel really strong! 

Lindsey: I’ve been loving a really solid Hot Vinyasa lately. I’ve made an effort to slow down, stretch and breath more often. This workout is that, plus a super detoxifying sweat.

What’s next for the Almost 30 podcast?

Krista: SO MUCH! Where to begin? We just launched our Almost 30 Ambassador program, which is empowering women to create community where they are. We have 70 ambassadors all over the world! Join our “Secret Facebook Group” and then check to see if your city or region has a sub group to join! Your newest best friends are waiting for you.

Also, do you or someone you know want to start a podcast? We created Your Podcast Pro– a hub for all of your podcast needs. In addition to valuable downloadables to help you with everything from pitching brands to finding your voice, we will also be launching our next bundle of courses at the end of the summer! 

Lindsey: And we are currently on our 2019 world tour! Our intention is to connect with as many women in our community as possible through Live shows and 360 wellness workshops with some of our favorite podcast guests. ALERT THE MEDIA! We will be in London May 2nd-May 12th and are hosting 3 incredible events with 3 incredible women. Visit www.almost30podcast.com/tourfor more information! We would LOVE to meet you.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

Krista: I love spending time with my person, Justin. I can be wild and free, playful and messy, spontaneous and weird. Just ME. I make sure that I am as present as possible, which means no phone, no e-mails, and no judgement. My heart opens immediately and my nervous system calms quickly. It’s sacred time for us.

Lindsey:At the end of the day, I love to do any or all of the following: sing, cook a delicious dinner, watch a nature documentary, read, stretch, and take a sunset walk. I like to keep it simple and attainable. My body will tell me what I need. I’m smart enough now, at 31, to listen every time!

almost30podcast.com

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Both books take pride of place on our coffee table so we couldn’t be happier to spend the day with these two inspirational women. Nadia is 46 and has lived in an apartment in Primrose Hill for 5 years. She calls it her ‘little sanctuary, everyone comes over and I can’t get them to leave!’ Katia is 43 and has lived in a house in Hampstead for 10 years with her two kids, husband, dog and tortoise. Here’s a sneak peak into their typical day with some tips to keeping a happy and healthy mind and body.

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day?

Nadia: My alarm goes off at 6am. I like to have time in the morning, it sets my tone for the day. I do some morning gratitude and dreaming in my journal. Take my probiotics, hot water and lemon followed by a cup of tea. I meditate for 20 minutes daily. Then I either do a bit of yoga, walk or when it gets a bit warmer I go for a swim in the fresh water ponds.

I do wish I taught later sometimes, because I do like my mornings for me! Usually I wear a uniform to teach, leggings with a pair of baggy pants over them. I don’t like walking around in “active wear”, converse are a staple, plus a t-shirt and a cashmere jumper. I never take off my Loquet London and Tara Turner earrings. I try and walk everywhere but sometimes I have to jump on the tube, it’s fast and easy and I like looking at all the people.

Katia: Mornings are always quite rushed for me. I’m getting the kids ready for school and making packed lunch and breakfast so it’s always a bit nuts. I like to get the rush out of the way and drop them at school, then I come home, finish my tea in quiet and enjoy the stillness of my house. I slowly get ready, with my 5 seconds of cold water after my shower followed by a quick skin brush. If my husband hasn’t taken the dog for the day, I like to walk him in the woods and then I’m ready and my mind has reset.

Katia at Nectar Cafe in Triyoga, Camden

What does a typical work day involve?

Nadia: I teach from home, go to some people and teach 3 classes a week at a studio I’ve been teaching at for 20 years. I love listening to podcasts when I walk. I like Tim Ferriss, Insights at the edge, Super soul -Conversations with Oprah, Love stories with Dolly Alderton, Making sense with Sam Harris are a few. I normally try and eat before 2pm and finish teaching by late afternoon, although I do teach one evening a week.

