Interviews - House Of Coco Magazine

Accessories November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight: Emilee Troulan on capturing breezy Barbados Style

Waking up to the pristine coastlines and white sandy beaches of Barbados is an absolute dream; and it is from this island paradise that Emilee Troulan has taken inspiration from for her brand – Tru. Team Coco catches up with Emilee right off her latest pop-up at Topshop in Oxford Circus. In conversation with Emilee, we chat about her love for Barbados, the fantastic support she gets from the local community, the inspirations behind her latest collection – and of course, what it takes to kill it as a GirlBoss.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Tru?

Growing up in Barbados has made me always think bigger, because although life here is great, there is so much more out there and so much more room for growth as an individual. I always had a thing for retail, so I started work at age 16 in the UK and thats when I learned that I loved the retail world and I wanted to own my own store one day.

Coming back from the UK after three months, I managed a new boutique here in Barbados and that lead to meeting a Bajan designer, who I then opened a store with in Barbados a year later. After meeting her, I realised that maybe I should take a swing at creating my own brand because I always found myself looking but never finding clothes that really suited my lifestyle here. There was a void in the market that TRU has now filled. The great thing about TRU is that nobody wears the same pieces in the same way.

What is it like living in Barbados? Tell us about what an average day is like for you?

Living in Barbados is like nothing else! I haven’t travelled as much as I’d like to yet, but from the places I’ve been, there is really nothing like Barbados. Life here is the definition of being on ‘island time’ — which can be good and bad.

An average day for me is waking up and having a coffee on my balcony which looks out to the west coast. (yes, I see the sea from my home, yes it’s amazing and yes you can be jealous) I sit and enjoy my coffee and think about what I have to do that day, I say some morning affirmations and have some alone time to just wake myself up, get into the right mindset, and inspire myself to see beyond Barbados. It’s very easy to just settle here, but I’m not like that – I crave more for myself and my brand.

I also meet up with fellow business/brand owners for a coffee and have a brainstorm session on growth, brand identity and everything in-between. I am so grateful to be surrounded by like minded people, it has really helped me grow as a person and a brand. No day is the same for me, because one day I may feel super creative and bang out a new collection, new blogpost, plan my social media for the month, plan an event, plan the next pop up. I’m always on the look out for something new and exciting that can better TRU. I usually end my day with some exercise and at night I like to make my list of things that I need to do the next day. Other nights I binge watch Netflix until my eyes burn, it’s called balance!

In what ways does island life in Barbados inspire your designs?

I would say I get inspired by the way people feel and look when they’re on vacation here. There’s a certain style for a Barbados holiday, it’s effortless and laid back. There is something about dressing minimalistic but making it look so clean and put together, like as if the outfit was thought about the night before. For example; the MARI tank — this tank top is in the colour Coconut Milk – which already makes you feel like you’re on holiday, pair with our denim shorties and a lace bralette, and head to the East coast to explore. It’s just pure island style, no doubt.

Congratulations on your recent pop-up with Topshop! What was it like working with such a big high street giant like Topshop?

Thank you so much! It was such an amazing experience, and I’m still lost for words. It was so interesting to see how people shop in London, because it’s totally different to how people shop in Barbados. In Barbados people want your opinion, they want to learn about the brand — in London however, everyone had their earphones in and were simply just buying things that they liked! It was great to watch people just come and pick up my designs. I was a bit nervous when I was first faced with how people shop, because there is a story behind each piece and so many ways to wear everything. I did however meet many people who were shocked at the fact that I designed everything and it was my own brand. Most people just thought I was hired to work the booth! So this was fun to see their jaws drop as I talk about TRU and how it all started and life in Barbados. I will definitely be back, it was so amazing and really opened my eyes on how TRU can grow internationally.

Talk us through your latest collection, the inspiration behind it, and if you have a favourite piece?

From a personal level, I designed this collection to have a bit more variety. Yes, TRU is known for luxury tees because that is how the entire brand started, but it was time to grow the portfolio and create a collection that really touched every part of what you will need on your Barbados holiday.

That is how I designed Island Breeze. I wanted to create a collection that included pieces that you could wear so many different ways, to make packing an Island Breeze (see what I did there? Yes, I’m super cheesy) — plus when I travel, I take an absurd amount of shoes, so this creates even more ways to wear everything! I would say from the entire collection that my favourite piece is the TESSA dress — this dress is like, wow, it can be worn so many different ways and it’s not just a holiday essential, but a life essential! When I got the sample, I played with it so much and came up with so many ways to wear this piece.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

1. Set goals. I start with writing down a major goal and then I write a list of things I need to do in order to make that goal/dream become a reality. Also make sure to add a timeline — this keeps you on track.

2. Be careful who you share your goals and plans with because not everyone will be supportive, you’ll be told that it’s not possible, to proceed with caution, or that it’s too risky. But one thing that I’ve learned is that I can reach any goal that I set my mind to, I just need to keep at it and work towards it.

3. Always believe in yourself – I know this all sounds very cliché but it’s the honest truth. Girl, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

4. Another important tip is to always have a backup plan — if one way doesn’t work, don’t give up, just find another route — there’s always a way and trust me you can do it!

5. Be prepared to work, all day, everyday, work towards your goals. I have been running this brand solo from the start so that I learn about every aspect of the business so that I know what’s going on and what should be done and how it should be done. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many breakdowns when it all becomes too much and I want to just give up, but persistence is my friend. It’s important that when it all becomes too much, to take a step back, go for a run, a walk on the beach, a swim, anything that can distract you for a bit and come back. Work will always be there and although you set a timeline, it’s okay and sometimes it’s actually best to sometimes have to reschedule, you’ll feel a hell of a lot more productive!

What is next for you and Tru Wear? Any new & exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline?

I have so many plans and goals for TRU – some things are a little too soon to share details but I will say, you’ll be seeing us doing more pop ups around the world in the coming year! We are also going to be working with a really cool company from the US which actually specialised is working with micro brands to help them stand out and start strong with wholesaling their collections! This will be coming in 2019 and I am so excited about this. We have connections with some brands from Barbados that we are always collaborating with like Something Samarah, The Loft, & Sea Reinas. We always have ‘meetings’ that turn into brainstorm sessions on how we all can grow the ‘Barbados Brand’ name and image. I can’t explain how great it is to be surrounded by like minded people who think bigger than Barbados.

