Interviews - House Of Coco Magazine

Canada August 26, 2021

Delving Deep into Hair Thérapie with Founder, Claudette

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Hair Thérapie…

Interestingly enough, I actually never set out to make a hair product. Even though my mother was a hairdresser by trade, the subject of hair was not a huge interest for me. Of course like most women I do want my hair to look good and since my hair has more or less always been color treated hair maintenance is a concern. So for that reason it has always been important for me to find the very best products to ensure my hair stays healthy.

My first passion is without question health and wellness and this only intensified after my time spent living in Tokyo, Japan. When I returned to my native Canada, I set out to do what I always knew I wanted to do since I was very young- have my own business and brand. The natural assumption was that I would marry both health and entrepreneurship in some way and to this end I began my wellness blog in 2016, The Beauty Arcana. Here I did reviews of up and coming natural beauty brands and interviews with their founders. I also wrote some rather detailed pieces on topics such as Triage theory (Dr. Ames’ influencial theory that a lack of micronutrients causes the body to triage or ration) to an investigation into La Mer (the storied skin care cream) to the case for eating only organic food (Dr. Zach Bush’s theory on the relationship between glyphosate, soil erosion and cancer). So needless to say I do a fair amount of research into health and longevity related topics and it is really what I enjoy most.

It was around the time of launching my blog that I came across by accident the benefits of gelatin/collagen for the hair. Having lived in Japan I was acquainted with collagen as a supplement early on and years before it had reached North America. Soon after my return to Canada, I had experienced some hair loss and thinning (mainly due to stress) that I was looking to address. I began taking collagen regularly as well as a few other things that helped my hair tremendously. The more I studied collagen the more I understood why the Japanese were so obsessed with it. It has so many benefits and given that approximately 70% of the protein in our body is comprised of this protein it just makes logical sense that we need more of it, especially as we age.

As I read further on the topic, I came across some writing on the topic of gelatin and it’s effectiveness used topically as a hair treatment. I had never seen or heard of this and I was intrigued. I had tried nearly every hair treatment out there – or so I thought- and so I decided to test it out. I mixed a homemade version of it (adding a few herbs for good measure) and on the first attempt found it to be easily the most effective hair mask I had ever used. From that moment The Fortifier gelatin mask was born and the rest is history.

Hair Thérapie Mask

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

I would say the biggest challenge for me was figuring out the best and most effective way to market my product. I knew that I had not only a winning and unique product but how to sell it? I had been told at several times in my life that I was good at selling and as a friend in Japan had pointedly told me “… you could sell snow to the Eskimos and sand to the Arabs.” So I was confident that I could sell it but for the first year of business it was all about finding my customer avatar and fleshing that person out which took time and perseverance.

Do you have plans to expand your product range in the future, if so, what will you add?

In May this year we launched our line of signature heat caps, The Intensifier. We plan on adding more styles to this line soon. We are also working on 3 more products which are in the testing phase now. People love our mask and so they are naturally always asking for new products. But research and development take time (our mask took 2 years to formulate and perfect) and we are all about producing the cleanest, best quality hair care products that actually perform and give great results time and time again.

You spent a lot of time in Japan, did you learn anything new about yourself whilst you were there?

Japan is an amazing place. Many people say it is a study in contradictions- the old side by side with the new. You will see in the same train station bathroom a squatter toilet that is ground level and in the next stall a modern toilet with a heated seat and features such as music, a built in bidet and dryer. The Japanese are also expert craftsmen, something I think is well known by now. Since they are some of the longest-lived people in the world they are also very much interested in health and longevity. The average Japanese person can tell you the benefits of taking vitamin C or which mushroom helps prevent cancer. This of course appealed to me and helped to broaden my health related knowledge and bring it to a whole new level. So I learned just how deeply health is of interest to me. I also learned how much I enjoy travelling (especially to beach destinations) and learning from other cultures. I also discovered how much I love Asian food and appreciate clean and on-time commuter trains.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do different?

I would definitely have spent less time on the design of our packaging, which took an extraordinary amount of time. This was no doubt due to the fact that the process was so new and there was so much to learn. But a lot of it was simple indecision, which if left unchecked can be completely counter-productive. But the upside is that I learned just how important design is to me and to my brand.

Tell us 8 things only your friends know about you…

I am obsessed with spicy food- the hotter the better. In Thailand I managed to surprise the locals by eating food with nearly as many hot chilies as they do. I love and have been drinking green tea since university. While in Japan I realized that it was actually matcha that I was really after and (after water) it is the first thing I drink every morning. I dislike long nails and rarely get a manicure- they are too time consuming and seem to get in the way of everything. Oddly enough though I love a good facial! I don’t like small talk and don’t convincingly engage in it. There’s too much going on in the world to simply talk about the weather. I love hot springs of all kinds and look for them whenever I am on holiday. I rarely watch TV or movies- I’d rather listen to a podcast. I love politics and debate and tend to wonder why others don’t. How can we make progress unless topics are openly discussed? I rarely eat sweets and love anything salty- I must need the electrolytes. I am a water snob- I typically drink about a gallon of water a day. I have a very good home water filtration system but I am now drinking spring water from a local source (it’s high in hydrogen and minerals). Why settle?

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has for sure played a large role. We wanted to grow organically and by word of mouth first instead of simply running expensive ad campaigns. After 2 years of business we feel that we have done that and have a good base of repeat customers. Social media is always changing and is today quite tricky due to the unprecedented censorship happening right now. We are first a hair care brand but over the course of the pandemic we have been speaking out on controversial topics such as the virus, lockdowns and of course vaccines. Some people love it, some people hate it but in the end all that matters is that they love our product and what our brand stands for. We feel we will be on the right side of history when this is all over.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

No quote. When I am feeling unmotivated I usually make a point of doing some kind of physical activity or exercise of some sort whether it be yoga or lifting weights or jumping on my mini trampoline. That usually resets me and snaps me out of any unproductivity.

How has Covid19 impacted your business?

We launched roughly a year before the pandemic in April of 2019. I would say that since the pandemic has forced nearly everyone to work from home and be in front of the computer, our business has benefited from that. With more eyeballs on screens we have had more opportunity to showcase our product and have people actually see it. Also more people are doing their shopping online now so this is also a benefit. But it also means that the online world is more competitive. This is something to think about but it is less so when you know you have an excellent product.

