Growing up in Morocco, Anissa Perkins has had plenty of inspiration for her stylish Kaftan business – Kaftan Dreams. Born out ofa love for fashion, and a passion for beautiful colourful Kaftans made in unique prints – Kaftan Dreams takes the traditional ‘Caftan’ and gives it a luxurious flair.
We sat down with Anissa and discussed how her Moroccan culture has influenced her designs, the sustainable and ethical sourcing of her Kaftans- and finally, how her family has become both support network and inspiration throughout her journey.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Kaftan Dreams?
Growing up in Morocco, I have always had a love for beautiful, colourful and unique clothing and accessories. This love eventually evolved into a business idea in the form of Kaftan Dreams. My own dream is to create a haven of beautiful creations, vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics — all with my own unique prints.
Before starting Kaftan Dreams, I had a career in fashion that spanned two decades. I had been lucky enough to work for Giorgio Armani in France. I stepped away from fashion for12 years to raise my four children, but my passion was calling me back. This is why I started Kaftan Dreams. Now I can be with my family and manage my own creative business that is all about dressing colourful, strong women!
Why did you decide to focus on kaftans in particular?
Kaftans are part of my culture because I was born in Morocco and was used to seeing beautiful women wearing colourful and feminine kaftans when I was growing up in Casablanca. Kaftan or ‘Caftan’ is a loose long gown type dress that is traditionally worn by women in Middle Eastern countries including Pakistan and Persia as their daily wear.
Today, women love to wear both traditional and western outfits equally regardless where they live. When they want to feel the sun or walk on the seashore , they need something different and cool. A kaftan is the perfect choice for every woman who wants to roam around the beaches freely. Our Modern Kaftans are not only used as beach wear dress or swimwear but can be worn as excellent beach-resort wear too. These are just a few of the reasons why women enjoy wearing kaftans.
Our Kaftan dresses are mostly free-flowing, loose gowns that reach your ankles. There are a lot design features added into the kaftan dresses which include fabulous prints, kimono sleeves, and V-necklines with hand finished embroideries.
Tell us about your bespoke collection?
Our luxurious bespoke collection of silk Kaftans feature exclusive prints inspired by the colours of the Orient. They combine traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with modern cuts and a fresh perspectve, offering a feminine silhouette, that’s both sensual and regal.
Rather than dictating the cuts and fabric combinations, we offer you the chance to select the house-designed silk prints you love most in a wide variety of cuts, creating a naturally elegant outfit that will carry you through each day. We work with many groups of artisans to offer traditional techniques of weaving, embroidery, and prints that are exclusive to Kaftan dreams. All creations are ethically constructed. The respect we have for our collaborative artisans a key priority.
How important is ethical sourcing and sustainability to your brand?
At Kaftan Dreams we want our customers to know where the products come from; as well as how they’re made. As a mum of 4 children, I’m concerned about their future and the planet that they will live in. I choose sustainably sourced fabrics and services because of the impact on the environment, and we also want to make sure that our workers are treated well.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?
The biggest challenge I have to face is to wear all the hats myself; from sales, to marketing, to accounting, IT, and innovation. These are all the number of roles that I have to assume as owner of a new business. I also find myself isolated in my own little space trying to get my brand in a fashion world that is own by giants and managing my time while my priority is my family.
What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?
Stay authentic and creating something you’re really passionate about.
Here at #TeamCoco we are a little a bit over excited that it’s the spring bank holiday weekend, meaning that spring is finally here (with a whole lot of April showers), but we’re rolling with it, and it’s a three-day weekend! The early May bank holiday always brings a variety of exciting activities to London, so we’ve listed our top picks for you to enjoy if you’re in the city this weekend!
Kerb does Alchemy: The brilliant Southbank Asian street food festival is back and lucky for us, it falls right over the bank holiday weekend, from 3 – 7 May. Transforming the SE1 concrete into a rambunctious raft of heat and spice. This year they are packing in the flavour with a 29-strong fleet of traders cooking up dishes from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as part of Southbank’s South Asian Alchemy Festival 2018.
Arcadia festival: To celebrate the tenth anniversary, the spectacular Arcadia is landing in London. For those of you who haven’t seen Arcadia at Glastonbury, Boomtown, or the likes, this is now your chance. The 50 tonne Arcadia Spider is one of the world’s most iconic festival stages. Arcadia London is an immersive festival, fusing monumental spectacle, high octane performance and thunderous bass into a spellbinding sensory experience. Explore the festival as sun soaked bass rumbles across three stages, barbecues sizzle, and cocktails flow. Groove Armada and Norman Jay are amongst the talent playing Saturday, and on Sunday, Noisia and Rudimental close the party. Best thing is, tickets are still available. Grab yours here.
Picasso at Tate Modern: We would seriously recommend spending some of your Bank Holiday going to see the incredible Love, Fame and Tragedy exhibition at Tate Modern. 1932 was an intensely creative period in the life of the 20th century’s most influential artist. This is the first ever solo Pablo Picasso exhibition at Tate Modern. It will bring you face-to-face with more than 100 paintings, sculptures and drawings, mixed with family photographs and rare glimpses into his personal life. This exhibition is complex and rich, and gave us an insight into Picasso’s life that we had never seen before. Book ahead as it sure gets busy! If you can’t go over bank holiday weekend, the exhibition is on until 9 September 2018.