Catch up with Emilee and Tru on trubarbados.com

Arts November 9, 2023

#GirlBoss: Clare Villar Military Artist on finding her niche

Any GirlBoss knows the challenges of working in a male dominated environment, but it is one where Clare Villar strives. Her wonderful animal portraits have been commissioned by A-list celebrities and her impressive military artwork has gotten her an audience The Queen.

We catch up with Clare Villar and talk about how she carved out a niche for herself in such a unique industry, the complexities of her work, and how timing, focus, and positivity can make the difference in achieving your dreams. For Clare Villar, her incredible military art work has made her a shining star amongst brass medals.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What made you decide to become a military artist? Have you always had a connection with the military?

I actually trained as an Illustrator from Falmouth University in 1995. After qualifying, I decided to go to London where I worked for various publishing houses before getting married and moving to Ludlow, Shropshire in 1999.

I had been doing my animal portraits as a hobby and actually had a waiting list of a few months. It was at this point I decided to take the leap of faith to pursue my dream of being a full time artist. My husband was serving with the Royal Mercian Lancastrian Yeomanry at the time; and the current Colonel, David Leigh, commissioned me to do a Roll of Honour. Rolls of Honour where popular about a hundred years ago and they depicted the fallen soldiers; names from the wars. Our idea was to reinvent it to include the current serving soldiers names. It took about six months to design the Roll and another three to four months to produce it.

Could you explain to our readers what kind of artwork a military artist does?

To describe my Rolls of Honour, they are approximately A1 in size and depict all the current serving soldiers names hand written in calligraphy with hand painted cap badge, they normally contain about 650 to 700. Once I have completed an enormous one for the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in Canada, which included 979 names and over a thousand miniature maple leaves.

I am so lucky to have found a totally unique niche market with my artwork. My work has been presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward. In 2018, I won the Business Excellence Award for my military artwork and in July 2018 I was selected as a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Creative Industries.

My artwork has enabled me to travel around the world, to Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Germany with potentially other countries in the pipeline. The Australian Invictus Games Team commissioned a Roll of Honour to depict their competitors in 2018 and my WW1 Roll of Honour was presented to government VIPs in Canada.

You also work on some fabulous animal portraits – do you have a favourite piece/subject?

I started my career doing animal portraits.I still love doing these as it’s so different and a welcome break from my military artwork, although that has now reached a different level too. I have been commissioned by various public figures such as Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Trisha Goddard, and Will Greenwood to name only a few. My favourite piece was when I was commissioned by Nick Mason a few years ago to paint all four of his black labradors. It was amazing and I am very lucky to exhibit at his house every two years, which he opens to the public.

I have also just been given the most amazing opportunity to work with Louise Kennedy,who is internationally recognised as one of Ireland’s most successful fashion designers. Their flagship store is in Belgravia in London, and I get to work with her on a new clothing range, specifically in regard to my animal portraits. It is an exciting project and I have to keep pinching myself that it is actually happening!

Girl Bosses are fearless and confident – and you are constantly dealing with Generals, Coloners, and Brigadiers. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a GirlBoss so far?

Working in a very male dominated environment has made me fearless and confident, but generally the type of people I deal with are polite, professional, and treat me with the utmost respect.

The challenges I face on an a daily basis have to do with the complexity of my artwork. I can’t make any mistakes otherwise I have to start from scratch, and when you are writing 650/700 names in calligraphy then a huge amount of concentration is needed. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was whether or not I was going to be taken seriously as an up and coming military artist. I’m competing with mainly male artists in this field, but my advantage has been that my artwork is completely different from anything else on the market.

My biggest challenge as a GirlBoss is juggling all aspects of my life from family, career, and my artwork. I am in charge of my own destiny and if I had any advise for any women out there, worried about taking the plunge into uncertainty, is that timing is vital. You need to be ready to take the plunge and do your homework. You hear every day that you can achieve your dreams, which is true, but it comes down to hard work, belief, drive, and passion. Without these it won’t work, you have to be ready to take the knock backs and rejection, but this will make you stronger and more determined to succeed.

You need to have a positive outlook because negativity won’t achieve anything. There are a lot of women in business that I respect and learn from. Lady Karren Brady being one of them as she is supporter of my business, her outlook and message is clear and incredibly powerful. We can all succeed, it’s up to us to determine our future and our success.

Check out www.clarevillarmilitaryart.com for Clare’s Military Artwork and www.clarevillar.com to see her lovely animal portraits.

Arts November 9, 2023

#WomenWorldwide: Paulina Hernandez Carvajal promotes her Mexican culture with Kan By Paulina

Everything about KAN lives and breathes the spirit of Mexico. At 27 years old, Paulina Hernandez Carvajal, has found her calling; and it is to share Mexico’s beautiful heritage to the world with her fashion brand, KAN By Paulina.

Every item in KAN is made with love and is inspired by Mexico’s unique culture and history. The Temiqui Collection was inspired by the culture of Wirrarikas or Wixaritari; an indigenous Mexican tribe who also create the stunning embroideries that adorn Kan’s beautiful pieces. By working with the Casa Huichol Foundation, who provides medical care to indigenous Mexican tribes; Kan also helps to provide sustainable livelihoods for tribespeople in recovery. Kan is not only a beautiful, colourful, and fascinating fashion brand, but also one with a heart and soul that is proudly Mexican.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Kan by Paulina?

My name is Paulina Hernandez Carvajal, I´m 27 years old, and I am a Mexican fashion designer. I love art and the sea, and what inspired me to start Kan was this passion for these two things. Kan comes from love; love to my country and our ethnic indigenous cultures, our traditions, and our colours.I want to show Mexico and the world, all of the richness that my country has to offer. To share the peculiar cosmo-vision that all the ethnic Mexican groups have; and taking people on a magical journey into their unique regions; inspired by their enchantment and seduction.

How important is your Mexican heritage to the ethos of your brand? How does your culture influence your designs?