What’s your five year goal?

To firmly carve out our brand within the clean hair care space and convince the masses that gelatin is magic for the hair. I have many more product ideas in the health and clean beauty market that I know people with love and with time will manifest them. I would also love to do a podcast!

Where can our readers find out more?

To find out more about Hair Thérapie visit the website for Hair Thérapie or via Instagram @hairtherapie

*Image Credit: Regard Media

Beauty August 25, 2021

Monét Marshall-Smith’s usual beauty products were discontinued so she launched her own!

We love a story that starts with something not going to plan, but then ends up being the start of a new business. Monét Marshall-Smith is testament to this subject, read on to find out more.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Skin X Monét…

The journey behind Skin X Monét has been tough but rewarding. It all started when my ‘go to’ cleanser was discontinued from a big name brand. From what I remember, there was no warning or heads up about it, just poof, GONE! I’d already been experimenting with natural ingredients and essential oils for remedies so I decided to go further and attempt recreating a cleanser/soap similar to that of what I was used to. Shortly after, Skin x Monét was born.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge so far has been staying motivated. It’s so hard trying to keep up with well established companies and social media trends just to keep the attention of my audience and provide them with relevant quality products. Every now and then I just turn off all of my notifications, turn on some chill beats music, meditate and write out my goals and affirmations for what success looks like for my business.

Skin X Monét

Rose Glow Toner, Monét, Soap Bars

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

“Healthy is Flawless” So many people strive for perfect and flawless skin but that shouldn’t have to come at the cost of its healthiness. Strive for healthy skin.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of beauty and skincare?

Do your research. If you have a choice to know what ingredients your skin is absorbing, choose the best. Whatever that is for you.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

On an average day, the first thing I do is meditate and speak my affirmations aloud and over my business. Next I check my emails and orders from the previous night, process and package them, then ship them out asap. I’ve just learned how to schedule social media posts so that’s not an average day task, but a task that comes up every few days as content planning takes a lot of time.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

My husband is my biggest supporter when it comes to my business so I turn to him for most of my business advice. I can honestly say that a quick chat with him about whatever challenge I’m facing can usually spark a little motivation and it will turn things around from there. Kudos to him!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

“I am capable of anything I set my mind to.”

Monét

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

As I’m still learning all the possible ways to reach the masses, I’m learning that social media has helped me reach more than I could have imagined reaching within barely a year of being in business. Social media has definitely put my brand in front of thousands already and it always blows my mind to think about that.

Skin X Monét

Whipped Body Butter and Soap Bar

How do you want people to feel when they first try your products?

When people first try my products, I want them to feel serene luxury. Everyone’s concept of luxury is different but when customers try Skin x Monét, the ultimate feeling for them is to feel good, calm and beautiful.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of your skincare products would you take with you on your travels?

Maldives!!!! That is my dream vacation spot and I’m trying to stay for like a month, HA! But I know my go to products will be my travel essentials combo which contains a small soap bar and body butter, hydrating Rosé Glow toner, and last but not least my newest product that will be launching soon, my dark spot fading serum.

What’s next for you and your brand?

My next goal for Skin x Monét is obviously growth but I have desires of seeing my brand in more magazines. Shoutout to House of CoCo for the start of new dreams for this small business owner.

Where can people find out more about Skin X Monet?

My social media handles are: @SkinxMonet for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest. You can Google Skin x Monét and that will take you to my Google business page which will also lead customers to my website, www.SkinxMonet.com.

Accessories August 18, 2021

Women Worldwide: Mirella Czapka on bringing uniqueness and authenticity into the world of jewellery

“You can say creativity runs through my veins,” says Mirella Czapka as she talks us through the creative inspirations that fuel her truly distinctive eponymous jewellery brand. “My approach isn’t very common,” she adds. “I let myself be guided by my feelings, instincts, or my gut – whatever you want to call it. I listen to what feels right.”

A true original, Mirella designs and handcrafts every single piece in her collections, setting her apart from other mass-produced jewellery brands in the market today.

She says, “Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and that’s why I think the things you buy should be too. Having the opportunity to buy something almost no one else owns is so special and valuable, that’s why I create only one-of-a-kind pieces.”

In this women worldwide interview, we sit down with Mirella and talk about authenticity, uniqueness and how jewellery can be a visual statement for someone’s confidence. We also chat about the challenges and milestones she has achieved as a female entrepreneur, her advice for those looking to take the leap and start their own business, and why you should never doubt your own ideas and vision.

Tell us about the journey that led you to landing your brand Mirella…

It was kind of unexpected, yet at the same time expected. I grew up in a creative household. Both my parents are in the creative field and my sister as well. So, you can say creativity runs through my veins.

I always wanted to become a designer and to have my own brand. This was a dream I had since childhood. Back then I created various things for myself, like draping my clothes in a different way, but also creating pieces of jewellery.

During my studies I started designing and creating pieces of jewellery that I couldn’t find anywhere else. In the beginning I frequently got asked where I got my jewellery from. And the rest is, as they say, history, because since then I never stopped hand-crafting jewellery.

What’s the process behind launching a new piece?

My approach isn’t very common. I let myself be guided by my feelings, instincts, or my gut – whatever you want to call it. I listen to what feels right.

After design and implementation, I photograph all the new pieces. Afterwards, I start the naming process – another aspect in which my feelings come into play: I look at them and “feel” which name fits the most. That’s a very special part of my work. I take my time to name the pieces, it’s not just giving them random names I might like.

The next steps are writing the description for the pieces i.e., what materials I used, calculating the prices, and putting everything in my online shop. When everything is online, I let my followers and costumers know that new pieces are available.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

Trusting my instincts and gut feeling.

Handmade, unique, and authentic are what you stand for. Why is this important to you?

I love special things and handmade pieces are special. Humans aren’t machines, therefore handmade pieces aren’t as perfect as their mass-produced counterparts, but that’s exactly what makes them special. I like the idea that my customers know that I am the person who created the piece they are wearing. This creates closeness and intimacy. It’s much more unique to really know where the things you buy come from, who invested their time, love, and effort in creating the piece.