Skylight returns to London: After two incredible seasons of fun that saw over 60,000 people enjoy some of the best views, tasty cocktails, wine, beer and fun – Skylight is back for summer in the same spot in Tobacco Docks, and coincidentally reopens today! We think it is only polite that we pop in for at least one cocktail…especially as word on the street is that the watermelon mojitos and skylight sangrias are something else!
We’re always on the lookout for a date night with a difference worthy of a Coco Couples stamp of approval, and an elegant Indian in the impressive Lalit Hotel is top of the list. Nestled in the back streets along Tower Bridge, the Baluchi restaurant sits in the Lalit’s assembly hall of the historic Grade II listed former St. Olave Grammar school on the edge of Tooley Street.
Transformed into a Pan Indian dining space and doused in royal blue, the former assembly hall is an impressive blend of British architecture fused with traditional Indian design. Original fireplaces and dark wood walls give way to an intricate vaulted ceiling clad with sapphire chandeliers – creating a vast yet intimately lit space perfect for an elegant after work drink or indulgent date night.
While the expansive a la carte menu spans traditional dishes from Kashmir, Bengal, Kerala and Goa, Baluchi’s iconic Naanery Bar is a unique culinary experience elevating the humble naan from a simple side dish into an elegant Indian bread experience in its own right. Guests are invited to pull up a seat at the bar, where chefs work their naan magic. Signature canapés are an artwork in themselves, while a selection of four naan’s are delicately crafted with seasonal ingredients and each paired with a complementing wine.
First up is the fig and cheese kulucha, stuffed with paneer and served with a citrusy Pommery Brut Silver Champagne, followed by a porcini and truffle stuffed naan brimming with nutty mushrooms and served with a fresh coriander dipping sauce. A clean and crisp MS Fratelli Indian white wine from the vineyards of Mumbai brilliantly complements the rich truffle oil soaked beneath the warm and pillowey dough.
The blue cheese naan is perhaps the most indulgent on the menu, brimming with French blue and paired with an astoundingly smooth Fratelli red and a fresh tomato relish. The finale is a tangy mango and coconut concoction paired with a tangy berry dip which cleanses the palette perfectly, accompanied with a small glass of Muscat de Beaumes Devenise. Dessert wine is followed by a parade of Baluchi specials whisked from the kitchen in a traditional tiffin carrier, used widely in Asia as a lunch box to transport hot food to inner city workers in Mumbai. Steaming pots of butter chicken, soft pilau rice, sweet carrot halwa and Baluchi’s lightly spiced signature dahl are heaped on plates and readily mopped up with extra truffle naan.
The cocktail menu – printed in a delightfully shabby-chic book, lists all the classics infused with the likes of ginger, cinnamon, homemade chai syrup, lavender and jasmine. We sipped on Latin Notes – a twist on the heavenly passion fruit martini infused with lime, cranberry and Crème de Mure. For gin lovers, the Beree Tooophaan blends rhubarb liqueur with Tanqueray and tart red currants is hard to beat.
Faultless service, mesmerising interiors and a completely unique tasting menu makes for an Indian like no other for £99 for two (with wine pairings included).
Farrah Miller is an integrated nutrition health expert, founder of FM Wellness, author, and a Female Empowerment Coach. An activist in the making, she wants to be the wave that can make a difference in the gender equality. To support that ambition she provides free mentoring to divorce and traumatised women who are going through an emotionally challenging time.
Farrah works with women in their 20’s-40’s who want to improve their lives and appearance naturally, providing 1:1 coaching coaching, and 30-day courses which can be taken from your sofa, in your PJs!
Want to check her out? For a limited time, Farrah is offering a free eCoaching series “30 day to a New You” . Did you know that most habits can be broken if you can go 30 days without them…
Let’s get into it with Farrah.
HOC: Great to meet you, Farrah! Can you tell us about your journey to running your business?
Farrah: My journey from corporate management into entrepreneurship has been a rewarding and empowering experience, one I feel deep gratitude for. I had to recognise my desires and go through a few painful experiences while allowing my intuition to guide me along my path.
Health Coaching and Female Empowerment is a part of my path. I feel so connected to this message and I find myself more and more aligned with this purpose. I naturally feel energised and impassioned when I am helping someone make life changing habits.
I remember when I was at a point in my life where I didn’t ask for help when I really needed it. It was not easy because I had to do it all alone. And I realised that we can heal our lives, but sometimes we just need a helping hand and a little nudge in the right direction.
I look around and see so many women suffering emotional pain caused by trauma from childhood. We stay stuck in the same place if we do not release these traumas and make changes in our daily habits. Helping my clients make small changes which last a lifetime is rewarding and makes me feel good about my role in the world.
I have always wanted to spread positivity and love throughout the world, and I am so happy and proud that I am doing that every day.
