Amanda Harrington is as unapologetic a boss babe as they come. Sunless tanning and body contour guru to the stars, Amanda Harrington has tanned some of the world’s biggest celebrities (including Jennifer Aniston and Dua Lipa to name a few) and worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest film franchises, before deciding to take a leap and start her own eponymous self-tanning business.
For Amanda, her mission is simple and that is to create a ‘one-stop shop for safe skin.’ She started her business three years ago and has since released several cult sunless tanning products that are not only effective, but also vegan and cruelty-free.
In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the sunless tanning queen herself and talk about the benefits of skin health and the importance of pre- and post-tanning regimens. We chat about her incredible career, the ‘Amanda Harrington technique’ and how she is transforming her client’s confidence one beautiful, glowing tan at a time.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start your own beauty business?
My name is Amanda and I am known for my sunless tanning body contouring technique. I have travelled the world applying my technique to lots of beautiful bodies on film, fashion, red carpets and on music tours. We have built a beautiful base of tan fans such as Jennifer Anniston, Dua Lipa, Sienna Miller, Cara Delevingne.
I started my career in London as a body artist working on photo shoots and film sets before I decided to go on tour with bands such as the Rolling Stones. I then moved onto movie sets for films like Bond and Tomb Raider, transforming the look and muscle tone of the body. This obsession and passion grew to the point wherein I thought how much I would love for more people to experience a streak-free, vegan and odour free way of applying self-tan at home. I wanted people to feel good and create a beautiful glow that didn’t look orange. That was really when I went into a lab to start formulating back in 2012.
Could you tell us about your mission to guarantee the most natural, long-lasting and safe means to tan, while offering a luxurious, uplifting and sensorial experience to your customers?
My mission is to create a one-stop shop for safe skin. Creating a hub designed to educate on the benefits of skin health, the importance of SPF and share the power of how transformational self-tan is to your mood and body confidence. It really can turn your day around in less than five minutes. People notice how well you look, and you certainly feel it.
I love getting feedback from customers about how they ‘can’t live without the face mist’ or body mousse. It’s just the best feeling to know I have helped a little way towards making that customer feel uplifted. This is what I love so much about working with clients, the result is magical.
What sets Amanda Harrington’s sunless tanning products apart from other tanning products in the market today?
I think two things. The first is that our products are applied with my brushes that are such a game changer in the market. Also, the products themselves (which took me forever to formulate) had never been created before, so we had to start from scratch which took years. I am so so happy with them, and 11 awards later, it seems so is everyone else.
They are vegan, alcohol free (an ingredient which most self-tan products contain), paraben and sulfate free. Most importantly, I use Hyaluronic, collagen and Aloe Vera in all the bases to offer the most hydrated tan which nourishes the skin. I love the tonal tanning tints in Natural Rose, Honey and Olive which again is different in the market as most tan brands use one tone and that’s light, medium and dark – which doesn’t reflect the vast rainbow of skin tones.
Tell us about the Amanda Harrington technique – and why it is just so effective?
First, it is vegan which is so lovely, as you know it’s clean. My technique is based on layering, very much like how we apply make-up. How I explain it is, if you applied concealer all over dry skin and went out, you would feel dry and look rather 2D and that’s the same for sunless tan. I never understood one colour spray all over the body which is filled with drying alcohol that clings to dry skin. The results are variable and uncontrollable, hence why you see a fair few tanning mishaps on hands, ankles and elbows.
I use a Shea Butter-based barrier cream to prep dry areas, then apply a hydration layer called Body Base which has a small amount of gradual tan in it, and then you apply your skin tone appropriate face mist or body mousse that melts into the skin so easily with the wonder tool – a tanning brush. The brushes are the so effective at buffing the hyaluronic based tints into the skin that you create a natural, even base that just matches your skin tone — no matter what shade — so perfectly and lasts for days. It’s like semi-permanent make-up that doesn’t clog the pores.
Amanda Harrington goes beyond self-tanning and into skin health and sun care as well. How important is a proper post-tanning skin routine?
I think pre-tanning and post-tanning are equally as important. The power of prep happens with my fast-acting advanced glycolic body scrub which preps the skin perfectly. Post-tanning is all about topping up colour with my super hydrating gradual tans or tan compatible face and body lotions which help the colour last longer and fade evenly.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?
The challenges go through phases, based on where you are on your journey. For me it’s gone from formulation woes and ‘will I ever be happy with the products’ to launching, and then having to pivot the supply chain during lockdown, to Brexit and so on. Business is essentially problem solving every single day and finding solutions.
What’s next for you and your business? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline
We are just coming up to our third year and opening with more retailers in the UK, Australia and US which is amazing. We’re also about to grow the professional side of the business into more Soho House sites and in Saudi Arabia where they LOVE contouring. Not forgetting all the new product launches we have planned, which I cannot wait for you to try!
What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?
Please remember that annual leave is a thing of the past ha, be disciplined, committed and consistent. You must remain level-headed, give decisions some time and space, look at all the options and then decide and keep moving forwards.
Most of all – look at your vision and ask yourself ‘will I regret it if I don’t try’ and sit, listen for the answer over a few days, weeks, months – however long it takes. Mine took years. Once you decide you want to, be unapologetic from that moment on about your vision, and always speak from the heart.
They say that good shoes take you to good places, but for Daissy Ornelas, the glamorous architecturally influenced shoes of her eponymous brand are certainly taking her to some pretty awe-inspiring places as a Girl Boss on a league of her own.
Daissy combines architectural inspirations with Italian craftsmanship to create her vibrant line of footwear. More akin to sculptures than shoes, all of Daissy’s pieces are handmade in Italy and evoke the spirit of the Art Deco movement.
Team Coco caught up with Daissy in Los Angeles, in between balancing being a mum, designer, entrepreneur and creative to talk about her joint love for footwear and architecture, her latest collection, and her advice for women looking to take the leap and start their own businesses.
“First and foremost, it’s not for everyone,” she says. “Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry.”
Like the towering skyscrapers that inspire her collections, Daissy is reaching for the skies – and we can’t wait to see what heights this Girl Boss will reach.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What made you fall in love with shoes?
I grew up in Los Angeles. I studied Business Administration and most of my background is in Management and Administration. I worked in industries such as Consulting, Architecture and Fashion. I’m currently splitting my time between LA and the UK.
My love for shoes started around at the same time as my love of Art Deco. When I was young, my mom and I would go to downtown LA on Saturday mornings to go shoe shopping and then we would have lunch at the iconic Clifton’s cafeteria, it was our weekend ritual. It was there when I first paid attention to the many Art Deco exteriors and interiors that live in Downtown LA. The impeccable attention to detail always stood out to me, even at such a young age.
How is Daisy Ornelas combining architectural influences with Italian craftsmanship?
Growing up in Los Angeles, I got to see buildings with unique details and luxurious materials, and the more I started traveling, the more I fell in love with architecture and its evolutionary traits.
