Italy - House Of Coco Magazine

City breaks November 9, 2023

upgrade your holiday with our round up of the most glamourous places to stay this summer

If like Team Coco, when it comes to travel you like a bit of glamour and luxury then you’ll love our round up of this summer’s stylish stays. From beachside villas in St Tropez to luxury apartments in Rome, perfect for a cultural getaway, we have selected the most exclusive and luxurious places to stay.

Located in an exclusive residential area in the prestigious Baie de Canebiers area of St Tropez, Villa Canoubwest, is a grand Mediterranean masterpiece. Its peaceful setting amongst 8,000 square metres of perfectly manicured gardens with rolling emerald lawns fringed by tropical flowers and palms and with direct access to the sea, offers the perfect backdrop for sophisticated garden parties and large family gatherings. The villa’s modest traditional terracotta exterior is a stark contrast to the opulent interiors, where gleaming marble, soft Italian stone and elegant parquet is adorned with sumptuous furnishings, stylish finishings and fine art. Features include a 20-metre outdoor heated pool, specious terraces overlooking the azure blue waters, ample parking and a staff apartment. It is also possible to moor a boat within view of the property at nearby Plage des Canebiers, where there’s also a secluded stretch of sand.
France, St Tropez: Villa Canoubwest- Five bedrooms, sleeps 10; price from £52,577 per week

Classic Renaissance architecture complete with a Baroque inspired palette blends seamlessly with modern Italian glamour and elegance at this newly renovated apartment, which stands regally on the famous Piazza Navona. Stunning Michelangelo-style frescos feature on virtually every ceiling whilst independently commissioned furnishings adorn each room like works of art. The apartment features two stunning master bedroom suites at either end of the property, each with luxury bathrooms and impressive views. The Pope’s bedroom offers a king-sized bed, theatrically placed centre stage on a raised platform, surrounded by luscious velvet curtains. The communal rooms, which separate the bedrooms include a sophisticated dining room, a music room complete with grand piano, a library and a bar with lounge and TV area. There’s also a studio, kitchen and staff quarters.
Italy, Rome: Apartment Sant’ Agnese- Two bedrooms, sleeps four; price from £46,200- £62,000 per week

Situated above a private stretch of beach and featuring a show stopping infinity edge pool overlooking the deep blue Ionian Sea, Royal Infinity Villa, with its exotic architecture, is quite simply a masterpiece. Packed with state-of-the-art amenities and bespoke luxury furnishings, the villa comprises an entrance hall, two master king-size bedroom suites with walk-in dressing rooms, a spacious living area which can be converted into a sleeping area, three bathrooms, two Jacuzzi, a work-space and kitchen. A private staircase from the infinity pool area leads directly to the sandy beach where each villa has its own private area complete with sunbeds and umbrellas. In-villa dining and spa treatments are available or guests can enjoy use of the resort’s Waterfront Spa and restaurants.
Greece, Zakynthos: Royal Infinity Villa– Two bedrooms, sleeps 7; price from £34,767

This beautiful lakeside villa offers the best of both worlds – an intimate bolthole combined with five-star hotel service. The Mosaic House is situated within the grounds of the Villa d’Este hotel estate and as such, guests benefit from access to the many bars, restaurants and wellness facilities located onsite whilst the hotel’s staff are on hand to provide attentive service to villa guests. Recently restored from top to bottom, the modern villa offers stunning views of the surrounding landscaped grounds and the calm waters of Lake Como from every window. The king-sized bedroom suite features an opulent marble bathroom and floor to ceiling windows, with direct access to a private outdoor terrace – the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast.
Italy, Lake Como: Mosaic House is sold on a weekly basis only and the starting price is 2,800 Euros per night (approx. £2,480)

Peacefully nestled amongst the vineyards and olive groves of a private estate and nature reserve that rests on the borders of Umbria and Tuscany, Villa Piantaverna offers a luxurious farmhouse experience, ideal for groups of adults and families. There’s oodles of space both inside and out across the three-acre plot plus plenty of rustic charm which is complemented by modern amenities and sumptuous furnishings. Facilities include a stunning heated outdoor infinity pool, wine cellar and impressive kitchen with separate larder for those wishing to self-cater. The estate also has a private restaurant and kitchen, the Osteria, serving a menu of delicious dishes made from fresh organic produce from the estate and wider area. It also serves hand-picked Italian wines, including its own called San Giovese.
Italy, Umbria: Villa Piantaverna– Four bedrooms, sleeps six; price from £13,100 per week

All of the properties featured can be booked through Firefly Collection. To view the full collection, visit Firefly Collection at www.firefly-collection.com

France November 9, 2023

Luxury Travel with a Cause at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico

Spring is upon us and that usually means lots of new and exciting adventures here at House of Coco. Team Coco recently went to experience world-class Mexican hospitality at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riveria Maya. One of the region’s youngest resorts, UNICO seeks to redefine the concept of all-inclusive holidays through immersive and conscious travel experiences.

A few feet away from me, a small team were hard at work, setting up a beach gazebo for either an intimate dinner or wedding ceremony. The gazebo’s white curtains fluttered in the same ocean breeze that gently caressed my skin.

“Lucky couple!” I thought to myself. The turquoise colour of the sea, the soft white sand and the golden hues from the sunset were sure to provide an excellent backdrop for whatever celebration followed.

I was enjoying the beach at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury property located along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline.

Although I was only an hours’ drive from Cancun International Airport, I could not have felt further away from the riotous stag and hen parties synonymous with destinations further north along the Yucatán Penninsula coast.

I typed some text into my phone. “¡No pajitas de plástico, por favor!” was how Google Translator told me to say to the beach bar waiter that I needed no plastic straws with my mojito order.

I needn’t have bothered. I later discovered that UNICO has eliminated the use of plastic straws and keeps the use of recyclable plastic to a minimum.

My mojito arrived soon after. It tasted perfect. I adjusted my sombrero, applied some more sunscreen and reclined on the beach lounger, fully embracing the tranquillity of my surroundings. If this was the world UNICO (‘unique’ in Spanish) had created for their guests, I was happy to live every moment in it.

Visiting Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Coastal Mexico remains popular as a spring getaway destination (Playa del Carmen reported a hotel capacity of over 90% in 2018).

Towns and cities across the Yucatán Peninsula, a region which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, pull their share of visitors, competing with equally popular destinations around the Gulf of California.