My Mexican heritage is everything to the ethos of brand, it’s the DNA of Kan. Every single design of Kan screams Mexico, you won’t find anything like our products anywhere else. The dynamic colours of each piece come from my country; from its deep blue seas, to its green jungles and forests. From our pink and purple cover tables that bring family dinners to life, to the colours of a piñata that exemplifies our traditions.

Every single piece that is embroidered by the hands of the Wixaritariis all about art and love. At the heart of Mexico is Kan.

Could you tell us more about your collaboration with the Casa Huichol foundation?

The Temiqui Collection is inspired by the Wirrarikas or Wixaritari culture, and we work with their communities. They do all of the embroidery for the swimwear and clothes; without them Kan wouldn’t exist. They are the magic in this project.

Casa Huichol Foundation, is a place where the Wirras can come to the city can seek medical help, and also a place to stay while in recovery. At Casa Huichol, we work with the patient’s family so they can earn an income while staying in the city, Kan seeks to empower the indigenous and create sustainable livelihoods for them.

Kan is made up of all the different Wixaritari communities that we work with, from Casa Huichol to communities in the Highlands, andor our main Artist Guadalupe Hernández. They make every design in this collection unique, a piece of haute couture. They work hours by hand embroidering each piece, giving us a piece of art, love, heart,culture, and tradition; but most importantly a piece of every single artist that has worked in this process.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

The biggest challenge that I have faced to not give up and keep believing in myself and this project. Thingsrarely go as you imagine, and oftentimes plan change and you encounter difficulties in your journey.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself

The best advice that someone has given me is to ‘dream big, if your dreams don’t scare you then they aren’t big enough for you.’

Always work for what you believe in and never give up on your dream. No matter how difficult the journey may seem, or what people say, you have to work hard for what you want, and also enjoy the ride. You need to take in every single moment. Enjoy the tears, the happiness, the moments of loneliness, and the moments with the ones you love. Enjoy the falls,because if we don’t fall we won’t be able to learn. Enjoy the critics because they are the ones that will help you become better and grow. Enjoy every single achievement along the way,because they are the reminders that you are doing good and that your work is paying off. Most of all whatever you do, do it with all your heart. Because when you put your heart and love in every single thing you do, you can achieve the impossible.

www.KanbyPaulina.com

Girl Bosses of Great Britain November 9, 2023

Jennifer Jane Young on learning and teaching ‘The Art of Making Things Happen’ with Injoy Living

Jennifer Jane Young is the very definition of a successful 21st century multi-hyphenate. Founder of Injoy Living, she also works as a Virtual Business Manager and Strategic Consultant, writer, alongside running her own podcast called ‘The Art of Making Things Happen’.

According to Jennifer ‘The actions you are not willing to take or the decisions you are not willing to make are the ones that will change your life’ .This motto is the perfect reflection to her willpower and resilience to truly carve out the life she wants to live. Amidst a world of dull nine to fives, Jennifer helps people to turn their ideas into reality through her own self-started business, INJOY LIVING. Using her own personal experiences to inspire entrepreneurs the world over, to not settle, and to truly ‘injoy living’ their best lives.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What inspired you to start Injoy Living?

From a young age I had a ton of creativity and inspiration. My imagination was my safe space but simultaneously I was suffering. Up until I was about 25 I felt like I just didn’t fit anywhere in the world. Throughout my teenage years I suffered with severe anxiety, paralysing me in so many moments, making me feel like I was broken and unlike anyone else. It was a scary time for me because it felt like I was never going to be ok in my life.

I was the black sheep of the crowd, surrounded by people working 9-5 jobs or trying to find their dream program in school and none of that felt good to me. I needed freedom, I needed to do something with my creativity, and I needed to live a life of my own. At the time I could not quite understand all of that yet. In school, I was a little rebel, and I could never hold a job for more than a few months, as I found that it was physically and mentally excruciating. I would daydream of running away from it all and into a life that I would INJOY LIVING.

And so I did.My journey as an entrepreneur began by becoming a Yoga Teacher. I took my summer vacation to do intensive training and never looked back. I FINALLY felt at home in my life. I then went from Yoga Teacher, to Yoga-therapist, to Coach, to Virtual Business Manager & Strategic Advisor.What grew from that was Injoy Living. My company was built to help people craft out the life they are so deeply yearning for, because I believe that we should all be ‘injoying’ our life.

Injoy Living is where personal development meets entrepreneurship. It’s where I serve as a mentor to teach ‘The Art Of Making Things Happen’ by merging inspiration with practicality so people cannot only dream, but also make their dreams happen, one step at a time. I build deep, meaningful connections with people who come into my circle. I wear my heart on my sleeve and share my own journey in an honest way, so that I can use my life and lessons as a stepping stone for them.

The actual big picture vision for Injoy Living came to me when I was on vacation in Ireland, driving through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It was so strong that I took out a pad and paper and wrote until my hand was hurting and I could barely hold my pen anymore. I believe that the vision I had that day, was a preview of my life’s mission. Not all of it exists yet, but it’s coming to life, one chapter at a time.

What is Injoy Living all about? How does it help aspiring entrepreneurs the world over?

It’s always about creating a bridge between inspiration and making things happen, through mentoring and practicality. No matter how I’m mentoring someone, I always see myself metaphorically holding my peoples’ hands as I help them step forward. It’s about creating human connection and a community of people on a similar path. I felt so alone for so long, and I don’t want anyone to ever feel that way. There is a unique path for all of us and I want to help people find that path and actually walk it. Through clear intentions, intuitive and strategic actions and the capacity to relax and let go, I help people step forward towards their yearnings. When I am not doing that for myself, I suffer, so when I’m suffering I know that I’m not paying attention to where my intuition is trying to guide me.

Currently my company offers one-on-one services for people to start a business or grow their business with me as the Virtual Business Manager. I mentor through my podcast “The Art Of Making Things Happen” and I invite clients to come work with me under the coconut palms in Cancun Mexico for retreats, work-cations and intensives.

What’s next for you and Injoy Living?

I’m working on getting my book published, where you can read about my philosophy on The Art Of Making Things Happenand one of the biggest leaps I ever took in my life — packing my life and my dog to move to Mexico.