Once I knew I wanted to launch my own line of shoes, I knew Italy was the place to make it happen. Italian craftsmanship is something the country takes a great deal of pride in, and for good reason. I have met people who come from generations of shoe artisans, who love to work with their hands and really put love and effort in what they do. It’s something I will always admire and appreciate. I’m combining architectural influences by using architectural techniques like CAD and engineering processes to create patent-pending heels that showcase structural lines and facades you see in architecture.
Tell us more about your latest collection. Do you have a favourite piece?
The latest collection is influenced by modern architecture and its detailed shapes. I have seen different techniques and materials used around the world to create exceptional buildings and I just felt inspired by the fluidity in shapes and textures.
The Wavelet heel sandal is my absolute favorite. It was inspired by the spiral Architecture of the F&F tower in Panama, the Evolution Tower in Moscow, and the Al Tijaria Tower in Kuwait. There’s something about the Wavelet heel that screams architecture but not in an overstated way.
Walk us through an average day in the Daissy Ornelas atelier
I am a mom to an eight-month-old and a 14 year old. I get to work from wherever I may be at the time. From reading to research and from inspiration to design, I do everything on my laptop or phone.
So, my day consists of jumping back and forth between looking after my eight-month-old to responding to emails, getting on a call with my counterpart in Milan to making sure I pick up my son from school and grab a bite to eat in-between all of that (if possible).
Who is the Daissy Ornelas woman? Can you describe her in three words?
The Daissy Ornelas woman is a maximalist. She is someone who has a career in creative industries (i.e. Fashion architecture, interior design, graphic design), isn’t afraid of statement pieces and can appreciate unconventional designs versus picking things that are more every day wear. She loves to travel and always picks the shoe first before she picks out the dress when going out. She is daring, confident and creative.
What has been the biggest challenge you‘ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?
There have been many challenges along the way. Financially speaking, when you create a startup, finding financial resources can be difficult, especially for a brand that is positioning itself in the luxury market. Until the brand is scalable, it’s hard to find investors who will back up the brand and take it where you want it to go.
What’s next for you and Daissy Ornelas? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline
Daissy Ornelas is coming out with a casual collection. The whole collection is made of sustainable materials including vegan leathers. We also put our own spin on 1930’s classic Oxfords and Loafers.
What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?
First and foremost, it’s not for everyone. It’s extremely hard work. You also have to be consistent because everything falls on you. Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry. Because things will go awry at some point. Do your research well on what product or service you want to offer and go for it!
Sustainability has become a buzz word in recent years but it’s always refreshing to stumble across a brand that lives and breathes their mission, like Black and Creme. Founded by Le’Marqunita Lowe, this fashion brand operates in a holistic, conscious, and sustainable way to embrace your wardrobe with memories that last a lifetime.
Forget fast fashion and CEO’s that only care about lining their pockets, Le’Marqunita’s mission is so much more than that. With a legacy in the making, we spent some time with her to find out more…
Your list of accolades is something to admire. From being a company founder, educator, author and social justice advocate. Of all of you achievements, which one are you the most proud of?
Thank you for the compliment. To be honest, I am proud of them all. However, accolades are merely stepping stones to do the Divine work that each one of us is called to do by God. If I had to choose, it would be a social justice advocate. Everything else I do are pillars. An author gives me the voice and visuals to carry out the work. Being an educator gives me the grace to collaborate with others while we learn from each other. Being an entrepreneur is the blueprint for bringing the work together in a strategic way that is visible for the world to see.
Where did your love for sustainable fashion and clean beauty come from?
I always had a love for beauty and fashion since I was a kid. I also have such a deep respect for Nature and God. My beauty company Mercury III was actually created from me making handmade cosmetics for others before the company launched to the public in 2015. I self-taught myself how to mix minerals, I studied herbs, I researched plants, I learned colour theory, I was already a student of astrology, and I emerged myself in the study of ancient Egyptian cosmetics. Mercury III is a clean beauty company that combined my Spirituality, love for astrology, and respect for Nature into a physical product of cosmetics. Black & Cremè is the sister company of Mercury III, except it focuses on sustainable fashion. However, with Black & Cremè I noticed sustainable fashion is not accessible to many BIPOC communities, and there is a lot of exploitation that exists. It was crucial for me to integrate environmental justice and Black economics into the mission of the company to be apart of the solution to bridge this gap.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?
My biggest challenge as an entrepreneur has been access to funding as an African American woman. While I think mentorship is amazing and crucial for entrepreneurs, I am mentored out. What I and many other Black entrepreneurs need is funding. Black economics can only shift when access to money is available to create the structures to build companies so we can give back to communities in collaborative ways. Impact is driven by heart, action, and funding.
In your opinion, what sets you apart from other sustainable fashion brands?
To be honest, I wouldn’t say we are doing anything different. We are adding our mission to a sustainable fashion space where Black voices have been ignored when it comes to environmental justice and the supply chain. Even the way we source our inventory targets this problem. We only source our inventory from sustainable designers, Black-owned businesses, and international fair trade organizations. Our sourcing focuses on building economics at the root of the supply chain.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I’m extremely proud of where Black & Cremè is at now and where we are heading. I wouldn’t do anything differently.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media is family for our brand!! I absolutely love the influencers and models we collaborate with on Instagram and Tiktok. They are the heart and vision that brings sustainable fashion and our mission to Social media.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“Everything is working out best case scenario”.
What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs that want to launch their own brand?
This is a very unpopular opinion, but I’m speaking based on experience running two businesses. I would tell aspiring entrepreneurs that bigger is not always better. Think about what success looks like to YOU, and don’t compare your entrepreneur journey to any other entrepreneur. Small businesses can still grow without sacrificing their morals. Stay small and utilise the resources that you already have to grow without always seeking more.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is your all time favourite and why?
It is definitely Buenos Aires, Argentina. I lived in Argentina for six months for undergraduate in college. I loved the culture, people, and history.
What’s next for the business?
My goal is plan a sustainable fashion gala where the funds can be used to help us launch our own sustainable designs!
What does self care mean to you?
Self-care is balance of your Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Follow Le’Marquinita and her journey with Black and Creme via her website and Instagram.
Ana Dyla is the jewellery brand that is inspired by women. Created with a bit of elegance and a side serving of edgy, the brand is for independent and unique women who know how to get the best out of everything.
Wearing their jewellery will inspire you to never give up and we love the strength that this brand offers so we went along to find out more. Here, we talk to co-owner Hatice to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Ana Dyla…
I felt the urge to create awareness in the jewellery industry. I realised that it wasn’t common to ask questions about the materials or the working conditons in the workshop. Searching for the right partners was the hardest because the main question asked when manufacturing are the prices. I couldn’t care about the prices, first I needed to know how happy the silver and goldsmiths were.
Your brand is for the conscious souls, what does this mean?
Conscious souls are the ones who dare to choose to be different.
The modern ambitious woman believes in a world that is moving slower. She loves life and has consciously created her lifestyle to include fun, her ambitions, travel and the ability to discover the world. She is aware of her part to make our world fairer and better and is willing to spend a little bit more money to help towards that. It’s not that she is a champion of certain rights or actively campaigns, but she likes to do the little bits that help. It makes her feel good about the clothes and accessories she wears and the things she buys to know where it comes from comes and who made it. She feels proud and confident. She has an appreciation for life itself. It is her aim to let her personality shine and find her own unique style. She really doesn’t want to follow trends because ‘over-consuming’ does not contribute to the better world she believes in.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your jewellery?