HOC: Wow, such passion for your business! This drive must come from lived experience. Can you tell us about your personal story and how your experiences have shaped your outlook today?
Farrah:I was seven years old when my family and I moved to Queens, NY from Pakistan. I was so happy to have landed in New York and start my life in this great country. I had some challenging experiences growing up in Pakistan and so moving to New York was great news for me. I wanted to start fresh.
When I was 19, I entered an arranged marriage which was not something that I wanted. I was pressured into it to show my respect for my elders and cultural traditions.
We divorced within a year, which led me to returning to University to complete my education. I was trying really hard to pick up the pieces that had shattered everywhere around me. I was swallowing the shame of my failed marriage, and I worried about my future. I was in emotional pain and was feeling lost. I did not know how to manage or release these feelings. I had no-one to talk to who could help. At that point of my life I knew I had to change something to change my current circumstances.
One day I decided to go for a jog, and soon after that day I began to run daily.I started to notice that I was feeling good and that my nerves were calmer. Flushing out my anxiety hormones was helping me feel good emotionally and physically.
After that I became extremely aware of my thoughts, choices, and thinking patterns. I transformed my relationship with myself and transformed into conscious living. I am enjoying every bit of it. Now I love sharing my best tips and knowledge with the world on nutrition, health, and mindfulness, and I will continue to seek wisdom about the human brain and the treasures of life.
HOC: How did you decide to wanted your career to be about supporting others?
Farrah: I felt the push towards helping others who are suffering with emotional trauma and blockages around money, relationships, and health. I have been there and I know how one can feel so stuck. I am passionate about changing the way Americans eat and live today. Our food and lifestyle both need an upgrade and new vision at the government level for a true reform. Better health is a human right and we must provide healthy options for our people.
I want to help women feel good, inside and out, by helping them eat for healthy skin and a healthy body. My mission is to impact our lifestyle standards, improve our overall quality of life, and spread the teachings of a mindful approach to day-to-day life. The more calm, conscious, and collected one can be, the more we can contribute towards others’s needs. We can become the best versions of ourselves, someone who is both a positive influence in the community and lives a mindful life with regular self-check-ins.
HOC: If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other paths could you have taken?
Farrah: I would have pursued a career as a painter or art gallery director.
HOC: Where does your drive come from? What tips do you have for keeping focus?
Farrah: I have always had a curious mind and my drive comes from my intense focus on observing human nature as it learns and finds solutions to the problems we suffer in today’s challenging yet epic times.
I can become obsessive trying to find the deep solutions to what I am aiming at. It’s in my DNA. My beloved father (may peace be with him) was a visionary and thought leader, and I know I have a lot of him in me. It makes me feel good to know that my father is always with me.
Focus is all about channeling your energy into your authentic self and then focusing on a specific goal…
Write down your goals and break them into realistic timelines. Then approach them with calmness and an expectation of achieving them. Hold yourself accountable, and celebrate the little successes along the way, because it is through the journey that we learn and get to experience the joy of fulfilment.
HOC: For our entrepreneurial readers, what advice do you have for them to start their own thing?
Farrah: Follow your passion and listen closely to your intuition. Make a list of what makes you light up on the inside. Ask for help. Constantly research what’s out there. Get involved in your new community. Share your message with the world. Spread positivity and be a part of the ripple effect.
HOC: What personal achievement of yours means the most to you and why?
Farrah: My most important achievement is that I am an independent woman who does not rely on others’ approval to keep progressing. An independent woman makes her own rules and lives her life authentically without the fear of judgement.
HOC: Entrepreneurial souls are often burning the candles at both ends, as a mental health professional what tips do you have for our readers when they are feeling emotionally exhausted?
Farrah:Yes, this is very common for driven people. I know I have been there many times myself, but as a health coach I know how to recognise the imbalances and take the necessary steps to bring myself back into alignment.
Here are 3 things you can do if you’re experiencing emotional exhaustion:
1) Sweat: When working out, your brain releases endorphins, which help reduce our perception of pain and decrease mental stress. All health professionals agree that aerobic exercise is a key for your head, just as it is for the heart.
2) Muscular Relaxation: When you are stressed, your muscles tend to tighten up. By learning to relax your muscles, you will be able to use your body to get rid of mental stress. It’s best to be in a quiet place where you can sit up straight or comfortably lay out on a firm mattress.
3) Breathing exercises:Simple breathing exercises can also help to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Rapid, shallow, and erratic breathing is a common result of stress. Slow, deep, regular breathing is a sign of relaxation. Take time to breathe slowly in and out, while focusing on your abdomen expanding and contracting. As you inhale it expands, and as you exhale it contracts.
HOC: Fantastic tips, thank you. Finally, if you ever have a creative block / funk; how do you get yourself out ofit?
Farrah: I have learned to let go when I feel the need to rest my mind. I take that as a sign that I need to make time to relax and that maybe I am not fully ready to start a new project right at this time.
I normally just spend time with my hobbies, like dancing to my favourite music or hiking outdoors with my partner. Meaning, I just don’t think about the project for a while, until I receive inspiration naturally to start to write my ideas.