People are different. Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and that’s why I think the things you buy should be too. Having the opportunity to buy something almost no one owns is so special and valuable, which is why I create only one-of-a-kind pieces or limit my jewellery to three or a maximum of ten pieces per design worldwide.

I want my customers to know that they have bought a special handmade piece that is designed and created by me and that only a couple of other people have.

As for authenticity – this goes hand in hand with everything I’ve just said. If you buy from me, you know that you buy a piece I crafted by hand, and you can be sure that I’m totally in line with what I’m selling. I genuinely design what I love, and that right there is what makes my brand authentic.

How do you want people to feel when wearing your jewellery?

I want people to feel special. I want them to feel good about themselves. They should love how they look. I want my jewellery to be the final touch. My jewellery should underline what’s already there. Wearing statement jewellery requires a certain level of self-confidence and that’s what I love most about it. Jewellery is like a visual statement of someone’s confidence, which is very powerful.

What makes Mirella stand out amongst other jewellery brands?

First, the designs. All pieces have a special ‘Mirella’ touch. I design my pieces to be a little bit different compared to what’s already out there. I design them to be very big, sparkly, and eye-catching. They are feminine, timeless and with a baroque touch to it.

Secondly, it’s very rare that the designer herself is truly designing and handcrafting every single piece. Not only that, I’m also the one who’s taking all the photos and creating the content for my social media. This alone makes me/my brand stand out. Because everything you see is something I created. I consider every little detail that make my brand very seriously. Not because I have no one to help me, but because it is important to me that I bring my vision to life at all levels. The keyword here is authenticity

If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?

Limited, handmade, sparkle

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become a jewellery designer?

Never doubt your ideas and visions. Even if it’s tough to become a success, do it anyways. You have a passion and gift, so please use it. No one else has to offer what you can bring to this world.

The fashion industry is so fast changing, what trends do you expect to see coming through in the next few years?

I think craftmanship is coming back in style. The pandemic and the need for fashion to be more sustainable has increased. People realised that they must take a step back from mass production. Creating pieces by hand ensures that there is no overproduction. It’s a more conscious way of creating. I also think that individuality is becoming more and more important. The urge to express yourself individually apart from fashion trends is growing bigger and bigger.

I think trends will always play a role, but I think this role isn’t going to be as big as it was in the past.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is feminine but comfortable – always paired with some sparkling jewellery. For me the true power of style lies in the ability to make the most basic outfit special with some great accessories.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

This is kind of impossible because it’s always different.

I start to work as soon as possible after I am waking up. This usually means creating a new piece of jewellery or finishing one I already started working on. The only two things that are a given, are: eating my meals and walking my dog. Everything else I take as it comes. As a one-woman-business I need to be flexible, and every day might hold a surprising change of plans.

How much has social media played a role in the success of Mirella?

A big one. I honestly can’t imagine my world without it. It’s amazing, that you can connect with likeminded people and potential customers. I like that I can let them be part of my “Mirella” world. They can get to know me, what I love and gain a firsthand experience of what goes into each single piece I create.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I’m totally obsessed with English history. I read a lot of books about it, which is why I would love to visit all the places I haven’t seen yet.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

That’s a tough one, because I love quotes and choosing one, is like only being able to choose one film or book, but if I had to choose it has to be “time to make the magic happen.”

What’s next for you and the brand?

I will continue to work and grow as much as possible. I want the world to be a more sparkling place and I hope that I can inspire many more people to be self-confident and just wear eye-catching jewellery. To achieve this, the next step is for my brand to become even more known internationally.

Where can people find out more?

The best place to start would be my homepage www.mirella.at from there you have links to my online shop www.mirellashop.at and my Instagram Account www.instagram.com/mirellajewellery

I invite everyone to follow my journey on Instagram, because there you can get to know me even better, get a look behind the scenes and immerse yourself in the world of Mirella.

www.mirellashop.at

France August 16, 2021

From Paris to New York with Entrepreneur Mona Liu

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Mona Jewelry in New York…

My major at university was initially oil painting. During my golden years as a student, I discovered my acuity to art and aesthetics. The things I enjoyed doing the most were artisanal and detail oriented.

I was eager to explore my full creative visions and started learning traditional jewelry making techniques in France. After I graduated, one of the top jewelry studios in Paris offered me an internship. Then I made the decision to study at GIA and obtain the certificate. After years of gaining knowledge and experience in jewelry design, I launched my brand Mona Jewelry in New York.

What’s been the biggest challenge in business you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

The most difficult challenge for me, as well as for other entrepreneurs, is the pandemic. The industry has been faced with problems of production lines shutting down and orders being lost during transit. Many retail stores we’ve worked closely with were forced to shut down too.

Our team has lost excellent partners, but it also left us plenty of time to think. We took the challenge and brought our fine-jewelry sales to our customers online. We were lucky to have survived the Covid-19 crisis with the raise of new sales online. I am very grateful to the partners who stayed with me for pulling through this difficult period of time.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Constancy… Hardwork… Luck…

Constancy, means the quality of having a resolute mind, purpose, or affection. In the early stages of a new brand, it will encounter various unexpected problems. Only if the goal is clearly pictured in the mind, it will last.

Hardworking, is a very important part. It sounds easy but it need lots of effort. Working with energy and commitment make us perfect.

Luck, hardworking people are always lucky while holding on to the opportunity that brings you there, which is essential for running your own brand. And, always be prepared for the momentary opportunity.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of bespoke jewelry design?

If you have a good idea, act on it right away because there is always a difference between what you expect to do and what you need to do. You never know exactly what will happen if you don’t try. I would suggest don’t spend too much time ruminating on how to get there.

It is critical to have a thorough understanding of oneself. Some of us have been fortunate enough to discover our strengths while also recognizing areas traditionally referred to as weaknesses, and we have always kept the passion for life. This, I believe, is the source of creation and the driving force behind the brand’s long-term development. Try a variety of art-related careers or emerging technologies, be totally and utterly passionate about your career, and be prepared to face a variety of challenges, because this will not be an easy journey.

Mona Jewelry

Where does your design inspiration come from?

All of my designs are inspired by nature and my personal experiences.
Given my love of nature and life, I am eager to share the objects and emotions that move me with my audience through the jewelry I create.