Ana Dyla is a true gift to yourself. I hope woman that wear Ana Dyla are feeling precious and empowered. The conscious modern woman who likes style and finds it important to distinguish oneself, to express oneself and who dares to make a statement.
Looking back since launching your business, is there anything you would do different?
I’m very impatient, so what I would do different is trust the process and take more risks.
Tell us more about what inspires you…
I get inspired by nature, the colours and shapes. It’s so magical what is in front of us and all we have to do is notice. One of the mystics are gemstones for me, the sparkling colours are fascinating, that’s what keeps my attention.
If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Ethical, sustainable, sophisticated
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Well first of all, if anyone is interested in starting a jewellery label, I would love to share that for one and a half years, I have also been producing for other labels as a manufacturer. I wanted to make ethical production accessible for everyone. So don’t hesitate to contact me.
Every day in my life looks different. There are days when I sit behind my laptop for 8 hours, but also days with customer appointments where I look at the design process together with customers. The feeling of being able to constantly create is fantastic. From the jewellery, to the expression of a brand, including brand visuals. I’m always in contact with the workshops that I work with and also quite often with our customers too. I am always working on strategic choices for the future.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
In the beginning we worked a lot with influencers. The last year our focus was more on producing for other labels and that’s why social media has had less attention. Currently we are working on getting our social media back on track, it is our shop window.
You’re very well traveled but which place really has your heart?
Cuba is special for me, I had a wonderful time and got close with the locals there. The stories of people are for me the most important thing when travelling. I also love Istanbul and New York, but in crowded cities where there is always a rush I feel more like a foreigner who is observing (which I also like but in a different way).
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
When travelling get’s back to normal the first stop for me would be Sri Lanka.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Nothing works, unless you do – Maya Angelou
For me this quote is also a check-in question: do I really want it? Why is my motivation lacking and how can I do things differently.
What’s next for you and the brand?
For Ana Dyla it will be boosting b2b sales international. First stop UK!
For me personally, it’s to let the control of my brand go, focus more on design and at the same time build other brands with the GEMS method that I developed the last six months. In short, I realised that labels that we produced for didn’t know what to do next after receiving their first order. I created the GEMS method to help these brands to have a sustainable thriving business in jewellery.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care for me is an everyday walk of at least 30 minutes in day light (I prefer 90 minutes). Simply having the time for some fresh air, listening to my favourite music, a new book or I like to have a call with a friend.
We’re living in a world where we’re all trying to do better. Whether that’s trying to make it through Veganuary to see if a vegan lifestyle could be adopted or trying to live more sustainably, we’re all doing our bit to make the world a better place.
One brand that is doing just that is The Natural Deodorant Co. which was co founded by Laurie and Brett, a brand that was born out of the desire to create the perfect natural deodorant.
Tired of spending time and money on natural deodorants that needed to be reapplied every couple of hours, they decided to create their own.
Interest in natural deodorants is set to continue as consumers seek out natural and sustainable products in their day-to-day routine. Every one of their products is 100% natural, free from preservatives, alcohol, artificial fragrance & palm oil. They are all certified cruelty-free and registered with The Vegan Society.
The story behind the brand is really inspiring. Here, we spent some time with Laurie to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand The Natural Deodorant Co…
Building a sustainable brand is at the core of what you do. Why is this important to you?
I believe that we all need to start making sustainability a priority. Our deodorants easily match the effectiveness of mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants without plastic packaging or questionable ingredients. If we can make sustainable swaps easier for peo- ple, they’re far more likely to consider them.
How would you describe your brand in three words?
Honest, effective + approachable
How do you want women to feel when wearing your deodorant?
Confident! Fresh and free from the stress and embarrassment that comes with body odour.
If you to describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?
Casual, comfortable and cute.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I’m up at 6am to feed the dog and give myself 30 quiet minutes with a coffee before the children wake. I don’t touch my phone or laptop at this time of day. Once they’re up it’s all- go to get everyone dressed, fed and out of the house.
Straight from the school run I go to the gym to do a HIIT session, then home to tackle emails and tasks. As co-founder of a small business I tend to wear a lot of hats. One mo- ment I might be writing compliance documents, the next I’m discussing ad campaigns, talking to journalists or paying invoices. I find working for myself can feel very chaotic if I’m not careful, so I keep a bullet journal and write absolutely everything down.
At some point in the day I take a long walk with our lab, Roux which is a great way to step away from everything and calm my mind. Then I’m back out for school collections, after school clubs and so on.
I squeeze as much as I can into every day, but it’s a juggling act. I personally find it easiest to work in slots throughout the day and break my day into smaller parts.
At some point in the day I take a long walk with our lab, Roux which is a great way to step away from everything and calm my mind.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has been incredibly important and transformative for us. Instagram was how we carved our identity and found many of our incredible customers. It’s also the place that led several buyers to us over the years. Whilst it can now seem like a noisy and over- whelming space, when we launched in 2015 we were one of the only natural deodorant brands in the UK actively using social media so it really allowed us to stand out.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I’ve been very keen to explore Scandinavia for a long time and I’m actually going paddle boarding in Norway this summer so I’m very excited!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I don’t tend to use motivational quotes, I find caffeine works better for me.
What’s next for you and the brand?
More scents, teen deodorants and hopefully getting effective, planet friendly natural De- odorant into as many hands as humanly possible!
What’s your main goal with the business in 2022?
My main goal is to get back to our ‘why’. During Covid and Brexit we’ve been so focused on just getting through each day or task that sometimes I forget why we started! So this year we’ll be having lots of fun telling our story and telling people about why our products are so incredible.
What does self care mean to you?
Almost always, it means slowing down. Turning inwards and seeking peace. Choosing nourishing foods, taking breaks without devices, going to bed early, reading a book, deep breaths, stretching…and recently I’ve restarted my cold shower experiment. But, to be honest, cold showers never feel like self care initially. They feel awful! Haha.
Beth and Oonagh are the brains behind Bien Etre, a lifestyle brand that started in London but the Southern French Alps was the inspiration behind the brand’s visual identity and values. Over time the brand has evolved to help people lead better lives all over the world. With the launch of the brand timed just around the start of the pandemic, the initial plans to host retreats was put on the back burner as they were forced to rethink their strategy.
This duo were born to always win and of course between the two of them they were able to grow a successful brand despite the adversity they faced in the early days. Here, we spent some time with Beth and Oonagh to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launching your brand, Bien Etre?
Beth – One day in 2002, my dad suddenly collapsed. The company he worked for had just been bought out so he was regularly commuting to London and was studying for a diploma in marketing to keep up with the competition. He had a young family to provide for so losing his job wasn’t an option…and it all proved too much to handle. Later that day, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a chronic and incurable illness that would involve injecting 5 times a day and micromanaging his diet and lifestyle for the rest of his life. We didn’t know what all this meant, but my parents refused to let it define our lives, so in early 2003, they moved me and my little sister out to the Southern French Alps to pursue a stress-free lifestyle and give us a healthier upbringing. A move which would also inspire the birth of Bien Etre 16 years later.