Farrah Miller is an integrated nutrition health expert, founder of FM Wellness, author, and a Female Empowerment activist, you can find out more about her work here: https://www.farrahmiller.org/
Farrah’s clients want to lose weight and improve their skin health, and FM Wellness teaches them how to make better decisions that fit within their busy lifestyle. Farrah’s clients love that they can make simple changes that create BIG results.
Our interview with Fiona Wellington goes way beyond the running of her business, we find out about all the impactful ways she is trying to help the girls of Pakistan get an education.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Fiona Wellington before we talk business…
I am a mum of three incredible young women. My background was medical (trained osteopath) but I love fashion, interiors and art. I am passionate about positive social changes especially for girls and women.
Give us an insight as to what MYNE London is…
Myne London is a business with a good purpose for economics especially for women in the high end fine jewellery sector (which has been very male dominated!) We create incredible bespoke jewellery and source some of the best and rarest emeralds in the world. It’s exciting high-octane work! And we are excited to work with young women in Pakistan.
Tell us more about the MYNE London Foundation that you co-founded with your sister Kate Murray Gordos…
Founded 2021 specifically to put our profits and fundraise for girls educational needs in North Pakistan where we source our emeralds. My sister Kate and I are really dedicated to this. We spent many years as children in Pakistan and it holds a very special place in our hearts. As we work closely with women in Pakistan particularly from the Swat Valley region we see first hand the issues there are around young girls education. According to Statista women’s illiteracy has increased since 2006 to 2019 and 54% of adult women are illiterate. Many of the people of Pakistan are working hard to improve matters especially in girls education and this was highlighted by HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge royal visit in 2019.
We are supporting those in Pakistan working for girls education by raising funds for The Myne London Foundation which is dedicated to helping girls in need which is often due to economic lack and deeply affects a persons value and life expectancy in opportunity health and longevity.
What was the biggest challenge you faced whilst setting up the MYNE London Foundation and how did you overcome it?
Actually the charity commission registration stage which we overcame with experts at The Third Sector (highly recommend them!)
What are you most proud of when it comes to the day to day running of the MYNE London Foundation?
We have only just begun but I will be thrilled to see young girls go to school who may not have otherwise had that chance.
We understand that you are about to hold an MYNE London Foundation Charity Ball on 19th March, can you tell us more about this event?
It’s starting the foundation with a bang! It’s at The Hurlingham Club which is so beautiful and has incredible people behind it including Jenny Powell (who has supported Myne from the beginning) and leading musicians from the Bristol jazz scene Holysseus fly and James Vine. The auction has some ‘money can’t buy’ items like a holiday on a private island. A huge amount of work has gone into this and it will be a really fantastic event run by incredible partners Quirky Frog. (Highly recommend them!)
Why is it important to organise a charity event, especially whilst you’re already busy running a successful business supplying ethical emeralds?
We want to fuel and inject awareness and immediate funds for the girls we are raising money for as fast as possible.
What is the ideal outcome after the MYNE London Foundation Charity Ball?
To create a community of support for the girls, to raise money and to have fun. It’s been a while hasn’t it?
Talk us through an average business day at MYNE London Foundation…
We all work from home so 7 am check emails. Coffee. Answer emails. Coffee. Do interviews. Coffee. Get dressed! Lots of zooms and discussions. It’s very much about connecting and getting along with like minded people and galvanise a movement.. It’s also always wonderful to discover how many people really have huge social consciences.
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
I like reading other businesses stories. I exercise a lot.
Do you have a go to quote when lacking motivation?
I don’t lack motivation ever but I need plenty of exercise to balance the emotional rollercoasters. I guess one favourite quote would be…
“If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn’t have an opportunity.”
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand and has it helped with promoting your forthcoming event on 19th March?
Social media is such a double edged sword. It’s an essential part of almost any modern business so it really isn’t negotiable. It’s just finding the right people and inspiration to stay fresh and relevant.
What’s next for MYNE London and the Foundation?
After the ball we continue to collaborate with amazing designers eg Sarah Campbell Lloyd on jewellery collections, our international emerald sales , work with foremost U.K. master cutters on bespoke rare stones and working with those in Pakistan supporting education for girls.
Where can people find out more about your Charity Ball, the MYNE London Foundation and your core MYNE London business?
The month of January is the peak of the winter cold in the state of Himachal Pradesh, During the winter months, the land of Himachal transforms completely into a mystical land. The natural beauty of the snow-laden mountains and rooftops of the local village houses has an aura of its own.
The winter months of December and January see fewer tourists compared to the summer season. Due to this, you can see less of the tourist crowd and give you more space to be yourself. Although there are plenty of places in Himachal Pradesh to visit, there are some places that are particularly special during the winter months.
For a tranquil little winter vacation with your loved ones, there are several places to visit in Himachal in January. From frozen lakes to winter sports activities, there are plenty of opportunities for you to have fun on your vacation. Snowfall is particularly a special experience for the tourists traveling from the North Indian cities. Tourists from Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana visit Himachal Pradesh to witness the snowfall.