There is so much more to come. I used to get stressed because I wasn’t making things happen fast enough, but now I really appreciate each individual chapter and how they build on each other. If I can spill the beans a little, the next thing I’m working on creating is a caribbean co-working house in Cancun for creatives and entrepreneurs to come stay with me for work & relaxation. I love being a host and taking care of people. You can sign up to Jennifer’s VIP list to be in the first to receive an invitation here.

Talk us through how you help businesses with ‘The Art of Making Things Happen’

I help people connect the dots from their idea/desire to creation. My strength is seeing the big picture and all the pieces involved to make things happen. Where people get overwhelmed, is trying to sort out all the pieces and matching them with the big picture. I help people break things down, problem solve, put the pieces in order and prioritise what to tend to first (while knowing what will be coming next). I’m a natural born project manager.

I also serve by coaching people who are just getting started (or wanting to take their own path) and offering strategic consulting to entrepreneurs. My approach with everyone is highly intuitive.

Communication is the key vehicle to any work or mentoring I do. I offer high-touch support to my community and clients. Unlike so many businesses now online, I want people to feel close to me and have access to me.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a GirlBoss so far?

Taming my creativity. I’ve had to learn that not all ideas are good ones. When creativity hits now I write and write and write. Then I let it sit and see how it feels the next day. I’m a little woowoo so sometimes I’ll pull tarot cards or get a reading from my tarot reader. I trust now that if something is meant to be on my path, it will continue to come bite me in the ass. I use my podcast and writing to channel my creativity, instead of trying to create a new service or a new business with every single blitz of inspiration.

I have to be fully transparent also (because it’s part of my core values as a mentor) and say that money used to be a big challenge for me. Starting at a young age, I had very stressful and scary experiences with money, and those patterns repeated into my adult life. In the last few years, I’ve fallen in love with taking care of my money, with making it, with using it and managing it. It was a long journey, but I finally feel empowered with my finances, which has had a huge impact on my business, success, and peace of mind.

What advice do you have for aspiring GirlBosses who would like to become a Girlboss like yourself?

Connect, connect, connect. You need a community. You need other Girlbosses in your circle. People to talk to and share with. Find a coach or a mentor. Invest in getting help. There are options for support for all different budgets. I would NEVER be where I am today, without the support and connections I have had with other amazing girl bosses. They have helped me become the person I am today. They will share resources with you, connect you with the right people, call you on your bull shit, through your value in your face when you can’t see it yourself. Find your crew is my best advice. No one builds success on their own, not even Oprah. We all need our Gayles!

WWW.INJOYLIVING.CA

Accessories November 9, 2023

Girl Bosses of Great Britain: Loquet London and the Story-telling of Jewellery

Laura Bailey and Sheherazade Goldsmith, long time friends and now business partners, have created something truly unique with Loquet London. Each one of their delicate charms tells a story, whether that may be inspired by their children or one of their many adventures. Stories are what drives Loquet London’s design aesthetic, unfazed by passing trends, and the frivolity of flashiness – Loquet creates jewellery that goes beyond being just pretty, but instead immortalises a piece of their customer’s life.

We chat with Girl Boss Sheherazade Goldsmith about Loquet London’s early beginnings, her partnership with Laura Bailey, and finding inspiration in the stories we tell with our everyday lives.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Loquet London?
The most relevant part of my background to Loquet, is my love of books and travel. I love imagining who and what is behind the selection of charms that leave our office. Stories. Each of our charms comes from some kind of adventure. The meanings are all related to temples, myths and places that either I or Laura have experienced. Travel inspires the entire collection.

When I left school I worked for a company called Club 21, a wholesale and franchise group that did the distribution for numerous designer jean brands such as Armani and Guess. I was only there for a couple of years and then moved onto journalism, which was a childhood dream. A sabbatical and an MA led me to Loquet. An idea of something I wanted for myself, but couldn’t find.

How did you and Laura meet? What made you decide to go into business together?
We crisscrossed paths for most of our 20’s and then came together as friends in our 30’s. A combined love of adventures with our kids, writing, and other friends. I came up with an idea and asked Laura for some advice, she loved it so much that we joined forces and turned the idea into a concept. Laura was the perfect partner as her knowledge and experience in the world of fashion was everything that I didn’t have. We work seamlessly together, as our strengths lie in different areas. Through our friendship, we have developed a short hand which allows us to make decisions quickly and effectively. We both have busy lives, which makes our friendship the best part about working together.

What makes Loquet London different from other jewellery brands in the market?
Loquet is different because it offers our customers the opportunity to create at truly bespoke piece of fine jewellery. An heirloom that tells their story. It’s a collectable that can be worn day or night; and just as easily with jeans and trainers or lipstick and heels. It’s jewellery with an immersive experience. A combination of sentiment and playfulness; the pieces are fun and classical in equal measure. Our customers are not categorised into generations, as our jewellery accompanies its wearer throughout their lives.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as businesswomen so far?
The biggest challenge has been to innovate technologically, at a rate that a small business can afford. You’re constantly competing with huge companies whose budgets for marketing are you entire annual turnover. The whole retail experience is evolving so fast. Consumers no longer just want to make a purchase, they’re looking for an experience, which Loquet provides. Our customers are people who don’t follow fashion trends or aren’t particularly influenced by celebrity. They’re looking for something more honest; and we want to keep giving people an authentic journey.

You’ve had a number of noteworthy collaborations, including a collaboration with Dimes and with the Wild at Heart Fund. How do you go about finding the right people to partner with?
This is a completely organic process that involves businesses that I admire. I have been a long term customer of Wild at Heart; and have had several dogs from Battersea dogs home. With Dimes, it was a case of my being in New York, stumbling across their restaurant on Canal Street, and falling in love with their concept. I’m a huge food snob as I use to write about food and environmental issues. I have a deep admiration for businesses who are trying to change the system of vast monocultures. Dimes has a conscience behind their menu, and every detail of what they make is so beautifully thought out and utterly delicious. They were the perfect inspiration for making a fruit and veg charm collection.