Fast forward to 2019 where I was living in central London and working in a job that I hated. I lived for the weekend and my holidays, and I had developed a form of social anxiety that made public transport, shopping malls and meetings extremely uncomfortable. Then one day, I looked around and realised…I was heading down the same road as my dad and was really unhappy with where my life was headed. In that moment, I decided to take action. I started thinking about my dream job, talking to people, doing research. Finally, the idea came to me in a yoga class (by one of our now Directory members), I thought ‘why don’t I bring all these stressed-out Londoners to the Southern French Alps and show them what life could be like’. I registered the business two weeks later.
I had to deal with Covid only 6 months after launching, but with the help of my best friend and business partner, Oonagh English, we managed to build what is now, one of the world’s fastest growing wellness platforms that’s attracting the likes of the Tatler Address Book and is actively enhancing lives in over 33 countries…only 10 months after launching. Our mission is to make the world of well-being more accessible to people worldwide, bringing them the best quality information and support in order to help them make better decisions for their well-being and shape their best life. Wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s something that we’re all entitled to and should work on every day. It’s been one hell of a journey, but it’s still only just the beginning and I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for us.
Oonagh – I have suffered from anxiety and depression since childhood. This has lead me on a journey of inner reflection and self discovery. My own journey to finding physical and mental health lead me to discover how hard it can be to find the right education and support to fit your personal needs. When Beth, brought up the idea of creating Retreats that cater to all areas of life, I realised that this was the perfect way to create an environment for people to focus on personal development. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, we were forced to cancel our retreats but we still wanted to provide a supportive environment and a way for like minded people to come together and support one another. This inspired us to create The Circle and the rest is history.
You’ve had to pivot from your original plans due to the pandemic, what has been your biggest learning curve since then?
Beth – Probably that the world is constantly changing and you need to work hard to keep up with it. It also makes it exciting though as it brings about new ideas on how we can use our brand to help people, professionals and companies all over the world. The Circle, for instance, has been a result of the pandemic and is now the centrepoint of our audience’s activity, bringing together wellness enthusiasts in over 33 countries. Change must be seen as an opportunity, not a barrier and that’s something that we pride ourselves on.
Oonagh – The value of being flexible and being able to adapt. Before the pandemic, I would assume so many things about the future and based my plans on them. For example, that we would be able to run retreats how we had planned. Having to face the uncertainty of the world has helped us to create a model that caters to our community members while also honoring the uncertainty in the world at the moment.
How do you want your people to feel when working with you?
Beth – We want them to feel safe, supported and empowered. We take immense pride in our people as the brand is nothing without them and ‘you’re only as good as the people who work for you’. Our employees are regularly given raises and promotions (if they prove themselves of course) and normally get at least 50% off our retreats. We’re working to become one of the top companies to work for in the UK – we love working with passionate, motivated people and love to heavily reward them.
Talk us through your wheel of life and what this concept is…
Beth – We’ve looked at all the wellness models out there and have boiled them down to what we believe are the 6 key dimensions that make up our well-being, we call it the ‘Bien Etre model’. The dimensions are your mental and physical health (the two which we all know about), but also your social, spiritual, occupational and environmental. They’re all interconnected, meaning that they all affect each other and therefore they should all be worked on simultaneously if possible. A brief description of each dimension can be found on this page. And here’s a great article that sums up why they’re all so important.
The last 18 months have been testing for many, what advice would you offer to anyone trying to find joy in every day?
Beth – It might seem cliché, but the fact that we’re all still here, living a life in the 21st century is such a gift. Certainly, most people reading House of Coco have things to be grateful for, whether it’s a loving family or relationship, a good job, a working pair of arms and legs or simply the fact that we’re not in Afghanistan right now! There are so many joys that can be found in the everyday, you just need to look and appreciate what you have, and if you can’t find any, go out and make some!
Oonagh – I would also add that some days are simply not joyful. Sometimes just honoring how we feel can be the best thing. Allowing the grief, sadness and fear to be there and processing it so that we can move on. If our mind is full of anxiety, it doesn’t allow a lot of space for joy. Sometimes we can feel a lot of pressure to “be joyful” and “grateful” despite the trauma we might be going through. Being honest with ourselves can be the best way to move through it. If you feel stuck I would recommend finding an expert to support you through this whether that be a therapist, coach or health psychologist. At Bien Etre, many of our consultants offer free initial consultations, you can find out more about our experts and connect with them here: The Directory — Bien Etre (wearebienetre.com)
Looking back since launching your business, is there anything you would do different?
Beth – I’d maybe try to be more structured in our approach and business plan, but I’m not giving myself a hard time about it as we’ve had to evolve so quickly due to Covid and it’s definitely paid off. The key is to know your audience as much as you can and evolve with them over time.
Oonagh: Great question and a difficult one to answer. If we had known that there would be a pandemic and in person businesses would be essentially shut down. We would have primarily focused on growing the online community first. One of the biggest lessons we have learned over the last 18 months was to prepare for every eventuality.
Tell us more about what inspires you…
Beth – My dad – he’s a world-class mountaineer with Type 1 Diabetes – the perfect example of someone who has made his passion into his work by founding AlpBase: a holiday letting company in the Alps, and Action4Diabetes: Asia’s most successful charity for children with Diabetes. He loves every second of his life and prides himself on never experiencing ‘Monday morning blues’. He’s the one that taught me to ‘never give up’ and that ‘I can always do more than I think I can’.
Oonagh – For me, anyone who chooses growth over giving up inspires me. Sometimes the hardest thing can be to get out of bed in the morning and keep going. Sometimes simply surviving the day is the biggest accomplishment. The sky inspires me. It’s so vast and feels infinite. Whenever I feel trapped, I look at the sky.
If you could describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Trustworthy – Inclusive – Inspirational
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch their own wellness business?
Beth – A lot of people come to me and ask for advice about becoming a life/health coach. I always give them the same advice: make sure you have a solid personal brand and a good personal story to back it up. Then find your niche and make sure it’s only composed of your favourite type of person – people that you’re seriously passionate about helping. This can take time to figure out so try working with lots of different types of people to figure out who you prefer working with. Then…JUST START! So many people just hang around waiting for the ‘right moment’ to start their business. When the idea to start a business came to me in a yoga class one day, I didn’t wait around and registered the business two weeks later.
Oonagh – My advice, don’t give up at the first hurdle or indeed the 10th. Most people don’t succeed on their first try. I have failed so many times. Those experiences have helped shape my success.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Beth – I try to make time for all dimensions of my well-being every day, so an average workday will look like this:
07:20 – I get up, make my herbs (prescribed by well-being Guru and Chinese Medicinal Herbalist, Nona Taylor from our Directory – and coincidentally Oonagh’s mum), and do at least 20mn of stretching and yoga to wake my body up. I also try to do a bit of meditation or just simply sitting and thinking of all the things that I’m grateful for. I don’t generally have breakfast (unless I’m doing a big physical activity that day such as surfing or skiing) as I’m never hungry in the mornings (which works well for intermittent fasting). Sometimes I might get peckish and have something on toast mid-morning.