You started out producing handmade pieces of jewelry do you still continue to hand make all your items?

Yes, I’ve always been obsessed with handicrafts and thoroughly enjoy the process. Each piece of handcrafted jewelry has its own distinct charm and texture. Handmade jewelry provides warmth and happiness, which is exactly what we are looking for. I am aware that modern jewelry is being enhanced by a plethora of new technical materials. We are not opposed to new technology or commercial production. The joy that hand-made jewelry brings us, on the other hand, is more meaningful.

What reaction do you usually get when people see your pieces of jewelry?

It gives me a sense of accomplishment, and I’m more confident about trying things I’ve never done before. When customers or friends order customized wedding rings from me, the feeling of making diamond rings to commemorate their life’s most memorable moments makes me feel honored. This is best moment for anyone who creates jewelry.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

Sometimes, when facing difficulties, talking to experienced people who are more successful and experienced will lead to a breakthrough. Meanwhile, don’t stay in your comfort zone and keep innovating.

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

I wake up every morning and think to myself, ‘how far can I push this company in the next 24 hours

Leah Busque

Do you work better in a team or do you prefer to go it alone from a business perspective?

I enjoy both. I can work both in a team, and work alone. Depending on the project that needs to be done, I can work independently to complete my tasks on time, but I also enjoy brainstorming and collaborating with my colleagues.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

I would say less than 50%. Social media accounts for a large portion of a successful brand operation, which is likely to grow in importance. However, I believe that jewelry is an unique industry. People could only feel the texture after touching and seeing the rich colour of the pieces in person, that experience is unique and irreplaceable.

Mona Jewelry

Is there a specific country that would you like to see have Mona Jewelry store?

France, as I once spent two years studying there. Everything I know about jewelry design and traditional craftsmanship I learned there. Everything in France has had a profound impact on me. So, if I had to pick a place, it would undoubtedly be Paris. I’m hoping to return there with my accomplished business.

What’s next for your brand?

We’re hoping to reintegrate and expand our team, and I’d like to seek more buyer stores and bring a variety of our jewelry lines to more customers. This year, we’d like to focus on the opportunities in the European accessories market and more. A personal wish of mine is to participate in more offline philanthropy and brand exhibitions.

Where can people find out more about Mona Jewelry?

Our information is available on Monajewelry.online, and we share our creative process and keep in touch with our customers under our Instagram account @monajewelry.newyork

We also have two offline collection stores; one is in Macle Jewel, Lebanon, the other one is the Canvas, New York. Both of them are great designer collection stores that gather designers from all over the world.

Interviews August 13, 2021

From Journalism to launching a Buying Platform with Samantha Freedman of Curate Beauty

Curate Beauty is a community-based wholesale buying platform that brings independent beauty brands and likeminded retailers under one digital roof. The founding team, of beauty and retail experts, provide brands with incredible stockists opportunities and unique partnership, increasing their brand awareness and boosting sales.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launching Curate Beauty…

My co-founder and I both come from complementary backgrounds, I worked as a beauty journalist and fell in love with the surge of independent beauty brands emerging. Margot Vitale, previously was a buyer and merchandiser at Saks Fifth Avenue, in New York so together we saw the hassles that lay with these smaller indie brands being discovered by independent shops, department stores and even beauty salons. We wanted to create a platform and a community that harnessed these brands giving them the opportunity to grow their businesses and successfully increase their sales.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in business and how did you overcome it?

We launched in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit in March, in the UK. Navigating a new business is tough alone, but trying to start something and be hit with a global pandemic is unprecedented. We worked tirelessly to prove our concept and worked initially to sign online retailers (while they were the ones who were open) for our brands, we also started building our community with monthly seminars that would help give the small businesses we worked with extra skills and knowledge to grow. It’s been a huge learning curve we know we’ll be on for many years as young entrepreneurs, but if we can get through this, I’ll be so proud of what we’ve achieved!

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Curate….. Convenience….. Community

They’re our three pillars that make us unique and stand out amongst other competitor platforms.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of online buying platforms?

For retailers it really is a breath of fresh air to traditional buying, it takes out a lot of the time, admin and complications needed to traditionally buy. My best advice for retailers is to always communicate with the platform hosts, i.e. ourselves! We have a wealth of beauty knowledge in-house (over 20+ years) and are always up for sharing this when it comes to recommendations.

For brands, it opens them up to a much wider audience enabling them to get their brand seen by so many more prospective buyers. The best advice I’d say to brands is to be flexible, small initial orders can lead to long and fruitful partnerships. Don’t be closed off to opportunities that are slightly out of your comfort zone. Who knows where they could lead.

Curate Beauty Products

Independent Beauty Brands with Curate Beauty

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

Every day is different. I spend a lot of my time consulting for our retailers to recommend them unique brands. I oversee all the marketing – from social to newsletters and also manage new starters we just bought on board. I also have been busy planning our upcoming Virtual Tradeshow which is in September. We’ll be using it as an opportunity to bring our platform to life, with trend talks every morning with incredible experts – including The Stack, Stylus, CEW and The Telegraph.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

Surrounding myself with positive people is essential. My co-founder and I took part in a business accelerator programme with Huckletree last year and we’ve stayed really close with the other founders. It’s been great to ask them for advice and share contacts while we’re all at a similar stage of our businesses. They’ve been integral to help support us through the lows and be there for the highs.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

Success doesn’t come overnight. Hard graft reaps rewards – but it’s how hard you graft that will really show how successful you can be.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

It’s been a great place for us to discover new brands, retailers and to share the stories of those in our community. We’ve started a franchise on Instagram called ‘behind the brand’ where we interview founders about how and why they started their companies – it’s been such a great way for us to share the passion and enthusiasm straight from the founders themselves!

Curate Beauty Products

Independent Beauty Brands with Curate Beauty

We understand that you are organising a virtual event in September, can you tell us more about this?

We sure are, it’s been such fun to organise and I can’t wait for it to all come to life. The event is virtual and taking place 14-17th September on a platform called Airfair who specialise in online events. Each morning we’ll have trend talks – as explained above- and the afternoons will be filled with brands pitching their concept and product line up.

We’ve curated these sessions into trending collections so we’ll have brands from Female Founders, brands directed at Gen Z, Philanthropic give back brands and also those with all vegan ingredients.