Katia: I get to the café at 10am and usually leave at 3pm. As it’s only 5 hours I have an intense amount of work to do and usually very productive. If I’m cooking from home which I do a couple times a week for clients, I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Right now my audio book is ‘The Awakened Family by Shefali Tsabary and I just finished “Quiet” by Susan Caine which I loved. Podcasts I enjoy Oprah Soul Kitchen and Aubrey Marcus. Lunch consists of whatever I’m cooking for the day for work. I grab some and sit quietly for 10 minutes to eat, although at the café it’s a bit harder to get a break as lunch rush is always too busy.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Any tips for keeping a clear head and a zen workspace?

Nadia: Starting your own business is hard work. Neither of us knew what we were doing and had to learn the hard way. What we have both noticed is that up until writing the books together, we worked alone and it’s been really fun the last couple of years having each other to create and bounce ideas off.

If I don’t meditate or have an orderly home, I notice that I don’t feel motivated to get things done. That is really important to me, is to have order in my home to work. Sometimes being self employed is harder than having a “job”. You need to make sure you have strong boundaries with the phone and emails and not always working. But at the same time, when you start a business it’s hard work and you have to be committed.

Katia: I’ve only started to say no to jobs I don’t want to do even if that means I don’t make the money. I think it’s really important to have a clear vision of what you want your work to look like. I always said yes and would end up breaking my back.. so now I’m really clear of what my work looks like, it’s scary but I’m trying to have trust.

Your last adventure and your next?

Nadia: Katia and I just got back from NY and Poland when are second book ‘Rituals for Every Day’ was published. Both trips were super fun and it was nice to see our books well received in other places. We both have a little holiday for Easter separately and then more travels together in May and a retreat in June, where Katia will cook, I’ll teach yoga and we will incorporate a Self-care workshop into the week. It’s fun doing stuff together.

Katia: I’m currently in Ibiza and about to go on a 4 hour hike with the family. I love going to places I’ve never been and exploring.  Poland was amazing, it’s not often I go somewhere I’ve never been and I get a real buzz out of that.

Here’s the tough one…If you could only listen to one song, read one book, watch one film and speak to one person what would you choose?

Nadia: That is a crazy question and I can’t possibly answer it. Right now I’m listening to Neil Young, books, again not possible to answer, I read everyday and 2 books at a time. But right now I’m reading ‘How to change your mind’ – Michael Pollen and loving it. One film ………… Urghhhh not fair! I’m still one of the few people that still goes to the cinema! I can’t tell you one film but I am going to see Mid 90’s on Saturday night Jonah Hills new film. ONE PERSON !!! Now that I can answer Katia (at least 5 times a day )

Katia: I can’t answer that… There’s 5 people I would have to speak to. Nadia, my husband, and my kids everyday. Song:  gosh…. I think it would be “entertain us” Nirvana. Book: Our books, just kidding. I probably have read ‘The Prophet’ by kahil Gibran a hundred times. Movie, Breakfast club.

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow?

Nadia: I like Mystic Mamma

Katia: We_are_food she’s my favourite chef and makes me so hungry

The ladies in good company whilst editing their book

How do you maintain work/life balance whilst running your own business?

Nadia: Not always easy, but trying to get better at it. Not sure it’s ever an actual balance. Sometimes more of one and other times more of the other. I go through busy times and quieter times, When it’s busy I try and make sure I do the things I need to do to feel good in my day, eating well, bed early and taking care of myself. When it’s quieter, I go out a bit more, do fun things that don’t require quite so much discipline.

Katia: I really try not to take my stress home with me and I have learned to say NO to a lot. So I would say boundaries are super important and a good way to clear your mind.

Favourite workout?

Nadia: Yoga, walking and fresh water swimming

Katia: Same as Nadia but I also like a bit of ballet barre

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

Nadia: Last night I had a spontaneous party and dinner with a friend. We hadn’t seen each other for a while so we talked a lot and ate a lot. It was the perfect evening. Every night always ends with a bath with aromatherapy oils and bath salts, lots of (my) candles burning in the bathroom and living room plus a diffuser in the bedroom with lavender and roman chamomile. Early dinner and a good book before bed. Boring I know but nothing makes me happier than getting into bed by 10.30!