08:00 – I catch up on emails for the first half hour and then work solidly through to about 13:00 – 13:30 with 10mn breaks at 1h intervals. This is because our brains are much more active and productive in the mornings, making it the best time to concentrate and get a load of work done. Apparently we can’t concentrate more than 3-4 hours a day and aren’t able to be productive for more than 6 hours a day, so I’ve built my whole schedule around this – and it definitely works for me!
13:00 – I make a healthy lunch and then go for a 30-45mn walk to digest and get some fresh air – I’ll generally listen to music or a podcast during this time. If I’m in an exotic location I’ll go skiing/surfing or do something fun in the afternoon. Otherwise I’ll come back from my walk, make a green tea, do some reading and then workout for about 30mn (I alternate my workouts based on the 8 types of physical fitness and try to incorporate all of them as much as possible.). I sometimes have a nice relaxing bath with lots of home-made salts and essential oils (as I’m also an Aromatherapist). Sometimes I get creative and make some homemade sprays, skin oils and other beauty products with my essential oils – it’s a small hobby of mine.
I then do another hour or so of work somewhere between 17:00 and 19:00 (as that’s when your brain’s concentration starts to go back up) and ensure that I’ve done everything I needed to do and catch up on emails.
19:00 – I’ll make myself a nice healthy dinner and then watch some netflix. I’ll go to bed around 22:30 and am very strict with this as I really need my 8 hours!
I’ve tried so many routines and this one works for me, but might not work for other people. The key is to try different things until you find the perfect routine. And don’t be influenced by all that 5am lot – what works for them might not work for you (I’ve tried it and definitely couldn’t keep it up!).
Oonagh – Honestly, I used to put so much pressure on myself to create a routine and be a certain way. Over the years I tried so many different things. What I find works for me now is to plan my day around my energy and inspiration. As an entrepreneur, my daily tasks will vary hugely depending on what projects I am working on at the moment. I love meditation and I always find some time in my day for my practice. I also make sure I do something for my mental health. This might be going for an energising walk in nature, talking to my coach or spending some time in my bed listening to my favourite audiobook, Harry Potter. I have learned over time what my energy fillers and what my energy drainers are and I balance those out throughout the day.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Quite a lot – we rely heavily on Instagram (as that’s where most of our consumers are) to paint the right image of our brand and values and have been through 8 different social media managers before finding the right person.
You’re very well traveled but which place really has your heart?
Beth – This is a difficult question as I’ve lived in three different countries (England, France and Netherlands). I feel both ‘at home’ in England and France, but what I’ve also uncovered along the way, is that my heart and home simply lie within myself – and this is very important when travelling. I’ve been working on myself and my self-love throughout my twenties as I used to get anxious about travelling far from home without my friends and family due to a lack of self confidence. But I’ve finally come to the realization that I am my own home and I can feel centred, at peace and at home wherever I am in the world because I believe in myself and am 100% comfortable in my own skin. It’s taken years to get to this place, but I’m so glad that I made the effort as it’s really paid off.
Oonagh: I would say my home land, Ireland. In particular West Cork. It’s rugged, wild and so nourishing. I love the fresh air, the smell of salt. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. To me it’s home.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Beth – Costa Rica – for the surfing, landscapes and biodiversity, and also where Oonagh and I are going for the whole month of May and we can’t wait!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I remind myself of everything that I’ve already accomplished and then I tell myself to “never give up”, and that “you can always do more than you think you can”.
Oonagh – “We are what we think, all that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world” Buddha
What’s next for you and the brand?
Beth – We can’t wait to get our retreats back up and running and are planning some Alpine retreats for our members next September! However, we’re also working on creating our own custom-made app, that will deliver even more value, support and information in an even more accessible way. Next year is going to be a very important year for us. We have so much in the pipeline and can’t wait to start helping even more people around the world.
What does self care mean to you?
Beth – This seems to be a confusing topic, and people generally associate it with physical self care (such as working out or taking a relaxing bath), but to me (and the message that we’re trying to get out there), is that it means taking care of each of the 6 dimensions of our well-being: physical, mental, spiritual, occupational, environmental and social. Only when we look after all dimensions simultaneously, do we achieve overall well-being, creating feelings of euphoria and fulfilment.
Oonagh -Self care is taking a good hard look at your life and figuring out why you are wound up in the first place. Why do you feel you need to “getaway” from your life for the weekend? Are there some things that you can change or is there an area you can get support in? Self care is getting enough sleep so that you’re not constantly exhausted. It’s eating delicious, nutritious food on a regular basis and making sure you’re drinking enough fluids. It’s doing things that allow you to maintain a baseline state of peace and relaxation.
Fascinated by nature, Kellie founded her jewellery brand Salome, in memory of her beloved mother. With her timeless pieces and love of nature, this is a brand that will live through many cycles of life. Here at House of Coco, we encourage women to feel empowered and beautiful and owning a piece of Salome will do just that.
We spent some time with Kellie to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Salome Designs…
I moved from New Orleans in 2012 with my British husband & three little girls to the UK and it took the Home Office almost 2 years to finalise my paperwork. Having had a career in PR, I worked at the Guggenheim initially then I was a PR director for an agency in New Orleans, I started to think about building a brand around my passion for jewellery making. It took years of planning and prep work, but then once we launched at Wolf & Badger things very quickly took off from there and before we knew it we were in store on Bond Street at Fenwick. It has been an absolute dream come true & having named the brand after my late mother, Salome, everyday is a glorious tribute to her memory and love.
Your brand is heavily focused on natural gemstones, why is this important to you?
I’m in love and totally fascinated with nature and all things natural. It was important for me to bring this into the brand in a very authentic and sustainable way. These gemstones are not just beautiful but also powerful and I want the wearer to feel empowered & uplifted and to go out in the world more energized, inspired, and full of confidence. I also wanted to promote a deeper connection to the earth and an appreciation for all the beauty and creatures on our beautiful planet. We are very proud Brand Ambassadors for the Cross River Gorilla Project (CRGP) and support their initiatives to save the critically endangered Cross River Gorillas and preserve the rainforest habitat for this incredible animal. Together with their Patron Amelia Windsor, we are launching a membership program ‘The Gorilla Gang’ to aid in their fight to save the remaining 300 Cross River Gorillas from extinction. This program will also be available to purchase as a gift for the holidays and makes a wonderful & meaningful gift to any eco-warrior or budding conservationist.
Since launching the brand, are there any decisions you have made that you later went on to regret? Not one, I said yes to everything initially and even though it may have been a stretch or incredibly hard work; all of the connections linked to something down the line that really worked for the brand and helped us to grow.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your designs?
Like a Goddess (Beyonce, Mata Hari, Stevie Nicks, and a Pre Raphaelite muse all rolled into one!) I want them to feel beautiful, empowered, sexy, confident, and connected to the world around them.
As a New Orleans Native, how did your path bring you to the UK?
My husband is British and so is my Grandmother, she was from Evesham and married my American Grandfather in the UK during WWII – with my Dad being British I’ve always felt connected to the England and to my family here in the UK.