There’s also the opportunity for attendees (the event is open to retailers, brands, investors, PRs, press and influencers) and exhibitors to meet in 1-2-1 booths too to network.

Are you planning any developments with your platform, will you be introducing anything new in the future?

We hope to have this virtual Tradeshow twice a year – every February and September. We have so many exciting things in the pipeline we can’t wait to launch including building partnerships between our brands, setting up a content creation arm of the business and also discovering ways to improve retailers buying experience online.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of the brands that you work with would you take on your travels?

The Maldives would be top of my list! We’ve just collaborated with Soneva Spa to bring some of our indie brands to their spa. While planning I’ve been eyeing up the resort and it just looks so idyllic and the perfect place to crash after the last 18 months.

My top travel essentials are:

Skin Sapiens Hydrate Serum – as flying always dries out my skin
Leaves & Flowers CBD Cream – which when applied to the bottom of my feet just ensures an incredible nights sleep!
Saltee SPF 50 – of course!
Nett Exfoliator – is my go to body exfoliating tool that fits so neatly in my wash bag.
Jacqueline Organic Lip Balm – an absolute must, I have one practically in every bag or pocket.
LAID Sleep Mask – it’s made of 100% mulberry silk and is also infused with Hyaluronic acid!

Where can people find out more about Curate Beauty?

Check us out on Instagram @curatebeauty, visit Curate Beauty or get in touch to join us, or learn more about what we do at hello@curate-beauty.com.

Interviews August 6, 2021

From Rebelling Against What’s Expected, to Becoming an International Artist by Nicole Collie

Occasionally the team at House of Coco Magazine meet some extraordinary people, many of whom are women, and this interview is one of those memorable occasions. We had the opportunity to talk to Nicole Collie based over in the USA, an artist with more than just a flair for art. She is truly passionate about her art, and every element of Nicole’s paintings have a back story ignited by women.

Take us back to your childhood and when you first started drawing and painting…

My first memory of being creative is from around age 4 when I was always coloring and making art while at home in the Bahamas with watercolors. My parents were very conser-vative and I had quite a strict upbringing but I was always allowed to draw, color and paint. I went to private school and graduated at 16, but I didn’t want a traditional job, because something inside me knew that I was meant to work in or around art.

Tell us about your style of art…

I like to push boundaries, and coming from such a strict background, my way of doing this was to rebel and as a result I started to paint nudes. So, my style of art is showcasing women as the strong and vulnerable women they are. Mothers, daughters, the female form, the female shape, the black woman, the embodiment of a woman; these are all my passions and my art.

My art goes through different phases; it can be very maternal and warming, right through to angry maternal and the struggles that come with being pained. It’s light and bright and dark and dangerous all at the same time.

Image 1. No Judgement – BE KIND
Image 2. She ROSE Up

If you to were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Passion, Drive, and Desire

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

Now that we are working from home I have found my art to be my amazing grace. My first 6 months I was very depressed, I did not realize how important physical contact with other people was. I ended up diving into my art. I set it up where anytime I walked past my art table (the dinner table) I would put paint on the canvas. It didn’t matter the color if I had an idea or not, the purpose was to release whatever was being built up on the inside because within that 6 months of depression I had totally shut down. My art has saved me so many times during my life.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

I paint, and I spend time with my husband and kids. I’m also deeply inspired by women of all shapes, sizes and color, so I tend to focus on all the achievements of women all over the world. As women we go through so much during our lifetime so it’s worth spending time thinking about all the positives.

It has taken many years for me to be happy with who I am and feel a sense of self worth, this is a great way to stay positive. I want this for the future of our children too, they should be taught self worth from an early age. I was invited to illustrate a number of kids books recently, they are all about being different and being wonderfully you, I love this. We are all unique in our own special way.

I am WONDERFULLY made – Illustrated by Nicole Collie Jamison

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

“Being creative is about living life and finding the beauty in it. Being true to oneself is being creative”.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

I started out over 20 years ago selling my art when there wasn’t any kind of social media, so the fact that I can now showcase all my work across different platforms is an added bonus.

How do you want people to feel when they first see your work?

Image 1. Keeping Watch
Image 2. Expression of Love

I want them to feel uplifted, enlightened and interested to see more. I’m always around to talk to anyone about my art and give them the full story behind a specific piece of art. I want them to be as passionate as I am and to walk away happier than before they saw it.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I’m from the Bahamas and think that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Equally, I’m now based in Fort Worth in Texas and this is an amazing place for a vacation. Personally, I want to visit Africa and Ireland to experience both cultures.

What’s next for Nicole Collie Artist?

Well, this is something I’m very excited about. I’m looking for someone to represent my art, a Talent Manager or an Art Dealer. I want to be represented by a professional who under-stands the world of art and where to hold large scale events and art shows around the US and the world.

Where can people find out more about Nicole Collie?

Website – NicoleCollie
Instagram – @nicole_collie_art
Facebook – Nicole Collie Artist
Twitter – @nicolecollie

Barbados August 4, 2021

From Barbados to London with TRU The Label Founder Emilee Troulan

Sometimes we get the chance to interview amazing women, and this was one of those times. Emilee Troulan recently gave us an insight into her fashion brand TRU The Label, where we learned about her Bajan background, her business aspirations, and why she wants potential shoppers to touch her gorgeous fabrics from Barbados to London with TRU.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand TRU the label…

As a young girl I always knew I wanted to work in fashion and have my own store, I just always thought it would be a multi-brand store. Being born and raised on a small island like Barbados, the shopping and fashion scene was not where it is now – it was either super expensive and not the best quality or it was super cheap and bad quality. All this to say, it’s 100% better now and you can find some amazing pieces in Barbados, the talent on the island is crazy!

After leaving school at 16, I came to the UK to gain some work experience in the fashion industry, I then moved back to Barbados after 3 months and managed a new boutique which was opening a few months after I returned, after 1 year I partnered up with a local designer, Isabelle founder of Sea Reinas Swimwear and we opened her first flagship store in Limegrove which is a very well established lifestyle centre in Barbados – it was really Bella who got me thinking to start TRU, she mentored me and guided me through the starting phases, without her I really wouldn’t have known where to start.