The Yucatán Peninsula offers UNESCO World Heritage pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial towns, tropical beach playgrounds and plenty of nightlife fun. From Campeche to Mérida and from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel, there’s something for every budget.

Sandwiched between the rambunctious Cancún and the quieter Tulum however, is the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo. This stretch of coastline is known for its long beaches, cenotes (underground pools) and the Mesoamerican coastal reef (second largest in the world) which makes it perfect for aquatic activities.

UNICO 20˚87˚ (a name inferring its geolocation) seeks to stand out in this fast-growing tourist corridor as a resort that combines contemporary Mexican architecture with modern luxury and beach chic.

UNICO seeks to redefine the term ‘all-inclusive’, avoiding the impersonal mega-resort approach and instead immersing guests in a meaningful way into the region’s music, art, history, geography and gastronomy.

Exploring UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya

Done with my drink, or maybe two (drinks are inclusive here), I sunk my feet in the white coral sand and willed myself to move in the direction of my ocean-view room.

Walking along the beach, I skipped over some seaweed that had begun to collect on the sand. This naturally recurring nuisance along Mexico’s Caribbean coast keeps UNICO’s groundskeepers and environmentalists busy, a few times each day, in a bid to contain mother nature.

My afternoon plans included a scheduled spa session – steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy and a 50-minute massage. The joy of vacationing at an all-inclusive property is that you’re never in a hurry to be anywhere else.

I took a circuitous route back to my room, passing by the lively La Unica pool where a small group had gathered for an afternoon game of water volleyball. Thanks to being an adults-only property, there were sun loungers in abundance. Being able to order drinks from the swim-up bar using the hotel app was a nice touch.

At that moment, my dilemma was between lounging by the pool or enjoying a relaxing massage. Life gives us tough choices sometimes!

Luxury vacation with a cause

Like other popular destinations across the world (Venice and Barcelona spring to mind), the Riviera Maya is a region where mass tourism has also raised environmental impact concerns.

It was heartwarming therefore to learn that UNICO 20˚87 ° recognises this and has incorporated sustainability into their operating philosophy.

Efforts to manage their environmental footprint include the use of solar power to complement the energy resources needed for street lighting and water heating of their three swimming pools. An on-site nursery, housing trees and ornamental plants native to the region, also hints at a conscious effort to preserve the natural environment.

Additionally, UNICO is a certified turtle camp. Eco-conscious guests can support wildlife preservation initiatives to help endangered sea turtles nest and survive. Day tours to places like Isla Mujeres (where there are larger scale wildlife conservation projects) also offer guests a controlled yet immersive experience of the local landscape.

Guests who are keen to positively impact the everyday lives of the local community during their visit will find opportunities to do so through donations (such as school supplies) to UNICO’s ‘Vacation with a Cause’ volunteer program.

Over dinner later that evening, during a chat with Irma Yeo, UNICO’s Director of Sales, I learned more about UNICO’s approach to conservation.

Re-emphasising what I had already begun to learn, she said, “Our trees have transformed this place since we completed construction and opened two years ago. When I first heard birds singing, I knew then that we had done something right.”

The next day, I walked out onto my private balcony to welcome a glorious sunrise over the Caribbean. In the morning stillness, I heard them singing too.

Travel information

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 5* UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya from £1,269 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing an Alcoba Room on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes return World Traveller flights from London Gatwick to Cancún (based on selected September departures).

Select tours, golf, spa services and beauty salon treatments are available to all guests for a 25% service fee. An 80-minute UNICO 20°87° relaxing massage costs £70 as part of the Unlimited Inclusions programme.

Visit unicohotelrivieramaya.com for further enquiries

Czech Republic November 9, 2023

5 Ideal destinations for cheap city breaks

With stressful jobs and decreasing flight prices, cheap city breaks have never been so popular. Budget airlines have really revolutionised the way we think about holidays. For most of the public, holidays of yesteryear would be booked 6+ months in advance, making it a huge deal to plan and prepare for.

Nowadays, we have a whole bunch of budget airlines offering incredibly cheap flights – flights that surely don’t even cover the cost of petrol. Short, regular city breaks are now making more sense than a once-in-a-year £2,000 holiday.

In the spirit of cheap city breaks, this article will cover some of the best destinations, some classics and some that you may not have considered.

Prague

Prague is an incredible place. Tourism is rising each year in Prague, but it still remains cheap compared to other central European cities (it’s not in Eastern Europe like many believe).

A week in Prague is an incredible experience to be fully submerged in a relentless amount of beauty, from Romanesque chapels to Baroque palaces and Gothic cathedrals.

Being in the centre of Europe, it’s very easy (and cheap) to get to. You’re never more than a couple of hours away from it wherever you are in Europe. While the city is up and coming, the cost of living remains low still, so hotels and eating out is generally pretty cheap, although that’s always relative to where you’re coming from. As evident on the cheap holidays on Teletext, a Bed & Breakfast can set you back around £60 per night.

Prague has just about everything, from the Museum of Communism to a buzzing nightlife. It’s a place of culture, mainly, but it still manages to have a vibrant atmosphere along with some great bars. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely a must-see.

Budapest

A little further South East is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. This is another very highly rated European city break destination, being named the ‘Paris of the East’. This mainly alludes to the illuminated bridges running through Danube, a very romantic setting.

Budapest is a relatively large city compared to others on this list. This means it may be slightly more difficult to see a lot of purely on foot, but equally there’s more to discover. It’s a great winter break too, as the lake becomes an ice rink by Heroes’ Square, which was created in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s millennium. It’s great in the summer too, as temperatures soar to 30 degrees celsius.

In Budapest, it’s seen as tradition to take a dip in mineral waters, with over 100 geothermal springs dotted around the city. Budapest is a cheap destination, but like Prague, you wouldn’t think it when you see its well-maintained architecture.

Marrakech

If you’re looking to indulge in a less Western culture then Marrakech is a great choice. This is the fourth largest city in Morocco, and is home to a bunch of unbelievable Arabic architecture, along with some incredible marketplaces (souks) and traditional hammam spas.

A truly unique opportunity in Marrakech is to visit the Old Town, which has an abundance of craft traders, from clothes to pastry. If you’re into fashion, a short visit to YSL Museum is a great experience; it houses over 5,000 clothing items dedicated to the fashion designer.

Prices are cheap for luxury, 4 and 5 star hotels. You’re looking at £100 per night for a beautifully situated hotel with incredible views and service.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a great place for foodies. With a handful of Michelin-star restaurants it has established a stellar culinary reputation. It’s not bad for beer lovers too, with many restaurant beers being priced under £2.