Where do you call home?
Wherever my husband and beautiful three little girls are is home! I very much call the Northeast home, but South Louisiana has shaped the person I am today and will always have a place in my heart.
If you had to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Handcrafted, magic, gemstones
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch a business in the world of jewellery?
I think the thing that helped me the most was my background in PR. I’m an industry expert for Newcastle Universities in corporate communications and certainly finding a course with CIPR in strategic planning or brand management would be highly beneficial. The best advice is to be authentic and let your passion and your love for jewellery be your guide.
How would you describe your personal style?
Post covid- still very bra-less & barefoot I’m afraid!
But seriously, I’m American so we tend to have this strange ability to do both glamour & street style very well. I also love a bit of 70’s and anything with fringe!!
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Mornings are dominated by school runs and then around 9:30 I start my working day with industry news and catching up with email. Team meetings start at 10am and usually take us to lunch then spend the remaining part of my day working with production and sales and finish around 6ish.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social Media has actually played a vital role in the initial success of the brand, it connected us to other businesses and helped with networking and brand awareness. It is still a key component, but things are constantly shifting, and we have to always assess the role and impact various platforms have on both our brand awareness and sales.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I adore Italy!! Its my go to happy place, I love the food, the people, and the sea so much. My husband, Jonathon, is an architect and lived in Florence so it always helps to have him around curbing my American tourist instincts and making me slow down and enjoy the lifestyle like an Italian.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Just keep moving forward (my father-in-law says this all the time and it works for pretty much any situation)
What’s next for you and the brand?
Lots of exciting collaborations, new collections, and tons of new locations
What does self care mean to you?
Having a slow day (and watching a good period drama or documentary).
Where can people find out more?
www.salomedesigns.co.uk we have an amazing collection of natural stone jewellery and are launching our newest collection launch this autumn called (drum roll)… The Three Graces.
Find out more about the inspiration for The Three Graces Collection and get exclusive discount codes by signing up for our newsletter on the website. Get inside scoop on upcoming events and promos, background, and history of the gemstones, and all the details on inspiration and design.
Here at House of Coco we spend a lot of time speaking to women from around the world that share their journey with us, including the highs and lows, on how they got to where they are today. Often, it involves overcoming adversity, listening to their gut and believing in themselves and that is definitely true for Jennifer Jane Young.
Jennifer Jane Young is an Intuitive Business and Leadership Advisor and United Nations Consultant. She facilitates growth, flow, and transformation for heart-centered, impact-driven entrepreneurs and businesses. She thrives in helping entrepreneurs define what most aligns with their intuition, identify their personal roadblocks, and take intentional action steps toward their most fulfilled life. Jennifer has a knack for finding clients’ hidden potential and discovering ample opportunities for their next level of expansion. Through deep, purposeful listening, she creates a safe space for entrepreneurs to share their deepest yearnings, fears, and struggles; ultimately helping them reconnect to their inner wisdom.
Inspired? You haven’t heard anything yet. Here, Jennifer tells us more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to becoming an intuitive business and leadership adviser?
I spent most of my younger years struggling to find my place in the world and suffering from anxiety. There just never seemed to be any box that I felt good in, until I realized I didn’t need to live in a pre-constructed box.
I found my flow, deeper levels of joy and more sustainable success when I started listening to the nudges my intuition was giving me. This began by leaving my career in Early Childhood Education and launching into entrepreneurship as a Yoga Teacher without a plan but with a deep inner knowing that this next step was right for me.
After several years of teaching yoga I noticed that I was more excited to be in front of my computer working ON my business than being on my yoga mat teaching so I once again honoured the nudge. This led me to the work I do today, supporting entrepreneurs.
The journey was not always smooth. Intuition is rarely logical or practical therefore it has been a process of learning to trust myself and the guidance of my intuition. Each time I did, I experienced more flow, joy and expansion.
Along the way I have been a business coach, a high level executer, a business/team/operations manager and today I have alchemised all of these experiences into potent business and leadership advising. I’m also now a United Nations Consultant!
Entrepreneurship has given me the freedom and creative outlet that my soul was so deeply yearning for and I am passionate about mentoring and guiding others in getting unstuck, accessing more expansion, joy and success on their own unique journey via the channel of their intuition.
When we are aligned with what is in highest and best for us, we can create impact and experience deep fulfillment.
I wake up every morning to nurture the potential in each human being that comes along my path.
Who is your ideal client?
I work with entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives and change-makers craving to experience more flow and look beyond their conditioned rigid, limited way of living and leading. Who are curious to look below the surface of what they know and into the possibilities of what’s available to them in order to get unstuck.
Leaders who want to integrate intuitive leadership into their business culture and nurture the unique potential of their team and communities.
Most importantly, those who value growth and transformation and are willing to get uncomfortable to experience the next level of expansion.
I work with solo entrepreneurs, impact driven leaders and organizations that value right brain thinking and personal growth.
How do you want your clients to feel after working with you?
Clear and inspired about their next step forward
Excited about the possibility and potential available to them
Calm, confident and ready to take the next intuitive leap
Hopeful for what is yet to unfold
Able relax and trust in the support of something much bigger than themselves
Curious to dive deep below the surface of what they know and into the expansive possibilities of what is really available to them
Ready to own and commit to taking the actions that will allow them to experience transformation
Inspired to lead and live intuitively AND able to understand that both intuition (right brain) and practicality (left brain) can co-create beautifully together
Looking back since launching your business, is there anything you would do different?
I actually believe that our past is perfect, no matter what choices we made or how we dealt with things. All of it purposefully happened to initiate our growth and lead us to the life we came here to live. I wouldn’t change anything because I wouldn’t have the life I am living now.
I do sometimes wish I would have been more patient and taken less urgent action because I essentially made myself suffer for no reason. I now know that it was all unfolding perfectly.
Tell us more about what inspires you…
Simple living is what inspires me the most. I am at my happiest in moments where I can be with myself and enjoying the very simple things that nourish me, like sitting by a fire, cuddling with my dogs, sipping tea or coffee, watching the birds from my back porch, reading my books.
My work also deeply inspires me but mostly when I let the flow of it be intuitive. When I just do what my gut is telling me to do in the moment or what excites me the most I am at my most creative and get the biggest insights and ideas.
Finally, growth and transformation are big topics of inspiration for me. I’m passionate about exploring what more is possible for myself and others. I’m a total bookworm and am constantly reading (2-3) books simultaneously to expand what I know. I love alchemising all of my experiences, wisdom and knowledge into powerful teachings to help others.
If you could describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Empowering. Nurturing. Inspirational
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an adviser or coach?
To be the unique blend of who they are and bring THAT to the table when they are coaching or advising. Whether you do a certification or train to do this work or not is not that important from my perspective. What’s most important is that you bring your full self, intuition and experiences to the table.
Follow your flow. Don’t box yourself into how you think you should coach or try to fit into any kind of standards that don’t feel good to you. Coaching can be a very powerful, organic and intuitive process and in order to be that, we need the most authentic, potent version of you.