The 5 top destinations to visit in the state of Himachal Pradesh during January winter are:
– Spiti Valley
– Manali
– Shimla
– Kasol
– Dharamshala
We have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Himachal in January. The list will include a destination that you might find to be the most suitable for you. Himachal in January month is a treat to savor. Here are the places that are all worthy of being the best winter destination.
Spiti is so much more than just a secluded cold desert situated at a height of around 3,800 meters. It is more of a spiritual destination for backpacker travelers and motorcyclists. The raw and rugged beauty of the Spiti valley is something indescribable.
Among the Himachal packages that the travel agents offer to the tourists, Spiti valley is clearly among the top 5 destinations. Spiti valley has many attractions that are suited for all types of tourists with different preferences. These attractions include Buddhist monasteries, mountain biking, trekking, and whitewater rafting.
During the cold of January, the destinations such as Tabo, Nako, Kibber village, Kaza, and Dhankar look different compared to the summer season. In recent years, Spiti has been attracting an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. Spiti valley stands in stark contrast compared to the concrete jungle of the modern cities of India.
Tourists traveling from the cities find Spiti valley to be a land of some other world. During the winter, Spiti valley is famous for its snow rains. You can find Tibetan Buddhist houses that look very similar to the houses in Tibet. Did you know that Spiti is also known as Little Tibet?
You can find plenty of homestay options for your accommodation and during the winter season. One thing to note is that the only way to reach Spiti Valle in the winter is by traveling by road. This route starts from Shimla through the National Highway No.22 through Kinnaur.
One gem of an attraction is the Chandratal Lake in January. The beauty of this lake is indescribable during the winter mornings. The other lake is the Suraj Tal lake which is perfect for your Instagram.
Manali
Manali in Winter, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Arguably the valleys of Manali are some of the best places to visit in Himachal in January. The destination of Kullu is equally more important for the Indian tourists because of the Hindu temples that are significant during certain months of the year.
Manali is always mentioned in the list of the most popular Himachal honeymoon packages. Among the newly-married couples from North India, Manali is the perfect destination for their vacation.
The charm of Manali is a story on its own during the winter season. Especially in January, witnessing snowfall at the Rohtang Pass is a wonderful experience. In winter, there are winter sports such as snowmobile riding and skiing are very popular among people.
Manali is situated at a height of around 6000 feet, the temperatures can easily drop below 0 degrees Celcius and it is recommended to be prepared well before you travel. The sight-seeing of Manali mostly includes visits to the popular temple such as Hadimba Devi Temple etc.
Trekking during the winters is not for everyone however, it is one of the most sought-after experiences for regular trekkers and backpackers. You can find Paragliding and rafting as well to satiate your thirst for adventure. Manali is a great destination for picturesque views of the mountains surrounded by deodar forests. For the photographers, January is a wonderful time to be in Manali.
Shimla
The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Shimla is lovingly called the ‘Queen of Hills’ because it is majestic because of its location as well as due to the colonial-era architecture. This beautiful hill station is also among the top Himachal honeymoon packages. It is a favorite holiday destination for Indian domestic tourists.
The major attractions of Shimla include The Mall, Gaiety Theatre, and Viceregal Lodge to name a few. Shimla is perfect for trekking and winter sports activities during the winter season. After the snowfall, Shimla transforms into a magical fantasy land from the storybooks. The look of the buildings along with the long stretch of the snow-covered road with people walking has a very charming appeal to Shimla.
The scenic views during the winter is an amazing sight to behold. Shimla is situated at a height of around 2200 meters and provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Shimla was used as a Summer vacation destination by the British Officers during their rule in India. That is the reason the city is embedded in colonial history.
If you wish to see Himachal in January, your most convenient option can be Shimla. This city is conveniently connected by road, train, and air. Also, for budget travelers, Shimla is an ideal vacation destination. For witnessing the snowfall, the most famous spot near Shimla is Kufri which always attracts tourists from North India.
Kasol
Town of Kasol, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Among many other places ideal to visit in Himachalin January, Kasol is lesser-known to the domestic Indian tourists. However, it has gained significant popularity among International travelers. It is also somehow known as the ‘Israel of India’.
Kasol is pretty much a laid-back town where people come to relax and also because of the hippie culture that is prevalent among the international tourists. Kasol has some of the most amazing scenic views in Himachal Pradesh. Among the trekker’s community, Kasol has many interesting treks through lush green valleys.
Another popular feature of Kasol is the presence of ‘Hot Springs’ where you can take a dip even during the cold winter months. The hot water in these springs at some places is also used to cook food. The Manikaran Temple is a Sikh temple where the communal food is cooked by submerging the cooking pot in hot boiling water of the spring.
Kasol is one of the best places to visit in Himachal in January because the lush green valleys change dramatically into snow-laden treks leading to Malana and the famous Parvati valley. If your stay in Kasol extends to February, then there is a famous dance called Harlala which is ‘Masked Dance’ by the locals.
As for the adventure enthusiasts, camping, trekking options are available to satisfy you. Trekking to Rasol Pass and Chanderkhani Pass are among the most popular trekking routes along with many beautiful camping sites. Although trekking through these routes is quite challenging during winters, many travelers do these treks in extreme conditions as well.