Lisbon is actually one of the oldest cities in the world. In fact, it predates Rome, Paris and London by quite a few centuries. This has, of course, resulted in an array of culture and architecture to explore for those with an appetite for history.

While it can be visited in winter, Portugal tends to be more of a summer break, with some incredible weather, a laid back evening-centric atmosphere along with some great beaches. Prices are reasonable too; around £100 per night landing you a nicely situated hotel with good service.

Krakow

Again, culture and history is rife in Krakow. This Polish city dates back to the 10th century, and, despite being heavily involved in WWII, it’s an impressively well-preserved city. With narrow streets interweaving around an 800-year old Market Square, there’s a uniquely cosy atmosphere too.

Krakow isn’t just architecture though, there’s a unique buzz going on. It’s a university city, so evening bars are usually vibrant and brings a youthful aspect to the city. In the winter, there’s an incredible Christmas fair, and in the summer, temperatures get surprisingly hot.

Krakow is a cheap city with a low cost of living. A bit like Prague, there’s a good blend of old and new in what is a seemingly compact city.

Australia November 9, 2023

#CocoTravel : 7 Reasons to Visit Melbourne Now

Melbourne has been voted constantly as one of the greatest and the most liveable city in the world for many years now. What differentiates the city from any other city is its unique culture and buzzing creativity.The steady rise in the number of flights to Melbourne reflects the higher number of tourists and travellers who discover the joys of Melbourne.

Browse Emirates airlines flight booking and make the bookings to the great city and find out for yourself what the fuss is all about and what makes Melbourne so special. Well, you can look forward to an eclectic mix of adventure, dining, shopping, and events. There is something or the other going on in the city and if you are looking for a break, there are many getaways spots for a quiet weekend.

Here are some good reasons why you must visit Melbourne

For the best gourmet food scene – Melbourne boasts of the most varied cuisines and Little Italy and Chinatown are well known for the famous delicatessens. Whether it is fine restaurants, pastries, coffee, artisan gelato, cheese cafés or noodles houses, there is something here to suit everyone’s taste and budget. You will never go hungry as its laneways and arcades are dotted with award-winning restaurants, trendy bars, famous cafes, and some fine chocolate shops.
For the world-class venues and sports – Melbourne is the mecca for sports lovers, and it is because of the best venues for Rugby League, Australian Rules, Cricket and Tennis. Any sports fan would love to visit the AAMI Park, Melbourne Park, Etihad Stadium and Hisense Arena. Passionate sports lovers and loyal fans travel from afar to Melbourne to catch their favourite teams in action all through the year.
For the great wildlife to watch – Phillip Island, Melbourne is loved by the animal and wildlife lovers because of the ample opportunities it offers to enjoy the wildlife. Go to Sutherland Beach to watch the penguins emerge and head home. The penguin parade is a great event and another animal that draws the tourists and locals is the Seal Rocks. October is the best month to spot the fur seals.
For the frenzy of street art – Melbourne’s street art is world famous and one of the most vibrant in the world. Some of the must-see sights are in the Hosier Lane that is filled with sprayed, stencilled alleys. At every corner, you come across a technicolor brilliance. Go for a Melbourne Street Art Tour that is organised by the city’s top street artists to get a wider perspective on creative art and discover some of the hidden laneways of the underground art scene.
For the festivals and events – Melbourne is well known as the cultural capital of Australia as it is brimming with live music venues, art galleries, and great museums. Countless festivals and events are scheduled throughout the year and on every possible field like food, sport, music, art, film and even events for kids. International musicals, comedy festivals, and blockbuster dramas attract thousands of peoples every year.
For a great shopping experience- Melbourne is one of the few cities where you can shop till you drop. There are countless outlets and malls where one can look for designer bargains and great sales. One of the city’s popular tourist attractions is shopping at historic markets in Queen Victoria that are more than 130-year-old.
For an enjoyable public transport system- In Melbourne, one can look forward to a stress-free holiday, because of the efficient public transport system. Take advantage of the traditional trams to move around and visit the hotspots.

Australia November 9, 2023

BossBoy Dario Cucci From Self Healing To Self Made

Dario Cucci learned from the best in the game, Anthony Robbins, when he sold his events at 100% commission, proving that he knows a thing or two about sales. It started in his twenties and he honed his skills over the following 15 years where he created his proven system for selling through relationship building.

Dario works with businesses to show them how to improve sales through building genuine relationships with their customers. he is committed to building true customer care that creates lifelong loyalty in the customer and long-term sales for the company.he has seen companies waste thousands of pounds trying to find new customers only to lose them with poor customer care within their first 12 months.keeping a customer happy and loyal is much less costly than finding a new one.dario teaches a simple and practical approach to building a better and more sale through true customer care and genuine relationships.

One Company he worked with increased their Monthly Sales by 300%, after following his sales system so we couldn’t wait to
find out more about not only his personal success but that of the companies that he has worked with. Here, he tells us more…

Dario Cucci, you are a brand in your own right. Can you tell us about the journey to get you where you are today…
The difference between me and other experts out there, is that before I started my own business and became a Keynote Speaker, I actually worked within the Self Development & Financial Education Industry in Australia for 10+ years promoting other Experts & Coaches, selling their Event Tickets, Programs & Coaching Services, not only that I was involved in providing sales training for the Live Crew at Events, did the sales at the Events when People ran to the back of the room table and further more did the follow up calls, to sell more over the phone or prevent people from cancelling their programs they signed up for at the Event.

But eventually I not only got bored with doing that, as well as frustrated and felt stuck of not being able to move forward, which caused me to get ill with bells palsy, that was a wake up call to me, to make changes happen for myself and I moved from Australia back to Switzerland, where after I settled in after 2 years working again for another couple of companies, I decided to start my own Firm.

Since then, I not only healed myself from having had Bells Palsy, but was able to be published in 2 Bestselling Books as a Guest Author “A Journey Of Riches Volume 3 – Making Changes & Activate Your Life Volume 1” and I am the Author of 2 Books I wrote myself “Turn Your Customers Into Profit & Crossroads To Clarity”, held my own Seminars & Workshops and helped many other Business Owners improve their own way of selling their Services, by improving their Mindset, Communication Skills & Sales Strategies.