Finally, what advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourself?
Believe in your idea and be passionate about originality. Don’t be afraid to experiment or innovate, sometimes things need to change to move forward. Do one thing and do it REALLY, REALLY well. Make it better then anyone else. Build a team around you that inspires you, that you can laugh, debate, and cry with. But most of all enjoy the journey, as you’re enjoyment will reflect in everything you do.

Interviews November 9, 2023

#WomenWorldWide: Exploring Female Empowerment with Farrah Miller

Farrah Miller is an integrated nutrition health expert, founder of FM Wellness, author, and a Female Empowerment Coach. An activist in the making, she wants to be the wave that can make a difference in the gender equality. To support that ambition she provides free mentoring to divorce and traumatised women who are going through an emotionally challenging time.

Farrah works with women in their 20’s-40’s who want to improve their lives and appearance naturally, providing 1:1 coaching coaching, and 30-day courses which can be taken from your sofa, in your PJs!

Want to check her out? For a limited time, Farrah is offering a free eCoaching series “30 day to a New You” . Did you know that most habits can be broken if you can go 30 days without them…

Let’s get into it with Farrah.

HOC: Great to meet you, Farrah! Can you tell us about your journey to running your business?

Farrah: My journey from corporate management into entrepreneurship has been a rewarding and empowering experience, one I feel deep gratitude for. I had to recognise my desires and go through a few painful experiences while allowing my intuition to guide me along my path.

Health Coaching and Female Empowerment is a part of my path. I feel so connected to this message and I find myself more and more aligned with this purpose. I naturally feel energised and impassioned when I am helping someone make life changing habits.

I remember when I was at a point in my life where I didn’t ask for help when I really needed it. It was not easy because I had to do it all alone. And I realised that we can heal our lives, but sometimes we just need a helping hand and a little nudge in the right direction.

I look around and see so many women suffering emotional pain caused by trauma from childhood. We stay stuck in the same place if we do not release these traumas and make changes in our daily habits. Helping my clients make small changes which last a lifetime is rewarding and makes me feel good about my role in the world.

I have always wanted to spread positivity and love throughout the world, and I am so happy and proud that I am doing that every day.

HOC: Wow, such passion for your business! This drive must come from lived experience. Can you tell us about your personal story and how your experiences have shaped your outlook today?

Farrah:I was seven years old when my family and I moved to Queens, NY from Pakistan. I was so happy to have landed in New York and start my life in this great country. I had some challenging experiences growing up in Pakistan and so moving to New York was great news for me. I wanted to start fresh.

When I was 19, I entered an arranged marriage which was not something that I wanted. I was pressured into it to show my respect for my elders and cultural traditions.

We divorced within a year, which led me to returning to University to complete my education. I was trying really hard to pick up the pieces that had shattered everywhere around me. I was swallowing the shame of my failed marriage, and I worried about my future. I was in emotional pain and was feeling lost. I did not know how to manage or release these feelings. I had no-one to talk to who could help. At that point of my life I knew I had to change something to change my current circumstances.

One day I decided to go for a jog, and soon after that day I began to run daily.I started to notice that I was feeling good and that my nerves were calmer. Flushing out my anxiety hormones was helping me feel good emotionally and physically.

After that I became extremely aware of my thoughts, choices, and thinking patterns. I transformed my relationship with myself and transformed into conscious living. I am enjoying every bit of it. Now I love sharing my best tips and knowledge with the world on nutrition, health, and mindfulness, and I will continue to seek wisdom about the human brain and the treasures of life.

HOC: How did you decide to wanted your career to be about supporting others?

Farrah: I felt the push towards helping others who are suffering with emotional trauma and blockages around money, relationships, and health. I have been there and I know how one can feel so stuck. I am passionate about changing the way Americans eat and live today. Our food and lifestyle both need an upgrade and new vision at the government level for a true reform. Better health is a human right and we must provide healthy options for our people.

I want to help women feel good, inside and out, by helping them eat for healthy skin and a healthy body. My mission is to impact our lifestyle standards, improve our overall quality of life, and spread the teachings of a mindful approach to day-to-day life. The more calm, conscious, and collected one can be, the more we can contribute towards others’s needs. We can become the best versions of ourselves, someone who is both a positive influence in the community and lives a mindful life with regular self-check-ins.

HOC: If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other paths could you have taken?

Farrah: I would have pursued a career as a painter or art gallery director.

HOC: Where does your drive come from? What tips do you have for keeping focus?

Farrah: I have always had a curious mind and my drive comes from my intense focus on observing human nature as it learns and finds solutions to the problems we suffer in today’s challenging yet epic times.

I can become obsessive trying to find the deep solutions to what I am aiming at. It’s in my DNA. My beloved father (may peace be with him) was a visionary and thought leader, and I know I have a lot of him in me. It makes me feel good to know that my father is always with me.

Focus is all about channeling your energy into your authentic self and then focusing on a specific goal…

Write down your goals and break them into realistic timelines. Then approach them with calmness and an expectation of achieving them. Hold yourself accountable, and celebrate the little successes along the way, because it is through the journey that we learn and get to experience the joy of fulfilment.

HOC: For our entrepreneurial readers, what advice do you have for them to start their own thing?

Farrah: Follow your passion and listen closely to your intuition. Make a list of what makes you light up on the inside. Ask for help. Constantly research what’s out there. Get involved in your new community. Share your message with the world. Spread positivity and be a part of the ripple effect.

HOC: What personal achievement of yours means the most to you and why?

Farrah: My most important achievement is that I am an independent woman who does not rely on others’ approval to keep progressing. An independent woman makes her own rules and lives her life authentically without the fear of judgement.

HOC: Entrepreneurial souls are often burning the candles at both ends, as a mental health professional what tips do you have for our readers when they are feeling emotionally exhausted?

Farrah:Yes, this is very common for driven people. I know I have been there many times myself, but as a health coach I know how to recognise the imbalances and take the necessary steps to bring myself back into alignment.

Here are 3 things you can do if you’re experiencing emotional exhaustion:

1) Sweat: When working out, your brain releases endorphins, which help reduce our perception of pain and decrease mental stress. All health professionals agree that aerobic exercise is a key for your head, just as it is for the heart.