If you wish to travel to Kasol during winters, you can find much less of a crowd. If you find it challenging to travel to Kasol during winters, then it is better to get assistance from the tour operators or a travel agency. These travel agents offer many Himachal packages which are meant for traveling to Kasol in the winter season.
Dharamshala
Mcleodganj in Winter, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Buzzing with youthful energy, Dharamshala is located in the lap of the beautiful Kangra Valley. It is surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range. Dharamshala has gained a lot of popularity among foreign tourists because of the presence of The Dalai Lama, who is the spiritual leader of the exiled leader of Tibet in India.
The local places to visit in and around Dharamshala are the following:
Mcleodganj
Dharamkot
Sidhbari
Naddi
During the winter months of December and January, the tourists visiting Dharamshala are very low. The snow-covered mountains of the Dhauladhars look magical during the winters.
To witness the snowfall, tourists from north India visit Dharamshala. Especially the Naddi Lake is the site to truly enjoy the view of the snowfall with the background of the forest.
Dharamshala is one of the best places to visitin the Himachal in January because of the various tourist activities and attractions. Trekking to Triund top is one of the best adventure trips you can have. Shopping in the famous town of Mcleodganj and enjoying Tibetan, Indian and Intercontinental cuisines can make your day worthwhile.
Camping, Trekking, and Sightseeing are some of the top experiences to have while in Dharamshala. It is quite interesting to find people from the major cities who have settled in the Dharamshala after quitting their stressful lives in cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
Conclusion
If you are planning to travel to any of the above-mentioned destinations, it is recommended that you check the weather and road conditions before starting. The temperatures sometimes can fall below the freezing point at night. Also, many adventure sports can become risky if proper preparation is not done. Trekking to certain places is possible but can become a little difficult for beginners.
Other than that, January can bring a new personality to the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy witnessing the snowfall at the key destinations. The experiences of the mountains during the Winter season can become beautiful stories to remember.
Author Bio
Rahul Arora likes to explore by interacting with people and learning about their culture and traditions. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define him the best. He loves to explore new terrains in a different corner of the world. He believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.
Connect him on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter for a quick chat
It’s not necessary to travel across the globe to seeing amazing sites. We are blessed with a large number of attractions right here in the UK.
From film studios to historic palaces, museums to breath-taking nature, there is something for everyone across the UK. Here are the top 8 UK sights and attractions you need to put on your list for 2020 if you haven’t already seen them.
1. Edinburgh Castle
The historic royal seat of Scotland is an imposing fortress which sits high on a hill, Castle Hill, above Edinburgh. The site has been occupied since the Iron Age, and parts of today’s castle date back to the 12th century. Visitors can see many grand and historic parts of the castle, including the Great Hall, the Argyle Battery and Portcullis Gate. There are also exhibitions on the rich history of the castle and the Royal Scots.
2. Harry Potter World
The Harry Potter Studios at Warner Brothers London has become one of the UK’s leading attractions in recent years. The tour of the studio includes real sets, props and costumes in the ultimate immersive experience. Located at Watford and easily reached from central London, this extremely popular attraction can sell out up to months in advance. However, you can get last minute Harry Potter tickets online even when they are sold out on the official site.
3. Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast in Northern England. Originally build to protect the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, today it stands near modern-day Carlisle and many remains of the wall, forts, tower and turrets can still be seen, as well as archaeological sites of the important towns which developed near the wall. Visiting the wall offers the opportunity to see a glimpse into UK history dating back nearly two thousand years, as well as walking the rugged landscape of the area.
4. The Lake District
One of the jewels of the English countryside, the Lake District has long been a favourite of ramblers and nature-lovers. The largest National Park in England, the Lake District National Park became a World Heritage Site in 2017 in recognition of the importance of this pristine and beautiful area. The park has excellent walking through lush countryside, beautiful lakes and spectacular mountains, including England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Fascinating sights here include Castleriggstone circle, Bronze Age standing stones.
5. The V&A
One of London’s finest but often overlooked museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum, or the V&A as it is commonly called, is a literal treasure trove of art, artefacts and other design items. The museum’s permanent collections span all kinds of art and design, including painting, photographs, jewellery, textiles, clothing and more, and there are new and exciting temporary exhibitions all the time. Entry is free and it is open just about every day, so there’s no excuse not to drop in for a visit while you’re in London.
6. The Giant’s Causeway
Located just outside the town of Bushmills on the northern coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder that should be on everyone’s bucket list. This dramatic structure is made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that stretch from the shore out to the sea. The columns are believed to have been formed during an ancient volcanic and are collected in three separate rock outcrops, the largest being the Grand Causeway. The site also has other natural wonders formed in the rock, such as the Wishing Chair and the Giant’s Boot.
7. Mount Snowdon
If Wales is famous for one thing it is probably its jagged peaks and stunning mountain ranges. The tallest of these with an elevation of 1,085 meters above sea level is Mount Snowdon, a long-time favourite for hikers and ramblers. SnowdoniaNational Park in northern Wales offers dramatic landscapes and incredible views from its hiking trails, which include those for various abilities from novice to advanced. Along with hiking, the park also offers excellent climbing and world-class mountain biking facilities.