And about 2 years ago created the Event “The Ultimate Entrepreneur” which helps Business Owners break out of their Ground Hog Day Routine of growing a Business, by learning & working with International Speakers & Coaches on Marketing, Branding, PR, Communication & Sales, Mindset, Leadership & Health, to be able to take their Business grow their Business into a Legacy without sacrificing their Health over it.

The next Ultimate Entrepreneur I will be holding, is on 2 & 3 November 2019 which I am very excited about and to ensure the quality of training & coaching during the 2 Days we have limited the Seating to a maximum of 150 Attendees.

What do you feel set you apart from other coaches?
My ability to intuitively adapt my experience and knowledge when it comes to selling, customer service and leadership to their Business, so they can apply it immediately and get Results, where as other Coaches fluff around and have not been able to help those Clients that come to see, I was able to help them to gain clarity, have Breakthroughs and increase their Sales Revenue. One of my most recent Clients told me “I been to a couple of coaches in the past, spent thousands on them and didn’t get anywhere in 2 years, with you I just had one Session and gotten more from that one Coaching Session than with the Coaches I had in the past”. That is not a one off but I hear that on a regular bases when I finally meet my Clients and start working with them, which is one reason why they end up working with me long term because they know that I can help them and care for their success.Is there anything you would have done different in your career?
Yes, I would of started sooner with my business to be able to help more people and turn people away when I get the feeling that they are not coach-able and ready to be their own Hero.What does 2020 look like for you?
For me 2020 is the year of my transformation & the transformation of many people I inspire to do better in business & life and that want to share that journey with me. My goal is it to hold The Ultimate Entrepreneur in Canada and the US in 2020 as well as start a Documentary Movie that goes behind the scenes of The Ultimate Entrepreneur and shares my journey and the journey of those that are involved to be part of the Event.Your job has taken you all over the world, where do you call home?
I know that sounds cheesy what I am about to say but “Home is where the one feels loved & connected to the People and place they are living at” I love Switzerland, yet I also can feel at Home in other Countries such as Australia, London or Italy, what’s important to me is Family & Friends, as long as I have those, no matter where I am, I will feel at home, knowing that I have love in my Life no matter where I am living.To date, what is your proudest achievement?
Ah, that’s a great question, I’ve got many achievements, but I’d say one of my proudest moments was when I held my 3 Day Serve & Sell Mastery Workshop and my Students at the end of Day 3 gave me a Thank You Card, each with their own reason to why they where grateful that I held the Workshop and what it did for them. For me getting that acknowledgement and love, felt overwhelmingly good and I felt very proud that I was able to transform those Peoples lives with my 3 Day Workshop.
Your strap line is ’sales isn’t a numbers game, it’s a peoples game,’ can you tell us more about what this means? That saying is a lie in itself that has been told over centuries by other Sales Experts, if Sales were a numbers game, all we had to do is be clever with accounting software, automation and everything is solved. But it isn’t that easy, sales is the outcome of a great conversation that leads to the lead becoming a customer, without the customers the company wouldn’t be able to hire a book keeper and it would close down the Firm. When people buy from people they trust and experience great service they tell others about it and the company makes more money as a result of that.For me Sales isn’t a Numbers game, for me Sales is a People’s game, because the outcome of making Sales is directly related to the relationships we build with the People we are selling to.My current website is: www.dariocucci.netPeople can book their Ticket to attend The Ultimate Entrepreneur Event currently via Eventbrite by clicking here.

Aruba November 9, 2023

Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One That Protects You Even When you Forget

Here at House of Coco, travel is in our DNA, we do it on the daily and can often be found jetting from hot destination to another in a heart beat. As much as we try and remember the important things, like sun screen, we can somethings get waylaid with cocktails and parties to remember to look after our skin. Cue Sunsibility, the brand that has UV protection built in to it’s clothes to protect you even when you forget.

Founded by Angeli Jackson, her journey has been filled with rejection but it has spurred her on even more to make a success of her brand, and that she has. Here, she tells us more about the brand and her plans for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching Sunsibility…

I was studying a BA(Hons) Product Development for the Fashion Industries at The London College of Fashion and wanted to create a functional and practical range for my final collection.The initial idea was a ladieswear collection for Lupus patients (65% of Lupus patients are sun sensitive ).This has now evolved into a one stop shop for UV protection including men’s and childrenswear but also sunsuits, sun creams and window films for general everyday protection.LCF wouldn’t support me as they didn’t think it was commercially viable which made me even more determined.I worked so hard and when I did graduate, the college were there supporting the project as it was a successful idea.The following year I gained a start up loan from The Princes Trust and began to turn the dream into a reality.

What is the importance of UV protection?

UV Protection is a MUST HAVE.A very large proportion of our customers are sensitive for various medical reasons so UV protection is essential and preparation is key, not getting caught out on those warmer days.Handy accessories can make all the difference.A wrap, sunglasses, hat and a compact umbrella are ideal products to keep to hand.All our clothing is made to order and provide a UPF50+ factor preventing 97.5% of UVA & UVB rays.With clothing, customers do not have to worry about any absorption of any ingredients into the skin but it is very important to apply sunscreen to those areas exposed regularly.

We have a range of timeless classics, gorgeous beach and resort wear ( many multifunctional ), that can take you day into night and keep you safe from the sun.Health is Wealth, so invest in yourself and in your skin whether it’s for protection, against skin cancer ( rates just continue to keep rising ), anti ageing or vanity don’t let it be too little too late. It’s good to be outdoors and needs to be encouraged, we all need vitamin D it’s essential for good bone health and just makes us FEEL GOOD it’s about getting a good balance.

How does the process work when making new designs?

New designs usually come from a purpose or a request it is vital we listen to our customers, their needs and desires.However, I always have a pen and paper handy as new ideas may come to me at any time, especially on holiday as you are watching people at leisure and hopefully protecting their skin or not, as is often the case.Our products are about making sun protection easy and hassle free but it is imperative to look and feel great.We only ever work with our specialist Italian fabric which is a stretch fabric but I don’t really use it in a fitted way, a lot of our designs are loosely cut unless stated otherwise.The fabric is just brilliant and I really did search worldwide for it.It’s cool to wear, breathable, machine washable and quick drying. These fabulous features contribute to any new ideas as its so travel friendly and virtually crease free.I will usually sketch something up and then send it to our pattern cutter.A sample is then made up on site and together the tailors and I will tweak how we’d like it.Once happy we will then put it into production and photograph it as soon as possible.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

I don’t believe there was any other way.I’ve always given it my all but certainly for the first six years, I had 3 jobs whilst trying to build the company.You do what is necessary.I am a great believer in everything happens for a reason. Although one thing I would have liked along my journey and even now would be a mentor.