Katia: We like to sit as a family for dinner, something like a homemade kale pesto with pasta and salad. I usually go up with the boys at 8.30pm and once I’ve finished the bed time I like to soak in the tub with my aromatherapy associates bath oils and Nadia’s candles. My bed is always tidy from the morning so I dim the lights and put my aromatherapy diffuser on.. slip into bed with a hot water bottle and rub CBD cream on the back of my neck or soles of my feet. I might then watch an episode of something on Netflix on my laptop and be asleep by 10.30 at the latest. I keep a notebook by my bed for any ideas I have as I’m falling asleep or just waking.

Self Care for the Real World & Rituals for Everyday

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Photography by Delilah Olson © DATEAGLE ART 2018

How do you start your mornings and ease your way into the day?

I’m quite a late worker, so (deadline dependent) my mornings tend to start a little later. I’ll usually wake up and have a quick bath between checking emails, sorting out any pressing deliveries or errands and making lunch before starting to work. Lunch is generally something easy like mushrooms and tomatoes on toast with fruit to snack on later on. My flat is always freezing so I’m usually wearing head to toe knitwear (less chic than it sounds).

Photography by Delilah Olson © DATEAGLE ART 2018

What does a typical work day involve?

I would usually start after lunch by going through any of my inspirations or notes on the project and arranging direction reminders within eyeline (postcards, still life arrangements, books). I find scented candles and incense calming while I’m working. I much prefer working to the sound of conversation, so it’ll usually be podcasts or a series I’ve watched before, so it’s comforting without being distracting.

A surprising amount of my time is spent running around: to and from the post office, meeting clients or customers, dropping work to galleries, picking work back up, so I try and condense my ‘errand days’ into one where possible. My hours vary massively depending on the project, but I feel at my most productive early evening.

Photography by Delilah Olson © DATEAGLE ART 2018

What keeps you motivated and where do you look to for inspiration?

Stubbornness! For inspiration, I collect things a lot, both objects and digital bookmarking visual prompts, so I like to have altars and arrangements to spark imagination and keep me on track.

Edey and her ‘Repair’ Tapestry

Your biggest achievement so far?

I’m proud of the embroidery works and the chance to continue exploring materially. It really adds a dimension to the tapestries and it’s very soothing.

Your last adventure?

Most recent adventure was to Los Angeles & Palm Springs for a friend’s wedding. Palm Springs felt like a virtual reality set, pristine and surrounded by mountains. We spent the rest of the trip in Joshua Tree, visiting the national park, Salton Sea, Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain in the days. We stayed in an RV in the desert, with nights watching stars next to the campfire. It was hazy and otherwordly!

Charlotte’s own imagery from her recent trip to California

Here’s the tough one…If you could only listen to one song, read one book, watch one film and speak to one person for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

That’s completely impossible! I’m not a one anything person really, most of my taste is basically like tapas – a little bit of this and that. That said, I could probably watch Mad Men back to back for the rest of my life.

Edey in conversation with Juno Calypso at Flowers Gallery

Any inspiring Instagram accounts for us to follow?

I’ve gotten lost a few times in brrch_floral, thegreatwomenartists, sophiepinet, ishii_nobuo, head_on_ for jewellery & decorhardcore. I find Diego Cabezas feed completely dreamy too.

How do you maintain work/life balance as a freelancer?

I don’t think I have this successfully down yet. It’s lovely to have freelance friends who understand your schedule (and keep me company while I’m sewing!) but I do find it hard to set boundaries. It’s so often that work/life bleed into each other, particularly when you work from home. I’m getting better at giving myself time off between projects and I’m always grateful to be busy.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

Perfect switch-off would be early evening G&T in the bath with a book and then dinner with my boyfriend or friends.

A selection of Edey’s illustrations and tapestries can be purchased on our website

charlotteedey.com @edey_

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