Remember that you are not responsible for the results of your clients. This understanding has been so important for me in recent years and releasing that expectation has allowed me to become a better coach. We are not here to fix people. We are here to guide, mentor, offer invitations into higher perspectives and possibilities for growth, clarity and expansion.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
It is so simple.
I wake up naturally around 6:30am
Feed the doggies
Sit by my fireplace (in winter and autumn) or back yard (summer and spring) with my hot water and lemon. I sit quietly, contemplate, meditate and DO NOT touch my phone for about 20 mins.
Then I have either a cup of Dandy Blend, Coffee or Cacao (depending on what my body is craving) and sip that for about 45-60 mins while reading, checking in on social, catching up on my Whatsapp or text messages. I have a lot of friends and business buddies all over the world so many of them text me when I’m sleeping. I love the gift of waking up to their messages.
Then breakfast, shower and morning walk with my dogs.
15-20 minute workout every 2 days.
Then I settle into some focused work from about 10am to 3pm depending on how I’m feeling. Most days from my home office but sometimes I pop over to my local coffee shop and work a bit from there.
In the afternoons I try to do something nourishing for myself like reading my books, cooking, sitting outside and I often end the day with a bath.
Usually I’ll have dinner while watching my “in the moment” series on Netflix (currently Good Girls)
Then I settle into bed with my book and drift off to sleep (I’m always reading a business or personal growth book in the mornings and a fiction or memoir at night)
On weekends I just wake up and wander through my day, following my intuitive nudges and I generally spend time with family and friends. I’m a Cancerian so I love being home with family and friends.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
It has had a really important role because I teach very much through my life experiences; sharing wisdom, insights and real life, raw examples that people can relate to.
So many people on social media have been following me for over a decade, since I was a Yoga Teacher. Many have shared the transformations they have experienced from insights and inspirations and lessons I share.
I’m also a natural connector and want to know my people and community intimately. Social media is a way for me to sustain long term relationships with my community so that we are going through a journey of growth and transformation together. I have met so many wonderful people via social media. Many who have had a huge impact on my success.
You’re very well traveled but which place really has your heart?
México! I lived in Mexico for 4 years and it has become a second home for me. I always knew intuitively that a chapter of my life would take place there and it happened in 2016. The biggest transformation and breakthrough of my life happened in Mexico so there is a deep, emotional tie for me with this country. I still have friends and family and plan to one day have a second home there.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
This question is so hard for me. I am the kind of person who goes to the restaurant and can’t decide what I want to eat because I’m scared of missing out on something else I could have enjoyed! I have traveled a lot so far in my life. Intuitively I feel like England, Costa Rica or California.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“Man plans and God laughs.”
It helps me chill out, stop trying to micromanage my life and trust in divine timing.
What’s next for you and the brand?
More aligned work. I have been diving deep into Human Design lately and discovered that as a Generator I am meant to do only what excites me or what feels like a full body yes. This is what I’m intentionally stepping into personally. My team is incredible at helping me be more in my Sacred Flow. To “stay in my lane” as I like to say.
Slowing down. As soon as I slow down I feel healthier and happier. I do less of everything and more of what feels aligned. When I slow down I can actually hear my intuition therefore I make choices that are good for me. I say yes to the right things and no to the wrong things. I set healthy boundaries. I listen to my body. Slowing down is also when I can heal which is essential to self care for me.
Over the course of the last 18 months, lot’s of people have used the slower pace of life to their advantage by finding out where their passions truly are and for Michelle Davidson, she turned that passion in to her pay check.
Here, we delve behind the brand, One of a Kind Designs, and get to the heart of what makes Michelle the force to be reckoned with that she is today…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, One of a Kind Designs
I think everyone would agree that the last 18 months have been a little bit odd to say the least, and like many of your readers who are ‘solopreneurs’, I started painting furniture as a hobby. In fact, it all started with a beautiful Victorian wooden chair that I had acquired, with lofty plans for a grand transformation. A chair became a chest of drawers, a writing bureau, a drinks cabinet and, frankly, anything else I could get my hands on!
I never dreamt that one year later I would be selling my furniture on my own website, having attended the first ever UK Furniture Painters Business Academy Conference or have my story published in an international lifestyle magazine! It’s been a whirlwind of a year.
Not long after picking up my first paintbrush, I knew that I had found my passion! I discovered my love for creating unique designs with vintage furniture and around the same time I also realised that I was not alone in my passion. I started to get lots of interest on my personal social media pages when sharing my transformations and I thought that there may be an opportunity to work on other people’s household projects.
It quickly grew into more than that as people have come to me looking for inspiration, or for me to help them realise their own vision. From then on, it seemed that there was a market for creating bespoke vintage furniture.
Before long I was considering the real impact of my work. I was rescuing beautiful furniture that was often destined for landfill and turning it into something that would be loved and treasured for many more years. This was eye-opening for me.
My mission now is to provide an alternative to mass-produced, fast-furniture, which is often made up of poor quality materials making it just another aspect of our wasteful, ‘throwaway’ culture, and if I can inspire others to do something similar, I will have achieved something wonderful.
How did you discover your passion for creating bespoke furniture?
By accident actually. I was looking for a new creative outlet. Over the years I had tried tapestry, dress making, candle making and as much as I still love to do all those creative hobbies, once I picked up a paintbrush and saw the effect that I could have on an old piece of furniture, I was sold!
I love taking an often unwanted piece of quality vintage furniture and transforming it into a statement piece for the modern home. These pieces are full of history and character. What I do doesn’t take away from that, I am conscious of the nature of the piece and whether it is a restoration project or I paint and decorate it, my goal is for the piece to be loved and used for many more years, rather than it being left to ruin.
How do you want people to feel once they purchase your furniture?
It’s actually remarkable how emotive a wonderful piece of furniture can be. I have had customers tell me that opening up the packaging and taking off protective bubble wrap to get to their piece reminds them of childhood Christmas mornings. You can’t quantify that emotion or put a price on it, the excitement is unique to every individual, to see their vision realised and the feelings that it creates is something very special.
I want people to be impressed and love the piece as much as I have loved creating it. I want them to feel proud of their decision to choose a sustainable way to furnish their home, recognising the positive impact that decision has had.
I have met so many people who never knew that painting furniture was even an option. This has opened their eyes to being able to get a creatively bespoke piece of furniture to their exact specifications, you can’t get that on the high street.
I pride myself on working closely with clients, listening to what they require and using my professionalism and creativity to exceed their expectations. I love seeing the excited expressions on their face when we are discussing colours and designs, then the happiness when they receive their piece delivered direct to their home.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
No, everything has happened exactly as it should have. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them. I have learned that I need to trust in myself, my ability and the processes I go through. I am a big advocate of just putting one foot in front of the other, it doesn’t matter how small those steps are, if they are a positive action, they will get you to where you need to go.
Tell us more about your interior style at home…
It’s a work in progress! We moved into our family home 8 years ago and everything needed refreshing. I was pregnant with our twins at the time, so we kept a simple design at first, cream walls and cream carpets throughout. Now we are taking it room by room, injecting our personality into our home. Last year we completely renovated our kitchen, it now fits what our family needs – a large cooking area, dining area and comfortable seating area for those infrequent quiet moments! It goes without saying that my business has infected the whole household and my twins have their own pieces, painted by their own hands in their bedrooms, I wouldn’t say they are immaculate finishes but they are certainly unique and loved by my two crazies!