I have a strong love for good denim, soft tees and pieces that are timeless and essential so I knew that if I were to start a clothing brand, it would need to reflect my style and who I am, which is why TRU is the brand that it is, a luxe essentials clothing brand from Barbados. Always inspired by the simplicity of island living!

I knew that my brand would need to be slow fashion by using responsibly sourced fabrics, an amazing quality that lasted after 10 washes, having a sense of community as a customer base and also attention to detail- like the vegan leather embossed tags on each of the pieces. I always had a vision for the end goal for TRU, I still have it in my head and I truly feel like I’m on the right path.

From launching my first three styles in Barbados I then went out on my own to do my first popup shop at Topshop on Oxford Circus for two weeks in August 2018 with an entire summer collection – what an experience that was! I knew from then exactly where I needed to be and where I could take the brand. It took a few years to make the move to London, but now I’m here with my first flagship store in Boxpark Shoreditch! This is only the beginning and I’m so excited for the future of TRU.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

I would say taking the leap and trusting in myself – this being said for moving from Barbados to London and also even just by launching a collection. There’s a lot of self-doubt that comes with entrepreneurship and having a clothing brand, but you have to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, remember that you bring something unique to the world and that the world deserves to see your talent! So go for it, know that not everyone is going to like it but be okay with that, you’ll find your people and they will be there for you no matter what!

If you were to describe your business mantra in 3 words, what would they be?

Authenticity, Ambition, Confidence.
Our mantra is our brand hashtag #TRUTOYOU – meaning to be the most authentic you there is, unapologetically.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the clothing and fashion industry?

I would say be patient when it comes to growth, and have a strong passion for the brand you’re creating if not you’ll lose motivation quickly, have a plan but also have the mindset to adapt and pivot when things don’t go the way you necessarily want them to, understand your customer and listen to them (notice I said customer and not just ‘people’), pay attention to details because that will set you apart from the competition and remember that done is better than perfect, anyone can make up excuses as to why they haven’t launched yet or find a fault that prevents them from actually going for it, remember nothing is perfect so best to get it done and change it up than never do it and live in a ‘what if’ scenario – lastly, make sure it’s slow fashion, we have enough fast fashion in the world…

Talk us through an average business day in your life….

Wake up around 7 am and always make my bed (routine is important to me), gym at 7:30, come back home and have a coffee while listening to a podcast (my favourite for the morning is Mindset Mentor) this is really my time to connect with myself and get in a good mindset for the day ahead, then I get ready around 9:30 am to head to the shop to open for 11 am – some days when it’s nice and sunny I’ll walk to the shop which takes about 45mins and open up – while at the shop between clients, I am working on all the behind the scenes- mostly marketing, orders, customer service, design and buying new bits for the shop to complement TRU. I usually leave the shop around 7:30/8 pm and head home to relax for the evening- this sometimes includes a glass of wine with dinner. If it’s coming up to launch I sometimes bring work home with me, but I really try not to.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

I remember that everything happens for a reason and that there are no wrong decisions just lessons to be learnt. I always look at my vision board both personally and for my business and I remember what my goals are and brainstorm how I will get there – it makes me excited for what’s to come and keeps me on track.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I wouldn’t say it’s a quote but a reminder to myself to take a break, do something for myself and then come back to the task with a fresh mindset. Burnout is something I suffer from a lot, and I always need to remember that it’s OKAY to take a break.

How much has social media played a role in the success of the brand?

Social media is a big part of our marketing and community for sure, particularly Instagram – it’s the platform that I feel is the most ‘in-the-moment’ and authentic – we always get the most engagement from posts that involve behind the scenes or the not so glamorous side of the business, which is why I love the TRUPER community so much because it is all about being #TRUTOYOU

How do you want people to feel when they first see and try your clothing?

I want people to pass by the store, see the clothing hanging on the racks and feel the need to touch the fabrics, because they are indeed as soft as they look! I always encourage customers (TRUPERS) to try the pieces on because not only do they feel and look great on the hanger, but they feel and look even better on your skin! I make luxe essentials, which is exactly what it sounds like- pieces that are essential in your closet that last. I want all my customers to feel confident and comfortable not just in the clothes, but in themselves.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list and what TRU clothes would you take with you?

Italy (no doubt in my mind) preferably the Amalfi Coast – I’ll be taking the Lia Skirt, Stephanie Tee, Vero Top and Tessa Palm Dress – and maybe (absolutely) the new pieces launching soon which are denim set in an eco-friendly tie dye wash.

What’s next for your brand?

I’ve got some big plans and goals for TRU, but I would say the 10-year goal is to have the ultimate TRU store of my dreams- but for right now it would be establishing the flagship store in London, doing more pop-up shops in London and other parts of England to get more brand awareness, expanding the TRU•MAN range to have more styles and then launching more capsule collections to keep things fresh and fun!

Where can people find out more about TRU The Label?

Everything there is to know if on our website TRU The Label – or if they are in the area pop into the shop at Boxpark in Shoreditch to hear the brand story from myself or Jasmine who has been working with TRU since 2018 when I first started doing popup shops in London!

Australia August 3, 2021

How Mythology, Animals, and Nature Inspire Artist Sandras Malereien

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Sandras Malereien, an artist from Austria. Her art epitomises her passion for nature, animals and mythology as you will see below.

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand…

I’ve always been interested in ancient cultures, mythology, and rock art. With my paintings I have found a way to combine these three components.

Being an artist always comes with challenges, what’s been the biggest one you have faced and how did you overcome that?

Mark Twain put it in a nutshell: “Everyone with a new idea is a weirdo. Until the idea is successful”. The greatest challenge is to be taken seriously by those around you. Many begrudge your dream, or smile at you sympathetically and look forward to your failure. I went my way step by step, thought about how I could make my pictures available to a wider audience and the key to that is social media.

How would you describe your artistic flair in three words?

Somehow-Somewhere-Sometime
Mythology, Animal and Nature Protection

How do you want people to feel when they first see your work?

I want people to feel like the radio is playing their favorite songs at full volume. I want to evoke exactly this feeling of happiness in you.

If you to describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?

Childlike, Dreamy, Naïve

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an artist?