What is your mission?

To provide quality stylish sun protection and make it easy to wear for all whatever age, genre and wherever you are in the world.UV Protection is for everyone but can also be life changing for those who are sun sensitive.Being highly regarded in the industry is very important and we have some of the best medical and sun protection specialists in the world recommending our products.That to me already means we have done as we set out to do but need to let more people know we are around.

In five years time, where do you hope to see the brand?

Into the new decade with a great focus and plans.We sell direct to the consumer so just expanding our awareness internationally is a focus for the next five years.I have some interesting developments I’m working on but am keeping those close for the time being but do keep in touch with SunSibility so we can update you on new products and services.I am always aiming to bring the best & innovative concepts to our collections.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I wake up and feel thankful for the health of myself and all those around me this isn’t a ritual but a thought at the beginning of the day along with my two must have milky coffees ( which my husband makes ) to kick start my morning.I also do try and be grateful for all I have & enjoy life !

I have two gorgeous girls, Atalya 9 & Elysia 2 so the school run is first thing and then either onto nursery or my parents who are brilliant and presently help me 3 x a week.They have always been a massive support & strength for me.My working hours are 10 – 5 so once in the office there is a never ending list.My office is attached to the house but completely separate so I go to work like anyone else and come home at the end of the day.Every day is different there is always so much to do.I do wish there were more hours in the day, more days in the month, and more months in the year – There never seems to be enough time !!

What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation…

“You can do anything you want to when you put your mind to it – and there is no such word as No !”This is up on my office wall and something I try and teach my children too.

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

Oooh what isn’t ?I love to travel.My promise is to show the children as much of the world as I possibly can.The world is such an amazing place and so inspiring.I used to do a lot of my design work on the plane prior to having kids – that’s virtually impossible to even think about now I don’t get a very time free flight these days !Every time I see / read about somewhere I’d like to visit I put it in my travel box and tick the places off as I go.Long flights presently aren’t ideal but Aruba Cuba and Mexico are on my list for about 10 years time. In the meantime I’d love to explore more of the Greek islands and Italy over the next decade but also more of England too.I live and breathe my holidays I could be in Barbados, I could be in Bognor it’s all about quality time with those you love & creating memories.

How much has social media played a part in your business?

Up to now to be honest very little but now we are present and consistent over several platforms the future is exciting.It is a very powerful tool.It’s a great and speedy way to communicate with our clients.

For anyone thinking about launching a brand, what advice would you give?

A belief in what you do has to be at the forefront of your business and the passion behind it because when things do get tough that is what will always keep you going.You have to enjoy what you do.Everything else is secondary.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

This sounds crazy but is the absolute truth.I read a book called Flossie Teacake when I was a kid and she puts on a fur coat and turns round three times in the mirror – she can be anything she wants to be !…and honestly, that’s all I ever needed to know and just to believe in myself and what we do!

Visit us at : sunsibility.co.uk

Instagram

Facebook

Telephone us :+44 (0)208 224 2299

Contact me direct at info@sunsibility.co.uk

Australia November 9, 2023

Women Worldwide : Sustainable Luxury Beauty with Melissa Obeid

LA FERVANCE is an independent Australian-French company who are experts in sustainable luxury beauty. The founder of LA FERVANCE, Melissa Obeid, has directed and overseen every aspect of the product profile, performance, ingredients, packaging and testing.

Melissa’s love affair with France was ignited whist studying at The Paris Fashion Institute in the 90’s. She worked with the biggest names in the fashion world extending these experiences to senior fashion roles back in Australia, followed by a stellar career in high-level arts management. Melissa’s passion for clean beauty lead her to initiate the development and commercialisation of a suite of Australian made, 100% natural beauty products created under proprietary brands sold nationwide. This was an Australian first.

Melissa is a really heavy weight in the beauty world and we spent some time with her to find out more about her plans for the brand, what a day in her life is like and more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching La Fervance…

The LA FERVANCE journey is a truly inspiring one, even to me as the brand founder! It’s one of enormous courage and faith after Jamie and I were inspired to bring our family to France for a sabbatical in 2016 and here we are in 2020 having launched a high-end luxury skincare brand!

Whilst in Senior Management at the world renowned National Gallery of Victoria it is here that I got my inspiration and I discovered the Napoleon directed, Baudin led expedition to Australia (Terre Napoleon). I learned of the fascination which Napoleon and Josephine had with Australia and given my ties with both Australia and France, I found this particularly fascinating.

Then, following the development of natural skincare collections in Australia and my family’s relocation to France for a cultural sabbatical and to better understand the luxury skincare space, I was struck with an inspiration during our initial stay in Paris, to create a skincare brand containing high concentrations of 100% natural, active ingredients from Australia and France within a certified high-end, sustainable framework.

It was upon settling in Provence, that the idea took on a life of its own and very soon we found ourselves aligned with the most reputable laboratories and partners in France – the prestige cosmetics mecca of the world – as we understood that if we wanted the best, it had to be done in France. In many ways, I feel LA FERVANCE continues the journey of fusing these two cultures which are so diverse.

You did a lot of research before launching the brand and perfection was the only way for you. Why was this important?

I’m a firm believer in that if one is to do something, ‘either they do it well or not at all’. One of the motivations for creating LA FERVANCE was to fill a void in the high-end skincare space through the provision of true authenticity around the provenance of active ingredients from 100% natural origins and offering a brand which spoke quality at every touchpoint. The ‘luxury’ is simply a consequence of this.

In order to achieve such ambitious outcomes, there was simply no choice other than to strive for perfection within EVERY aspect of the journey and product offering as our benchmark. We are very familiar with the process and regulations around skincare production in other countries, which is why upon discovering the details around producing skincare in France, particularly within a natural, certified framework, we knew that this was absolutely where we needed to produce LA FERVANCE. The very strict requirements around testing, compliance, regulations are second to none, therefore as time consuming and complex as it was to adhere to a 100% natural and 100% recyclable framework, within the specifications of a globally certified framework, the results are just exemplary and offer a guarantee to the consumer that they are truly buying the best products possible.