2) Muscular Relaxation: When you are stressed, your muscles tend to tighten up. By learning to relax your muscles, you will be able to use your body to get rid of mental stress. It’s best to be in a quiet place where you can sit up straight or comfortably lay out on a firm mattress.

3) Breathing exercises:Simple breathing exercises can also help to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Rapid, shallow, and erratic breathing is a common result of stress. Slow, deep, regular breathing is a sign of relaxation. Take time to breathe slowly in and out, while focusing on your abdomen expanding and contracting. As you inhale it expands, and as you exhale it contracts.

HOC: Fantastic tips, thank you. Finally, if you ever have a creative block / funk; how do you get yourself out ofit?

Farrah: I have learned to let go when I feel the need to rest my mind. I take that as a sign that I need to make time to relax and that maybe I am not fully ready to start a new project right at this time.

I normally just spend time with my hobbies, like dancing to my favourite music or hiking outdoors with my partner. Meaning, I just don’t think about the project for a while, until I receive inspiration naturally to start to write my ideas.

Farrah Miller is an integrated nutrition health expert, founder of FM Wellness, author, and a Female Empowerment activist, you can find out more about her work here: https://www.farrahmiller.org/

Farrah’s clients want to lose weight and improve their skin health, and FM Wellness teaches them how to make better decisions that fit within their busy lifestyle. Farrah’s clients love that they can make simple changes that create BIG results.

Follow Farrah on instagram: @farrahmiller_

Accessories November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight: Martha Rodriguez of Vesti Fashion

Martha Rodrigues is a designer with roots grounded resolutely in her home country. Her stylish luxury bag brand, Vesti, features the traditional woven fabrics of indigenous Mindanao tribes. Not only does she create stunning and colourful minauderies, but each one also holds a unique story – filled with the tribal heritage of some of the Philippine’s most under-represented communities.

In recent years, floods and landslides and the recent civil rebellions have painted the Philippines’ southern region in a negative light. Brands like Vesti however, are dedicated to showing the true spirit of Mindanao – through the bold and beautiful colours of the Yakan weaves that define her collections. We catch up with Martha and chat about her beginnings, her inspiration, and how she is bringing Filipino culture onto the world stage.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Vesti?

As a designer, I never really had a formal design course. In college, my mother imposed that I take up fashion so it was decided early on. This led me to be workin with prestigious luxury fashion brands such as Natori in New York, Gucci in London, and Adora and Rustan’s in the Philippines. I guess to be in fashion was my destiny, but I did not know I would be building a brand, designing pieces that eventually showed who I am, both my weaknesses as my strengths. I began traveling back and forth in Mindanao and stumbled upon an abandoned weaving house where I saw these beautiful fabrics. I bought them and started making bags out of these fabrics. People started noticing my designs and that really was the start of Vesti.

Vesti is really about who I am. It’s about where I come from, my insecurities, to the things that me proud. It’s embracing what is thriving and turning that into something beautiful. Our aspirations from the weavers to the skilled artisans, our love for design and fashion from sketches to final products, our obsession in making sure every detail is as carefully thought of, and of course, all the hard work we put into our bags — these are all Vesti.

How does your Filipino heritage inspire your pieces?

Definitely through all these bold, colourful, interesting handwoven fabrics woven which are passed on by our Mindanao ancestors. These beautiful pieces all have stories to share. My aspirations and dreams, marry with the patterns and colours; and it t feels that the these dreams are also shared by the weavers, the artisans, and also the customers.

How did you go about building a relationship with the indigenous tribes of Mindanao?

It is always important to get to know them. I traveled to different far-flung areas, going up mountains, and learning about them. When I heard their stories, it resonated with me because I spoke the same dialect. I grew up in the same island so it was easier to communicate. After buying fabrics directly from them, I make sure to go back to them and sharing the feature or articles that show the bags with their fabrics. They seek validation to their craft especially to an international stage.

Could you tell us a little bit more about the symbolic nature of the fabrics in your collections?

Most of the patterns are inspired by Mother Nature. What you see from our Vesti Men collection is the diamond dragon pattern that the Filipino Yakan tribes believe to bring good fortune. We love to showcase the tribes and their unique cultures through our pieces.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Implementing the right strategies and business model for the brand. Wearing different hats and adjusting to the trends in the digital age. It is also a great challenge to get the right people for the team. I’ve been a one-woman team for four years, and expanding the brand and letting the right people handle it can sometimes be overwhelming.

What has it been like working with the Philippine Embassy here in London to launch Vesti in the UK?

It’s been a dream come true. I’ve always thought of showcasing our collections here after finishing my Master’s so I’m very blessed and happy to be able to be given this opportunity.

What’s next for you and Vesti? Any exciting new projects down the pipeline?

Definitely expanding to having a Kids Collection very soon!

vestifashion.com

Accessories November 9, 2023

The Contiki Clothes Swap inspires us to choose Love not Landfill

There was a time when the conversation around sustainable fashion was relegated to the sidelines.For what seems like forever, it was simply easier to turn a blind eye to the ethics of fashion in favour of style. Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of going on a panic shopping spree — in search for that perfect holiday selfie.

On March 12, millennial travel company Contiki held London’s First ever Holiday Wardrobe Clothes Swap, bringing together some of the leading voices in sustainable fashion in a wonderfully insightful panel discussion — and also saving 1700 garments from landfill. #LoveNotLandfill brought together 150 Londoners and invited them to forego the high street and rediscover our love for conscious consumerism, swapping clothes with each other and igniting the fire on the conversation around sustainability.

The Contiki Clothes Swap panel is composed of Carry Somers from Fashion Revolution, Agatha Lintott of Antibad, sustainability activist Venetia Falconer, and fashion journalist, Anna Hart. The discourse began with some shocking statistics from Contiki’s own sustainability survey, which revealed that 132 million holiday clothes go unworn every year; with 27% or survey participants saying that they purchase cheaper clothing to suit fleeting seasonal trends ahead of their holiday. Through genuine conversation and discourse, this panel of inspiring women talked about how we can consume fashion more consciously. According to Carry Somers, “What we buy really has an impact, it’s not just about the plastics we see, but als the plastics we don’t. Microfibres from synthetic fabrics contribute to 35% of all the ocean micro plastics” When asked about the perception that sustainable fashion comes at a higher price point, Agatha Lintott urges us to rediscover our emotional investment to our clothes. “Yes – sustainable brands are more expensive, but they also last longer. Dressing consciously isn’t just about buying better — it’s about looking after what you’ve got,” while Venetia Falconer invites us to celebrate our old clothes through her #oootd campaign, which invites people to share old ootds on Instagram. She says, “Look after what you’ve already got, and don’t get caught up in the hysteria of the high street.” Getting on board with sustainability isn’t actually as hard as it seems. Rather than making hard ultimatums, the secret to conscious consumerism is exactly that — making mindful connections of what we consume.