8. Loch Lomond
Britain’s largest lake has been somewhat and unfairly overshadowed by its more controversial sister, Loch Ness. Though not as well known, Loch Lomond is a beautiful spot for ramblers, water sports enthusiasts and nature-lovers. Located not far to the northwest of Glasgow, the lake is also paradise for anglers, brimming with trout, salmon and whitefish. The area offers beautiful hiking trails including up the impressive Ben Lomond to discover incredible views across Trossachs National Park.
A unique concept store highlighting the best of India’s contemporary design launches at Bicester Village, Oxfordshire – 17th – 29th May, and #TeamCoco will be visiting the village to see all the Indian designs, and to sample some Indian street food.
This summer Bicester Village will showcase some of the most exciting talent coming out of India today as the country’s magical spirit and exotic charms sweep through the Village in a colourful celebration of All Things India. Whether India is one of your favourite destinations or you still dream of travelling there one day, you’ll be able to discover all the pleasures it has to offer at Bicester Village.
The Celebrating India concept store has been created to showcase the exciting new voices coming out of India today as well as celebrating established talents, curated by fashion connoisseur, businesswoman, and art purveyor Roohi Jaikishan and fashion editor Sujata Assomull. The unique concept store will welcome brands such as Manish Arora, Pippa Small, Beulah, Behno, Huemn, Dhruv Kapoor, Kanika Goyal Label, Kashmir Loom, Khosla Jani, SZ Blockprints, Tada & Toy, Tiipoi and more.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming a new wave of India’s creative talents to Bicester Village to commence the launch of our summer campaign ‘All Things India’. Collectively the designers showcased at the Celebrating India concept store are leading the charge and affirming India’s position on the international design agenda and, what more vibrant a highlight could we wish for than these six magnificent elephant sculptures honouring one of natures’ most celebrated icons. The Bicester Village Shopping Collection is proud to partner with Elephant Family in support of its valuable work in protecting these endangered creatures.” – Desirée Bollier, Chair and Chief Merchant, Value Retail Management, operator of The Bicester Village Shopping Collection.
Brands to note include:
Beluah – with an ethical ethos at the forefront of this luxury womenswear brand, its timeless feminine designs feature beautiful hand embroidery, sand-washed silks and screen printing. Through the development of ancient craft and economic independence, Beluah continues its mission to create a positive impact on the lives of the women behind its beautiful collections.
Manish Arora – one of the most celebrated and inspiring contemporary Indian designers and one of the Business of Fashion 500. Known for his craftsmanship, playful colour combinations and trademark palette of pink and gold, his eye-catching designs are not to be missed.
Behno – ‘Behno’ means ‘sisters’ in Hindi, which is how the female designers working for Behno are referred to. This globetrotting accessory hero offers modern silhouettes and its instantly-recognisable INA leather mini crossbody from £180. Choose from a palette of summer pastels, pink, saffron, sky blue or yellow.
Pippa Small – Discover the eponymous collection from sustainable jewellery designer Pippa Small, who’s known for her globetrotting adventures, artisan style and ethically sourced materials. Explore the beautiful collection of vibrant gemstones and delicate detailing of this handcrafted jewellery.
Tiipoi – Splitting her time between her design studios in Bangalore and London, Spandana Gopal creates beautiful minimalist interior accessories. Inspired by stories of modern India with touches of brass, copper and wood throughout, Tiipoi’s unique home accessories add the perfect finishing touch to any interior. Discover hand-woven rugs from £100 and quilted pattern cushions from £30.
Kanika Goyal – With its roots firmly in quality craftsmanship and refined tailoring, Kanika has established her brand as the go-to for millennials seeking chic pared-back style. Featuring bold patterns and provocative designs, her unique pieces are perfect for making a style statement.
SZ Blockprints – Seeking a modern reimagining of traditional patterns, SZ Blockprints partners with a multigenerational family printing studio based in Jaipur. Using one of India’s oldest printing techniques, each piece is lovingly handmade, making them truly unique.
Huemn – Former winners of the Indian Vogue Fashion Fund, designers Shyma Shetty and Pranav Mishra are the cool duo behind a unique collection of handcrafted, genderless garments. Discover oversized t-shirts, beautiful silk pieces, and denim staples.
“As someone who grew up in England, the heritage of Indian fashion always intrigued me. It was only after moving there that I realised there was such a cool factor to contemporary Indian fashion. It stays true to its roots yet is very trend and style driven. The fact that Bicester Village – a place where many Indians come to shop – is now celebrating contemporary Indian fashion, really is taking the story full circle. The Indian labels that Bicester Village is bringing to the Celebrating India boutique seamlessly work with international brands. I have really enjoyed helping put together the list of ‘Made in India’ fashion brands” Sujata Assomull.