The striving for perfection will resonate with those who value the artisan approach which is LA FERVANCE and who appreciate that this comes at a premium. They understand and appreciate that handmaking and hand-filling our European made packaging here in France, compared with doing so abroad will mean they get a premium product and experience. The fact that we insisted on ingredients which are sourced predominantly from France and Australia, rather than choosing more cost effective ingredient options, also contributes to these outstanding results. Those who value our ethos and quality will resonate with the brand and be happy to align themselves with LA FERVANCE.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I don’t think the word average has ever really had a place in my life ? I start my day at 5am. Whilst this certainly does not come naturally to me, I recognise the importance of the extra two hours waking up early as being sacred and highly productive to me as what I can achieve during these ‘power hours’ far exceeds anything I can accomplish throughout the remainder of the day. I use this time to meditate, focus on my intentions, plan for my day. I’ll then wake the family and after a hearty breakfast I drop the children off at school. They attend an International bi-lingual school in Paris as they’re fluent in French, after being spoken to in French since birth and spending two years in a village primary school in Provence. Depending on the morning meeting schedule, I’ll then try to squeeze in a power walk, whilst admiring the stunning architecture and street scenes which inspire me daily, then it’s back home to prepare for the day. This can consist of meetings with our laboratories, packaging experts, suppliers, attending various industry trade-fairs, meetings with stores, product photo shoots – or planning sessions at our office near Opera Garnier. .

Being an independent brand, Jamie and I manage every aspect of its development in collaboration with experts in these fields to create the intended outcomes, so this means many diverse tasks being juggled simultaneously – and lots of ‘to do’ lists!

The afternoon sees me take on the role of Mum’s taxi, commuting our children to their various horse-riding, golf and tennis activities. We’d love to see some Aussie rules football in there, but it’s yet to catch on in France!

A family dinner follows during which we share about our day. The children are so invested in the LA FERVANCE journey, as they have lived every single moment of it since we arrived for our ‘sabbatical’ in 2016 and then decided to stay in France to develop LA FERVANCE. They have shared in discussions around colours, perfumes, textures etc. It’s been wonderful for them to be privy to the process and witness the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.

The usual night-time routine follows and once the children are in bed, Jamie and I will continue working, before I apply ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE as a sleep mask before much needed good nights kip.

Who is your ideal customer?

I see the ideal LA FERVANCE customer being defined by an attitude not an age. It’s the savvy consumer who is astute, outward thinking, who won’t be influenced by smoke and mirrors marketing. They understand the skincare space, are aware of the ingredients they choose to place on their skin and appreciate their place in the market. They understand the motivations behind us using locally produced glass and responsible forestation packaging and both recognise and appreciate the various LA FERVANCE points of difference. In many ways it is a cynical consumer who questions and takes an interest in the story and who is inspired by such. Our ideal consumer takes the time to understand how our various decisions around minimising our carbon footprint and streamlining the product range, were made to support a more sustainable brand offering. They are astute, worldly, aware and can see through marketing hype by turning the package over to read the fine print ingredients – beyond the product name and positioning.

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

LA FERVANCE feels like another member of our family. We have spent years perfecting the formulas and have approached every element with great integrity, so when people purchase the product we want them to feel special, to feel joy, to see and feel positive outcomes. Since launching on 29 November 2019, we have received nothing but positive and glowing feedback which is an absolute joy – extremely satisfying indeed.

We want people to feel completely indulged within the sensorial experience that is LA FERVANCE. The packaging, the product visual, texture, aroma, feeling and affects of LA FERVANCE are like no other in the market and so when people use LA FERVANCE, we would like them to feel transported to a different world when using the product.

ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE is our launch product and is an original ‘conflict free’ Italian gold infused multi-mask formulation, which may be used in several ways. It is a world first and by being an all-round beauty balm, with such a divine texture and perfume, it is proving most popular. As a morning instant glow product, there is nothing more active than this 100% natural, real gold balm which glides over the skin and doubles up as a ‘leave on’ treatment. As a sleep mask, it feels so soothing and indulgent and it may also be used as an innovative treatment mask, as after the treatment time the mask emulsifies with water and massage, leaving the skin plum and glowing upon removal!

What’s your best selling product?

This is a question best asked a year from now, once our first collection is rolled out in its entirety. We decided to launch with one stand out product ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE in November 2019, which is our certified, beautifully presented, exquisite multi-mask gold infused product, and the response to this has been exceptional. At the time of launch we ran a parallel sampling exercise, with those who had received a sample going on to order the product as they had become ‘addicted’ to the affects, the perfumes and the affects of placing real gold on their skin first thing in the morning.

Over the past few years we have developed equally exceptional and complimentary products, all within the ‘Fusionistique’ multi-functional framework.

Our philosophy is based on using targeted active ingredients in higher concentrations for more effective results, along with fewer more potent products within the collection. Less is more! This is what luxury is all about.

What has been your most successful moment to date?

There have been so many moments of success since we launched. I think that in terms of the turning point for LA FERVANCE – it was when we got the invitation to participate in the Positive Luxury, Positive Week event in London last October, hosted by the Universal Soul Company at Gazelli House in Knightsbridge. This is where I introduced LA FERVANCE globally for the very first time in view of the official launch in November and was able to talk about the brand journey, it’s inspirations, the ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE and answer questions from the guests. To be able to finally share LA FERVANCE within a public forum was deeply satisfying.

For me personally, this visit to London was also hugely rewarding, as it enabled me to reflect on my own personal and professional journey – having lived in London as a young Australian traveller back in 1994. Reminiscing about my time in that shared apartment in West Kensington, and all I had lived since then, only to come full circle, being in London again 25 years later as the founder of a luxury skincare brand, was cathartic experience – the feeling of which I will always remember.

You relocated to France to focus on this brand, why did you feel this was an important move?

Relocating to France from Australia was important for many reasons. For me personally, having lived in Paris in the 90’s where I worked in fashion and established many strong friendships and connections which continue to today, it was important to return to the source of this creative energy, the buzz, the inspiration. As a family, it was invaluable to have the experience of being able to travel throughout Europe and expose the children to such a rich history, different cultures, languages, friendships and memories.

From a brand perspective, to return to the source of the initial inspiration and that of the Napoleon directed, Baudin led expedition to ‘Terre Napoleon’ (Australia) was crucial to the essence of the brand. LA FERVANCE is a ‘Fusionistique’ brand and as such it fuses many elements, namely these two extraordinary cultures.

France is the global mecca of high-end skincare and perfume creation, so to develop and launch LA FERVANCE in France, to my exact brief and under the guidance of the global experts in skincare – with a combined experience of centuries, provides the brand with a clearly advantageous proposition and an energy which could not be achieved had it not been developed in France.