With fashion being the second largest pollutant in the world — it’s clear that our fast fashion consumption has to change, and hopefully with campaigns like #LoveNotLandfill and companies like Contiki leading the charge — we can still turn things around. Because let’s face it — is that #ootd really worth our planet’s future?

Words by Hannah Tan-Gillies

Girl Bosses of Great Britain November 9, 2023

#GirlBoss: Getting in step with Lauren Jamieson of The Wedding Steps Company

Lauren Jamieson is the very definition of a successful multi-hyphenate and is a certified #GirlBoss. After discovering her love for dance at the age of 16 and going to a prestigious dance school; Lauren has never looked back. Today, she balances a professional dancing career, performing with Keala Settle and Nicole Scherzinger, a modelling career, yoga, and founding her own business, The Wedding Steps Company.

What started as a few private sessions helping couples with their first dance, soon became a full-fledged business with features on the pages of Vogue and Brides Magazine. The first dance is such an integral part of the wedding, and yet wedding dance lessons weren’t really heard off back when Lauren first began her journey. With The Wedding Steps company, Lauren teaches couples to take ownership of their first dance, and create truly unforgettable wedding moments. How does Lauren balance it all? According to her, keeping yourself motivated and having an empowering support group makes all the difference in the world. Amen to that!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you fall in love with dance? What inspired you to start Wedding Steps?

My name is Lauren, I am 26 and originally from Glasgow. I am a dancer, model, yoga instructor and I have recently started my own business, The Wedding Steps Company.

I started dancing around the age of 16. I loved it because it was a social time with my friends and when I started to advance and moved to a more prestigious dance school, that is when I really fell in love with it. Dancing felt very natural to me and I was always so keen to learn different styles and try new things. When I was dancing, I could be completely myself and that was a safe haven for me. When I eventually started performing, I knew that I wanted to make a living from being on stage. The build up to preparing for a show and the buzz you feel when performing, there is truly nothing like it.

I was travelling for 8 months on a dance contract, I would perform shows at night and sometimes, during the day, I would teach basic ballroom classes. I use to have a few couples stay behind and ask for help with their first dance, and that’s where the idea for my business came from. When I came home from the contract, I attended a few weddings that summer. I couldn’t believe how admittedly uncomfortable some couples felt. For the younger generation especially, it was almost as though it was an embarrassing time and the bridal party couldn’t join them quick enough.

Wedding dance lessons weren’t really a thing back then. The first dance is such a beautiful moment, you can create an atmosphere and set the tone for the rest of the night and it also gives the couple a chance to express themselves and have fun. The Wedding Steps Company gives couples the opportunity to make the most out of their first dance. It invites them to be creative, be themselves, and celebrate their marriage, I am really passionate about that and I think every first dance should be a first dance to remember.

Aside from Wedding Steps, you’re also a model, yoga instructor, and just came back from Abu Dhabi with Nicole Scherzinger and Keala Settle. How do you balance it all?

It is definitely quite difficult, but I think being strict with time management has really helped me. In the beginning, I struggled to fit everything in and as a result, I never had any downtime for myself. I was still doing emails and dancing about the flat just before going to bed. I was constantly on, thinking whats next, which then resulted in me not sleeping very well.After a period of time, it kind of got on top of me a little bit.

If you allow situations like that to carry on for too long, you can lose the love for what you are doing. So I was quite fortunate to catch that early and just learn to utilise my time, I am currently replying to you whilst I am having my hair done for a show I am walking in tonight for opportunity. Don’t get me wrong, I do have times where I just don’t want to do anything, or nights when I need to stay up late to manage everything, but during times like that, reminding myself of why I started and what I am working towards, helps me stay motivated and pull through... and some berocca ha!

What’s next for you and Wedding Steps? Any exciting projects we should know about?

I have a few exciting things that I am working on at the moment. Something that I would really like to do before the end of the year is offer a number of group sessions in different dance styles. A one to one dance class may not suit everyone. Couples who haven’t danced before would maybe prefer an introduction to see if dance lessons are for them. I think it is a really inviting environment and a perfect opportunity to have more people involved and encourage couples to try something new. Also this year, The Wedding Steps has been approached by a few magazines, some of which I was over the moon to hear from, a dream come true! Working with titles like Vogue and Brides to help spread the word about The Wedding Steps and what we offer is a great step forward for the company and something I am so excited about.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Balancing four different jobs is a challenge. I personally have a lot of dreams and goals within modelling and dancing and it is so important to me to work towards them everyday, I never want to look back and have any regrets. At the same time, I want to focus on The Wedding Steps, grow the company and involve more people. When I am faced with opportunities that clash or if I know I don’t have the time to manage the workload, that can be really frustrating and making a decision on whats best at the time can be really difficult. I would never want to put myself in the position of not being able to do the job to the best of my ability. Based on that and what my prioritise are, I sometimes have to miss out on things or say no to something that I really want to say yes too. I feel a lot of pressure to make the right decision, so when a time like that comes around, it’s a challenge in how to manage it.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

I would say having a really supportive group around me has had a huge positive influence on me. It can be quite daunting starting something new; and learning as you go and making mistakes is inevitable. But having a group around me that constantly build me up, giving me confidence and encouragement, especially in the times when I am doubting myself, makes such a difference.