First come up with a concept. Think about which direction you want to take, look what is already on the market and above all, believe in your success.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I sit at my desk at 6 a.m. every day and do my work. But not only during the week I do get up early in the morning, on weekends I am often up at 6. Then I grab my dog and march out into nature. You can watch how nature awakes and this is where I get most of the inspiration for my paintings.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Nowadays it is almost impossible to escape social media. You can present your work to the whole world with just one click. Through social media I reach people all over the world. People from India in particular keep telling me how they like my pictures.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Australia. This continent has so much wonderful things to offer, like its modern cities or its many beautiful nature parks. There is something for everyone. Australian natives settled the Australian continent around 60,000 years ago. These people have a tremendous knowledge of nature. I have a lot of respect for them.

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

“Do only once what others say you can’t do it, and you’ll never have to pay attention to their limits again”

James Cook

Musically, Ed Sheeran is my absolute role model. I have already seen him twice at live concerts in Austria. His songs are powerful and always spread a good mood, which really motivates me.

What’s next for you and the brand?

In autumn I have an exhibition in Switzerland. There is still a lot of work to be done. Since I love to cook and I really want to pass on our old family recipes to my children, which go back to the 18th century, I am currently working on a cookbook that will be a combination of my travelling, recipes and my paintings. I would also like to open a gallery cafe with my children. Where people can come and relax from everyday life, even if it’s just for a quick coffee. A place where guests find nature, art and good food in harmony.

What does self care mean to you?

I have to admit that self-care is not my top priority. I am a single mother, so my children always have priority. But the older they get, the more I treat myself otherwise you run the risk of being burned out quickly. I shape my life in such a way that I feel good, I always keep my mind in shape with interesting tasks and get inspiration for my next vacation from travel magazines like yours, and since I also like to cook I try new recipes on weekends.

Where can people find out more?

Instagram: @sandras_malereien
Online: sandrasmalereien.com

Australia August 3, 2021

Rituelle Founder Chloe Vo talks to us about her Stunning Makeup Brushes

From lockdown to entrepreneur, we interview Chloe Vo for an insight to her brand new beauty brand Rituelle™.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Rituelle™…

The journey all started mid last year during the pandemic when everyone or at least in Melbourne, Victoria where I am was in a state lockdown. I was working in an office job and travelled quite often before the world had changed and I found myself having to shift my working conditions and fast paced life to working from home. This allowed me to slow down and really think about what I wanted to do with my time and refocus myself. I developed a lifestyle of slow living, really start to enjoy the simple things in life owning less or curating only the essentials that brought me joy in my everyday routines. It allowed me to tap into my creative side and the entrepreneur inside of me as I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I combined my love of makeup, fashion, travel and lifestyle and saw a gap in the market for affordable luxury makeup brushes that were sustainable, minimal, stylish and functional for both home and travels. I started sketching the designs myself and had the product made and that was how Rituelle™ was born and since then it has organically grown to where it is today.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I would have to say is finding the perfect manufacturer to produce a product from scratch that was a completely new design and concept. It took a few manufacturers before I finally found the right fit who specialised in both traditional makeup brushes and specialise in magnets which is the unique design most traditional makeup brush manufacturers had no experience of. Through great communication and a belief to push the boundaries, I found a manufacturer who aligned with my values of sustainability and also take on the challenge of a completely new design which was tried and tested to ensure the concept was functional and works.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Sustainable, Minimalist and Multipurpose.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of eco-conscious makeup brushes?

I would say be really clear about what you want to achieve not just from a product perspective but think about what you can give back to the community and the environment. When you start to strip back everything it makes your vision clearer and you have a purpose to bring your eco-conscious makeup brushes but also making a difference to the community and the environment which is a more sustainable way of venturing into any business in the long term. I think that businesses have now shifted from being just product focused to now sustainable eco-conscious businesses, it’s adding another layer in order to be sustainable in the long term. It’s a marathon rather than a sprint and I think consumers are now even more educated in making their choices before purchasing from any brand.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

An average business day in my life would look something like starting my day or at least the first hour enjoying my morning coffee, breakfast, go for a walk and getting some fresh air before I check my emails and social media. This then sets me up for the day and allows me to start my day with intention rather than in response mode.

I then check emails and social, engage with my audience and community is an important part of business because behind every curated feed or brand is another human being. It also makes me happy to know there are people out there who love what I have to offer and are passionate about the same things I am, it makes my “business day” real and relatable like hanging out with a friend. Listening to podcasts, communicating with manufacturers, researching, learning new programs and applications, creating content, taking product images and wearing multiple hats as you would being an entrepreneur and showing up every day. I like to end my day either listening to a podcast or reading this is the last step to relax my mind and body.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

Business is definitely an upward struggle at times and is always a jagged path rather than linear but I think its these times that really allows us to challenge ourselves and grow. I like to listen to positive motivating podcasts, business podcasts, speak to a business coach and join a community of likeminded entrepreneurs or who are also going through the same journey as you, having that support system is so important for anyone starting or on their business journey. Always think about why you started, having that internal conversation with yourself about why you started can be a great reminder and motivation to stay positive.

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

This is a great question, I have so many! If I had to choose one it would be:

“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has played a huge role in the success of the brand, to think that only 10 months in we had already been approached by Vogue to feature in their July issue was a huge milestone for me. I’m excited for what the future holds for Rituelle™, I’m so grateful we live in a time where social media has opened up opportunities I would never have imagined possible for the brand and reached out to other countries around the world.

How do you want people to feel when they first see your brushes?

When I created the product, I wanted to solve my own problem which I experienced myself as a busy woman and a frequent traveller. I designed a product that would solve this problem for myself and other women to give them back time to enjoy the important things in life.

I want people to not only feel beautiful externally but also emotionally and internally. The aim was to create a product that is both stylish and functional, to feel at ease knowing we’ve curated the 4 essential makeup brushes you need packed in a convenient world first compact case to keep their dual ended brushes in hygienically and conveniently. A brush set you can pop in your handbag for travels and get on with your day. Designed to feel feminine, organized, calm and good about giving back to the planet as we will be planting a tree for every product sold with our partners at Carbon Neutral. We also love our furry friends so our customers can feel good about a product that is vegan and cruelty-free!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which makeup brushes would you pack in your suitcase?