Are you planning on extending the range in future, if so, how?

A complete and complimentary collection has been in development since the LA FERVANCE journey commenced in 2016. Every product complies with the most stringent global certifications for natural cosmetics and fit within our ethos of 100% naturally sourced, active ingredients and have undergone rigorous testing. When skincare is designed to an exact brief by experts in their field, it is not necessary to have an excessive number of products within the daily regimen. The intention of LA FERVANCE is to streamline the routine, with highly concentrated products which fulfil several functions successfully.

Our current customer base is already asking when the next product will be released as they are so satisfied with the ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE which is a great sign.

How much does social media play a role in your business?

Being an independent, self-funded brand social media plays a significant role within our business model. We enjoy the instant responses received by those who engage with the brand and the potential we have to reach a wide and diverse audience.

Having said that, I still really enjoy print media and also like seeing the brand represented in this way.

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

Not a single thing.

Given the long gestation involved with the research, development, testing, finessing, production, Jamie and I had a long time to consider our approach and to plan accordingly. We even managed to do a brand ‘refresh’ before the brand was launched! – hence by the time we came around to going ‘live’ with LA FERVANCE, we were content and confident.

Of course there are always some areas which one questions, but I believe this is all part of the journey and should be viewed as opportunities to do things differently in the future.

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

Oh, I love to travel too! I am yet to visit Central and South America, so this is on the bucket list. I only wish I had visited Cuba 20 years ago! Russia is also a country I am looking forward to visiting. I studied Russian history at senior school which I found fascinating and having also been in Senior Management at the National Gallery of Victoria for many years, I had the pleasure of viewing The Banquet of Cleopatra which was originally housed in the magnificent Hermitage museum, so this is absolutely a building in which I would like to lose myself for a day or two!

What are your plans for the brand in 2020?

To continue to spread the word about LA FERVANCE and what makes the brand a stand out in a crowded skincare space.

To establish key retail partnerships with global retailers aligned with our principals and brand culture.

Tell us your favourite quote to read when you are lacking inspiration…

I have so many favourite quotes. I live by quotes and Khalil Gibran is the author of many of my preferred ones.

Before I set off on my first o/s adventure as a young adult post university, I was considering the pros and cons of doing so and in a magazine I came across ‘Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome’. I cut that out and placed it at the front of my journal. I guess the same thinking applies today.

For any one aspiring to launch a company in the beauty industry, what advice would you offer?

Create a brand which is defined by your own passion, rather than one which complies with market trends. This will stand the test of the many challenges you will face and resonate with a genuine target market.

Find out more…

People can follow us on the usual channels of our website www.lafervance.com or #lafervanceskincare or our Facebook page.

We welcome any queries or questions at info@lafervance.com

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Dine Out: Akira Back, Dubai

No matter how advanced tourism becomes, The Palm in Dubai will always be one of the world’s most daring developments, thrusting out into the Arabian Gulf with its branches lined with some of the most jaw droppingly luxurious hotels and villas you’ll ever get within touching distance of. One of these is W Dubai – The Palm.

The hotel is a palace, but not the kind where laws are written and rules are obeyed. It’s a place for partying. The hotel glitters from every angle under the Arabian sun, and the building itself seems to rise up from the ground in a curvy, elegant sort of way. Here, you know you’re in good hands. At the very top of the hotel sits Akira Back, a panoramic restaurant with views over the iconic Marina skyline.

W hotels worldwide pride themselves on a pedigree of culinary offerings, and Dubai is no different. Akira Back is a professional snowboarder, turned adrenaline-fuelled culinary master. His restaurant blends modern tastes of Japanese cuisine with Korean flavours to create a fusion never seen in this part of the world before.

Akira Back, if you’re not familiar with the name, is someone who is familiar with a lot of names. From having restaurants and pop-ups across the world, including the infamous Yellowtail at the Bellagio in Vegas, he’s become a chef to the stars, with A-Listers on his list of regular diners.

His menus takes on a sharing culture to multiply the opportunities, where interesting ingredients are mixed with unexpected flavours.

In any ordinary setting, a tuna pizza would be a controversial choice to say the least, but anyone will agree that the Palm, or even Dubai, is anything but ordinary. Tuna pizza here is actually one of the most famous dishes.

Granted, it’s not the kind of pizza you wake up in bed with after a heavy night – it’s actually a tortilla with thinly sliced tuna sashimi, ponzu mayo and white truffle oil, with micro shiso scattered on the top. Forget what you know about pizza, because this is the future.

Ask any friend who’s dined with Akira Back and they’ll tell you not to leave without eating two things – the tuna pizza, and the AB Tacos. If you’re familiar with the magic that is Korean cooking, you’ll already be sold. These crispy tacos are stuffed with beef wagyu galbi and topped with ponzu sauce, which packs so much flavour you’ll be telling your friends about it too.

Akira Back. W Dubai – The Palm. West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. www.akirabackdubai.com www.wdubaithepalm.com.

Australia November 9, 2023

#WomenWorldwide: Hannah Terziu captures wedding moments with Love Story Events

Someone’s wedding day, is probably the most important day in most peoples’ lives. It is an unforgettable experience that marks the beginning of a new story, shared with the couple’s closest family and friends. To be a part of a wedding is truly a special experience, but to plan the magic of a wedding, is a whole different story.

Hannah Terziu has built her business around capturing unforgettable wedding moments. Not to mention, capturing them amidst the stunning backdrops of the Amalfi Coast. A love for events and wedding planning led her to leave London and jump headfirst into her passion. Love Story Events is a testament to her talent and willpower as both a wedding planner, and an entrepreneur. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and if these photos say anything, it’s that Hannah certainly made the right choice in pursuing her dreams.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What made you fall in love with wedding planning?

I tend to think of myself as having 3 children — my actual two children, Benjamin who is 2 years old and Serena my 5 months old baby — but also my third baby which is my business! Every day is a struggle to balance my time between these 3 commitments. They keep me busy — but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Whilst I was born in the UK, I moved to Sydney 4 years ago and live in Sydney with my husband and kids. We travel back to Italy each year to deliver the seasonal weddings, which is a great excuse to also visit family and friends in Europe at the same time.

I remember the moment I knew that event planning was for me – I was evaluating different career options following my degree. (which was in Law, not events!) There were about 4 different roles I was thinking about. However, the only thing that kept “sticking with me” was event planning. I decided to pursue it.