I am so grateful for my friends and family, especially my brother and my boyfriend who have been with me every step. Celebrating the milestones along the way with them has made all the hard work so worth it. Aside that, I often ask myself, ‘What would I do, if I wasn’t worried about failing?‘ I read that in and book once and it has really stuck with me. Whatever the answer is, no matter how far out of my comfort zone it is, I work towards that.

www.theweddingstepscompany.co.uk

Girl Bosses of Great Britain November 9, 2023

Girl Bosses of Great Britain: The Future is Freelance according to Kirsty Hulse

Late last year Forbes published research from Upwork and the Freelancers Union that 36% of Americans had freelanced in 2017. No longer spoken with air quotes (oh yeh, you are “freelancing” from your sofa, right?) and talked down as a gig economy poor alternative to the hallowed full-time job, the same research found that 29% of those freelancers surveyed make their sole income from their freelancing work.

Our interviewee today, Kirsty Hulse, runs her own agency run solely with freelancers Manyminds and has recently self-published her book The Future Is Freelance which promises to help you develop a routine to keep motivated, manage the fear and stress of being your own boss and make it patently clear that absolutely nobody has a clue what they are doing.

HOC: Hey Kirsty, can you give a whirlwind tour of how you got to where you are today?

Kirsty: The whirlwind tour is that I never had any clue of what I wanted to do growing up. I had loose ambitions to be a writer though that never seemed especially sensible or achievable. I went to university and studied philosophy, for the ever-reasonable rationale of a 17 year old that the boys were the most attractive at the opening day. I graduated with my 1st class honours in Philosophy in 2009, smack bang in the middle of the recession. I had zero employment prospects and at the time unpaid internships were the primary route to any career, however growing up in a fairly working class household in Stoke-on-Trent, that was never an option. So, I began working in commission only sales and I was shocking at it. I worked 12 hour days, 6 days a week for 6 months and earned a total of £162. One evening, whilst I was very drunk and very miserable waiting for my bus home, I (completely uncharacteristically) struck up a conversation with a random woman who turned out to be an editor for a Theatre magazine and was looking for writers. She gave me her card and said she would love to give me a trial. I could not believe my luck and wept uncontrollably all the way home.

I began writing for the online section of the magazine (still, at this stage, for free) and learnt all about the internet. What affiliate sales are. What SEO is. Why I should include keywords and found it incredibly interesting and decided that digital marketing was what I wanted to do. So, I applied for every potential role I could find and got hired, to my absolute surprise. I knew nothing at the time, so I am forever grateful to my boss at the time for taking a chance on me. Ironically, I think it was actually the degree that got me hired.

From there, I worked my way up, joined a big media agency in London, began to run teams, spoke at conferences and then eventually, set up my own agency, Manyminds, which is a totally remote, freelance collective. I believe passionately that professional autonomy, and being trusted to manage your own time, is the future of employment. Then I wrote a book about that.

HOC: Woah, that is one wild ride. It’s said that we all have a book in us, when did you know and how did you go about writing this book?

Kirsty: I never really knew, and I am not convinced I know even now! I began writing it because I was speaking at a conference and met a woman who had recently published a book about her field, User Experience. I remember thinking she was so cool and I made a decision there and then to write my own. I found the process relatively easy in that I never put a huge amount of pressure on myself to make it perfect. I just wrote a few hundred words a day, without much self criticism and when I hit around 40,000 words I closed my eyes and sent to some publishers. (After a morning of my husband standing at my office door going “Have you sent it? Just send it! Send it now! Just send it!”).

I know that had I tried to make it “perfect” I would still be struggling with that now. We all set such high expectations for ourselves as individuals that we can prevent ourselves from completing, or even starting, things because of that.

When I read it now I see things I would change and do differently, though that has only spurred me on to write more and other people seem to really like it, so that’s all that matters!

HOC: Like many members of #TeamCoco – I’m a freelancer and I can struggle with motivation and also keeping my mental balance right. What advice would you have for this? Any recommended reading / viewing?

Kirsty: Oh so much! First of all, it’s so hard to take time out when you work for yourself. There is a perpetual guilt of always having something else to do, or not working hard enough to earn your keep. That’s a mental shift that takes a lot of time, and practice to adjust to.

I would speak to as many other freelancers and business owners as you possibly can, to reassure you that we are all in the same boat. Because I am a sole founder, if things go wrong in my business I end up internalising those failures because I have nobody to talk to about them or nowhere to put them. I think I really damaged my self esteem after 3 years of doing that, so any other freelancers you know, reach out to them and be vulnerable.

I am starting to listen to more and more Podcasts as they stop me feeling quite so isolated when working alone. I like to listen to broad inspiring topics so enjoy TED Radio Hour, The Reith Lectures and Magic Lessons.

HOC: No book spoilers but why is the future freelance?

Kirsty: We all live in a world where we see idolised views of others lives through social media and a lot of that is the freelance lifestyle. For the average office worker, the invention of laptops and the cloud have made it largely unnecessary to be at a desk for a certain time, every day. That’s just a hangover from the industrial revolution that is no longer applicable to a modern workforce and it won’t take long for that to be societally and culturally recognised. Whilst being your own boss is certainly not for everyone, I do believe all companies will have to offer some level of flexible, remote working in order to retain the best staff.

HOC: Do you find the freelance sphere is equally open to men and women?

Kirsty: Yes, absolutely. One of my favourite things about freelance is that it is a huge equaliser, across gender and social class and location. Freelance offers excellent opportunities for woman at large, levelling the playing field of raising and family and sustaining a career if one, or both, parents can work more freely. There’s huge freelance communities focused on supporting women and mothers exclusively. Likewise, in order to secure the best employment you no longer need to live in the biggest most expensive cities. We can decentralise society and enable people to achieve their career potential without sacrificing other elements of their life.

HOC: If someone is thinking of going freelance, what steps would you recommend them to take?

Kirsty: Do it! Don’t over think it. You can’t plan for what you don’t know, and being freelance is a huge learning curve.

HOC: Finally, what’s been your proudest moment working freelance (some might call it a Girl Boss moment)?

Kirsty: Speaking on a stage in front of 6,000 people in Seattle was kinda cool!

Look out for our House of Coco review of The Future Is Freelance and grab your own copy over at amazon.co.uk/Future-Freelance-Discovering-Possibilities-Flexible .

Find out more about Kirsty at KirstyHulse.com