I cannot wait to travel again once we’re allowed to. I would have to say Italy or France is at the top of my bucket list. I’ve used many brushes throughout my life, but I tend to gravitate towards my 4 essential brushes for a full everyday and glam makeup look which are the powder brush, blush brush, flat eye-shadow brush and my eye-shadow blender brush.

What’s next for you and your brand?

I’m currently working towards launching, it feels like a long way to go but I wholeheartedly believe in this product that everything I’m building is carefully thought out so that when the time comes it will be everything I envisioned the brand to be and more.

I would love to see more diversity and BIPOC in the beauty industry and be an example for other young entrepreneurs who want to be in the beauty industry alongside other amazing female beauty entreprenuers who are taking the world by storm.

In terms of big goals, I’d love to have Rituelle stocked in major beauty department stores globally, but we’ll have to wait and see where this wild and exciting journey takes me.

Where can people find out more about Rituelle™?

You can find Rituelle™ on Instagram at @rituellebeauty, Facebook and Pinterest at @rituellebeauty

Website coming soon at www.rituellebeauty.com

Croatia July 28, 2021

Interview with Jodie Salt of Ladies Life Lounge

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Ladies Life Lounge with your business partner Roxy…

We were both busy women running our businesses and families (I’m an Assertiveness/Executive Coach for women Roxy is a Mental Health Therapist) and felt we were spinning 27000 plates a day and not really taking care of ourselves. We wanted to be fit & healthy, feel less stressed/more calm, look & feel good, grow our businesses, be more confident, have better relationships etc but there just wasn’t the time or the money to do it all e.g. Get a PT, work with a personal stylist, have therapy, work with a sleep coach, get help with our hormones etc. So we decided to create it all under one roof and accessible to all women from the comfort of their sofa 24//7, 365 days a year!

We’re passionate about women not just being known and judged for what they look like and more for the value and contribution they make. We decided that we wanted to turn the notion of being ‘pretty’ on it’s head. So we have 7 secrets in the Lounge – Pretty Confident; Pretty Healthy (mind & body); Pretty Calm; Pretty Assertive; Pretty Ambitious; Pretty Stylist & Pretty Personal.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

We decided to take LLL out as a LIVE event and hosted the biggest female empowerment & lifestyle show outside of London, in Manchester over the weekend of International Woman’s Day 2020. It was called Womanifest. We brought together over 1000 women to experience an uplifting weekend of workshops, keynote speeches, fun, entertainment and a huge showcase of products & services that help women live a happy, fulfilling & successful life (and lots of prosecco!). Pulling that off was the hardest, and most stressful thing we’ve ever done, especially as it was the last weekend before lockdown hit in England. We delivered this with sheer determination and commitment to reaching more women with an empowering message and by the support we received form the female led businesses that exhibited. It was a true example of collaboration and what great things women can achieve when they pull together.

If you to were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Empowering, Educational, Liberating

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of coaching?

Whilst it’s highly rewarding, it can take a lot out of you so being able to keep your own cup topped up is important. Being a coach doesn’t make you perfect either so don’t put it off if you’re being held back by thinking you having coaching needs yourself. Every coach should have a coach (or a few!). I’d also recommend doing some formal training and qualifications. The coaching industry is currently unregulated meaning there’s a lot of people out there marketing themselves as a coach without really having the skills – these people are really mentors as they’re sharing their experiences and learning to support others that are about to embark on a similar journey – that’s ok but it’s important to distinguish the difference.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

I’m a relatively late riser at around 8am (Roxy is the opposite at 5am). A cup of tea is always first on my list, followed by walking the dog and then drop the kids at school. I start work at 9.30 ish. My day will involve a coaching client or two on zoom, maybe some LIVE’s on social media, creating some content for our members, a spot of lunch with a fellow business woman perhaps, a podcast interview in the afternoon then I stop and sort he family out between 3.30 and 6.30pm. I then might host a masterclass online in the evening. I love my sleep, a good 10 hours to for so I’m usually off to bed by 10pm with a bit of meditation to wind down. I never work on a Friday, that’s a commitment I made to myself when I became an entrepreneur. Friday mornings all about yoga.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

Having a busines partner is everything to me. I would never want to do this alone. What keeps me motivated is having someone else to bounce off when the going gets tough. We have it down to a fine art in sensing when each other are ‘off’ and being able to support each other or take the load if we need a bit of space. We even synced menstrual cycles! And we live a 2-hour drive apart!

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

My fave quote of all time is “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun”.
I tend to lack motivation when I take things too seriously or the pressure is a bit intense. That’s my signal to lighten up and take some time out for a bit of fun. We have laughing as one of our KPI’s!

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

It’s been EVERYTHING! Our business revolves around social media. It’s made it so easy for us to connect with the women who need us most, especially through a pandemic and numerous lockdowns.

How do you want people to feel when they first become a member of Ladies Life Lounge?

We want them to feel important, noticed, that they matter and they’re worth it!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I love to travel too. Top of my list is Hawaii. We get to make work out of travelling by running retreats twice a year. We’ve recently taken groups of women to Croatia; we’re off to Marrakech this October and in June 2022 we’re going to Santorini. I’d love for our next one following that to be in Hawaii.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Next for us, is to grow the membership so that we can positively impact more women like us. I’m also a mum to three daughters so it’s super important to me to create the right culture for the next generation and so I’d love to take what we do into secondary schools so they have the skills for life to set them up for success, not just be tested on knowledge to gain a qualification.

We’ve heard on the grapevine that you’ve got a book coming out soon; can you tell us more about it?

Yes! It’s called Woman Up. Its predominantly about helping women to be more assertive in life and work. It aims to liberate women to own their space, decide what they deeply desire, shamelessly declare it to the world and go out and get it. It’s out on 2nd September 2021.

Where can people find out more about Ladies Life Lounge and your forthcoming book launch?

If you want to be added to the waitlist for the book launch and be the first to hear of its release with exclusive access to goodies and freebies follow this link to Subscribe, alternatively check out any of the below options to find out more.

Web – Ladies Life Lounge
Book – Woman Up
Facebook: Jodie
Facebook – Ladies Life Lounge
Instagram – Jodie
Instagram – Ladies Life Lounge