My first role was at the Ritz Hotel and this cemented my passion for wedding planning – I loved meeting couples, exploring their vision and seeing the wedding day unfold. I then moved into the field of private events working for HM The Queen’s Household at Buckingham Palace. I loved every moment of my time there and was privileged to be involved in some of the big historical events. However, I missed working with the public and especially with couples; and that’s when I moved to Italy to pursue destination wedding planning.

What made you decide to move to Italy?

My career in London spanned 5 years and by then I felt I had experienced the best that London had to offer. As a person, I like to continually grow and challenge myself. I had always LOVED Italy as a location — so when I was thinking about the next step for my career, moving abroad, learning a new language and working in destination weddings, sounded like a good fit for me. The concept of Love Story Eventswas born, but I knew I needed to get hands on experience in Italy before I could fully launch the company.

When I got to Italy, there were a number of challenges. At first I worked in Rome – it wasn’t the best experience as I ended up not being paid for the 6 months I worked and having to sleep in the office. But by then I had already invested and was determined not to go back home without having gained the experiences and insights into destination wedding planning that I needed.

I moved to the Amalfi Coast and was fortunate enough to connect with the right people there and so my destination wedding planning experience began. The language took me a good 6 months to pick up — it was helped by the fact that I met my (now) husband there, which was certainly all the motivation I needed to learn quickly! After 2 years delivering destination weddings in Italy, fluent in Italian and having married myself, I was ready to move into the next phase.

In your expert opinion, what are the essentials to creating an unforgettable wedding?

In my opinion having a destination wedding it makes it unforgettable — it sets the wedding apart as an experience of a country, especially as guests tend to make a holiday experience out of it. I love seeing both the Bride & Groom’s reaction when they first see their wedding venue and also the guest at the wedding — they are often rendered speechless as they step into the venue and see the views (especially on the Amalfi Coast).

Another essential to an unforgettable wedding is the delivery — what I mean by this is how it flows on the day, how relaxed the couple are and the guest perception. The key to the success of this is in the planning. It ensures that all the details you have put into the day come to pass and that the celebration runs smoothly. It is important the wedding is a true expression of the couples styles, personalities, ideas and vision, so that the day feels genuine not a like putting on a show — making for an authentic, unforgettable wedding for all.

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

Being discovered has been the hardest thing. Whilst I was confident I had the passion and skill to create destination weddings, I needed to learn a lot about how to reach my target audience and thus about social media. Marketing is always evolving, it is a constant learning curve to keep up with. Persevering with getting the brand out there is still challenging, but I am beginning to see real growth in the company and so I am encouraged to see that my efforts are starting to pay off.

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

The best advice I can give is not to over think things in the start-up phase and to deal with problems or challenges as they arise. It is easier to find a solution when you are “in motion” rather than thinking about it being static. Honestly, before I set up Love Story Events, I found myself wondering how living in Australia and having a baby (I had just given birth to our son at the time) was going to work logistically with planning weddings in Italy. But I also knew I had worked too hard to give up on my dream. So I started the company. — and solutions presented themselves as I went along. So my advice is to get started! ?

www.lovestoryitaly.com

Girl Bosses November 9, 2023

Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One That’s Proud to be British with Waring Brooke

Here at House of Coco we love to champion brands that are challenging the world of fast fashion and Waring Brooke is one of them. A proudly British brand, Waring Brooke was founded by Samantha Brooke. After years of styling commercial jobs with international designers, Samantha became disheartened with mass production and the increasing damaging impact on the environment.Growing up in a family involved with recyclable energy, she has always been very aware of waste and carbon footprint, so being able to join her love of fashion and ethics made total sense.

Samantha produces everything at her knitting studio in Nottingham in a responsible way, she washes and presses pieces by hand to bring out the natural softness in the wool.The mix of traditional and contemporary designs will still look great in 10 years and the playful patterns, sleek designs and earthy colours inspired by the outdoors reflect a spirit of adventure just like its creator.

Since launching the brand, she has revelled in success and carved her path in the world of knitting. Here, we chatted to Samantha to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Waring Brooke…
I started out my career in Italy working for Alberta Ferretti after she spotted me at graduate fashion week in London. I worked in Italy for a year, and returning to England, started work for Max Studio where I was surrounded by fast fashion and the waste it creates. This upset me by the destruction it was doing to the planet, and I thought to myself, we surely do not need ALL these clothes!? So I made a plan to develop a British made knitwear brand, inspired by the countryside and worn by the people in it. We bought a STOLL knitting machine which I learnt to programme. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me as a designer. Instead of spending money on stock that may not sell, I was able to make anything I wanted, and make it to order so there is zero waste. It also enabled me to create the personalised accessories which are totally unique.

You’re passionate about the move away from fast fashion, can you tell us more about how you will aid this?
I make quality pieces from biodegradable yarns, that the wearer will (hopefully) love and cherish for years to come. I keep the waste to an absolute minimum and reuse yarn wherever I possibly can. My personalised items are made to order, so there is no excess stock and yarn does not go to waste.

What is your mission with the brand?
I would love for Waring Brooke to be known as the innovative country knitwear brand that you come to for its quality products. To keep making products that people love and cherish for years and years to come.

How do you want people to feel when they wear your clothes?
I want people to feel like they are wearing a quality premium product that they love and love to wear.

Also, being a woman, I know that wearing something your proud of makes you feel confident and comfortable. I generally design for myself, when I design something that I feel confident and a million dollars in, I know others will too.

What are your plans for the brand in 2020?
I plan expand the range of women’s dresses and personalised accessories and grow an online presence.

Who’s your dream customer?
Kate Middleton

Outside of the brand, what do you do for fun?
SUP and Yoga, and sometimes combine the two ? . Also, when I can I love ride my friends horses.

Looking back, since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I’d be less stressed and look after myself more. Sometimes having a business, it comes first then you come second. It should ALWAYS be – take care of yourself then work.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I was talking about this with my boyfriend recently. It is ironic, I am a sun seeker, but Iceland is on my bucket list to see he northern lights. The pictures look amazing and almost unbelievable.

What does self care mean to you?
Taking time to do what you want. Even if its getting into the office and making myself a drink before I start my day. My needs and health come first before any work.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch in the fashion industry, what advice would you offer?
Do you research then plan, then watch it not to go to plan. Jokes aside, it’s an incredible journey and if you’re serious about it (because there will be times when you want to pack it in) just never give up.

Find out more about this brilliantly British brand…