If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Wow, can I use nine words please:
Unique, sustainable, creative, personable, friendly, inspiring, passionate, transparent and quality.
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch a business?
Focus on a few things at a time, don’t stretch yourself too much or you will get overwhelmed. The first year is tough, but if you do it right by working smarter, not harder, the rewards are exhilarating. Trust your instincts, ask for support and be open and honest. People need to know and trust you so don’t be afraid to be yourself.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m not an extrovert, my style suits my mood and my diary, I love to dress up all glam and head out on date night, but I also love my ‘slouchies’. Most of my casual wear is paint splattered and I’m okay with that, it’s who I am now.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I have 7 year old twins, Murray and Isla, 4 cats and a dog, a 20 year bank career and a new business. Life is busy. Each day I try to build in self care, it’s so important. If I don’t function well, everything else suffers. I feel more focused and in control if I can meditate first thing in the morning. I also enjoy getting up early to walk the dog before everyone else is about. I have the most amazingly supportive husband, we definitely share the house work and childcare. I work for a bank during the day and the evening and weekends are my One of a Kinds Designs time.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
It’s massive. Social media has opened up my business to groups of people I could never have dreamt of reaching without it. It gives small businesses like mine a platform from which to shout about our business, showcase what we can offer, reach and engage with customers and build relationships.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Great question! I love to travel and I have a few favourite places that I would love to visit again including Lake Garda in Italy, South of France and Croatia. I went on my honeymoon to Egypt and my husband still teases me that I didn’t go into the Great Pyramid at Giza so that could make it on the list. I’m not really a sun worshipper so one destination that I would love to visit is Scandinavia and Russia. The scenery, culture and architecture would be amazing.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Practice makes progress, this is a big motivator in our house. It’s about continuing to put one foot in front of the other. My husband always says ‘A march of a thousand miles begins with the first step’, I like that.
What’s next for you and the brand?
To share my passion for refinishing furniture. I want to teach others. I run online courses and workshops and I offer 121 programmes as well.
What does self care mean to you?
Looking after yourself by doing what you need to do when you need to do it. It’s about being attuned to your body and mind so that you recognise when you need to take action for yourself. For me this can mean a walk, meditation, yoga, or spending time with my husband and family.
Where can people find out more?
If you head to my website www.oneofakinddesigns.co.uk you will see my furniture collection. There is also information there on the training courses and workshops I offer.
I am also on Instagram and I have a Facebook page and two groups which you can join to learn more about what I do or to learn to paint furniture yourself.
Inspired by daily coastal runs along the Tuscan clifftops, TARIO was born from the desire to take an integrated and sustainable approach to beauty and wellness. Their founder Tracy is a huge advocate for self-care, something that has always been close to our hearts here at House of Coco.
Whether it is skincare, sports recovery, stress relief, sleep support or treating the symptoms of colds & flu, TARIO products provide solutions to help us as individuals, balance and manage the demands of increasingly busy lives. Put it this way, you need TARIO in your life.
We spent some time with Tracy to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Tario…
I wanted to develop unique self-care solutions with specific targeted benefits that could be easily included into a daily routine. It was also important to ensure that we only used the best natural elements from land and sea that are, above all, responsibly sourced.
Taking inspiration from daily coastal runs along the Tuscan clifftops in summer, TARIO was born from the idea of taking an integrated and sustainable approach to beauty and wellness. Whether it is sports recovery, stress relief, sleep support, skincare or treating the symptoms of colds & hay-fever, we aim to create products that support us as individuals as we balance and manage the demands from increasingly busy lives.
Your brand is heavily focused on sustainability, why is this important to you?
I grew up against a backdrop where conservation and sustainability were key influences in my early life and I later went on to study Environmental Management. This background combined with a lifelong passion for exercise, training and the outdoors meant that I was always searching for products that were kind to the world, accessible and would benefit me on a daily basis. It was therefore a natural progression to create products that at their core have clear benefits and are uncompromisingly sustainable.
Since launching the brand, are there any decisions you have made that you later went on to regret?
I tend to view everything as a learning journey. I am naturally not a risk taker and research everything in detail. Understanding social media is my biggest learning and is the one area I am thankful that I have been cautious with at times.
Reboot, renew and restore is your philosophy. How do you want people to feel when using your products?
It is about integrating beauty, wellness and selfcare into your daily bath, shower or skincare routine. Taking the time to focus on what you want and need. I truly believe that in everyday there should be a moment when you shut the door and give yourself time to physically recover and mentally prepare for the day or night ahead. Reboot, renew and restore!
If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Sustainable, functional and inclusive.
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch a business in the skincare industry?
Research and a clear understanding of the investment needed to not only launch your business, but to sustain it long-term.
How would you describe your personal style?
I am very relaxed yet determined and detailed at the same time. Sometimes the two styles can clash which is why it is key for me to integrate time for both physical and mental wellbeing into my daily life.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
My day is structured with a 6am start and with reading the news headlines. By 6:30am my children are up, and I prepare breakfast and get them ready for school and do the school run. This is followed with a dog walk which I find incredibly meditative as I love been outdoors in the early morning fresh air, no matter the weather.
By 9:00 I am at my desk with a cup of coffee. Running your own business means each day is different with its own set of challenges yet the outcome remains the same – develop and grow. There is both variety and structure in creating products and a business that is sustainable long term. This is what I love about TARIO.
I normally break for lunch at 12:00 which is when I get a chance to exercise. Whether it is yoga, running, tennis or strength this is the opportunity when I get to immerse myself in stretching out muscles, building up a sweat or mentally relaxing and re-energizing for the afternoon ahead. Exercise has always played an important part in my daily life and I definitely feel the impact when I am not consistent.
The afternoon is spent continuing with what I was working on in the morning.
At 5pm it is back to collecting children and taking them to clubs, completing homework, supper and finalizing that which I did not complete during the day.
By 9:30pm I am preparing for bed with either a bath or shower and my favourite Sports Recovery Bathsoaks or SleepTight Drops. I tend to unwind with a movie or boxset before lights out at 11pm.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has a role to play as a support tool in building awareness of the brand. However, the relationships with our customers, suppliers and the quality of our products, to us at TARIO, are the most important and valuable.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Italy is my favourite summer destination, however my dream destination is definitely to see the magical and natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I don’t tend to lack motivation but I do worry. Over the first lockdown I binge watched “Jane the Virgin” and a quote that resonated with me was “There is nothing to worry about until there is something to worry about”.
What’s next for you and the brand?
Focus remains on expanding, growing and building relationships with our customers by creating natural sustainable products that match mood with purpose. We also have a couple of exciting new products in the pipeline for Christmas.
What does self care mean to you?
Self-care for me means taking time to step back, disconnect and breathe. It’s about giving myself space in my day to get out of my head, whether it be connecting with friends, taking a bath or exercising.