As part of the Village-wide celebrations of All Things India, from 17 May to 11 June guests will be able to discover five spectacular life-size elephants, one of which will sit within the Celebrating India concept store. Handcrafted from natural fibres, the elephants will arrive in the Village to launch a partnership with Elephant Family, allowing guests from all over the world to join the fight to protect the Asian elephant.
“I am utterly delighted that Elephant Family is partnering with Bicester Village in celebration of magnificent India: the home to more than half of the world’s wild Asian elephants and immense artistic creativity. Together we will bring it all to life and raise substantial funds for the preservation of their greatest natural icon” Ruth Ganesh, Principle Trustee, Elephant Family.
Visit Bicester Village between 17th and 29th May to experience the Celebrating India concept store, and until 11th June to visit the life-sized handcrafted elephants.
The shiny, instagram friendly side of small businesses is hard to escape but sometimes, we need to get real and into the numbers! Today we chat with Camille, founder of leading semi-permanent make up brand Camille Beaute .
We loved speaking to Camille as she’s so real and inspiring – I mean, she went from starting her business from £2K to having clients travel to her from mainline Europe to snag an appointment spot in her 4 month waiting list…
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HOC: So nice to meet you, Camille! Can you tell us why you do what you do?
Camille: Hello! I guess first of all, it’s about my clients! Seeing happy faces and making lives so much easier (I can save them time every day as they don’t need to draw their eyebrows every morning!) For some clients this can change their life. I’m so passionate about my work!
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HOC: What is your journey to starting your business; we know you started with only £2K…
Camille: Yep! I started three years ago, with just £2k. I didn’t have a job at that time and my mum offered for me to do some training. Throughout childhood I was an artist. And I see permanent make up as being art, because you are drawing on faces!
I came across courses for Micro-blading; and did them all! Getting started was really hard because I was new in the beauty business. Of course, semi permanent make up it’s not easy, you need to put in lots of practice and hard work! .
HOC: What difficult choices did you have to make when starting the business?
Camille: When I started, day by day I kept practicing and learning from my mistakes! The beginning was very difficult, but every day I woke up and thought ‘it’s new day to make something good for my business!’ At the beginning I was working so hard just to survive in London. When I became busier and got used to seeing so many happy faces and getting good reviews, I started to love what I’m doing. That feeling just makes me work harder and harder!
It took me half year to become busy. And now I’m a woman-in-demand; this is what my clients call me! The most important part of my business is that I love meeting amazing people from all the world. Having clients from Australia to Canada including New Zealand, Middle East, Asia, Pakistan, Mauritius, Nigeria, Zambia, Canada, USA, and South America! I even have clients who travel to me from all over Europe just for their eyebrows! It might sound crazy, but it’s amazing to have such a great clients, who say that they only trust me!I will always keep training with best trainers in the world especially as my industry is such a big business at the moment! There’s always something new to learn, for instance there are lots of more natural looking techniques; it’s nothing like the old fashioned permanent tattoo eyebrows or lip contour!I started with one client per week and now I have a 4 month waiting list! It’s so important to never give up! .
HOC: What does the team at Camille Beauty look like?
Camille: Because I’m so busy, I found a great assistant! I’ve trained her, showed her all my skills and step by step she is becoming an amazing Micro-blading artist!
At the beginning it was challenging for my clients to trust her work as well as mine but now she is doing so well! Hopefully soon she will become just as in-demand as me!
I’m also on the lookout for more girls to work with me but it’s tricky finding the right people that me and my clients can trust.
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HOC: How can someone prepare themselves for entrepreneurial life?
Camille: You need to find something you love to do. And then it doesn’t feel like work anymore. Starting anything new is difficult and mistake after mistake! But if you keep learning, you won’t repeat your mistakes!
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HOC: What’s your most popular service?
Camille: Semi-permanent make up is very popular at the moment. Clients here in the UK are still really into Micro-blading but also ombré eyebrows or soft shading it’s also amazing treatment which looks natural. Many clients are still scared of semi-permanent make up, probably because of bad experiences with old fashion tattoo make up on faces. Everything is so much better these days! It’s looks natural and doesn’t go so deep into the skin and last around 12-18 months. For sure, everyone needs to do lots of research into where they go and who they are going to trust. This business is very popular and many girls think that it’s easy! In every salon you will find a beautician who’s doing Micro-blading or semi-permanent make up. But of course… not everyone can be good in this business! ..
HOC: What’s your ambition for your brand?
Camille: My dream is to be one of the biggest brands of semi permanent make up treatments and academy in the UK. I always want to offer the best and the highest quality service for all my clients and – of course- always keep them happy and pleased.
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HOC: What trends are coming up in semi-permanent make up that we should look out for?
Camille: There’s new trends coming through: hyper realistic hairstrokes, natural looking lip colours, permanent BB cream, shaded eyeliner, scalp micro-pigmentation…. everything that enhances your beauty without changing your face!
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HOC: The ’10 years ago’ challenge is all the rage on insta at the moment, what advice do you have for the 2009 you?
Camille: Omg! At that time I was just a child! Honestly, I didn’t care about anything ; I was just thinking about each day and living flippantly! I made so many mistakes but now I’m thinking that I was learning all lessons all the time. If I hadn’t have enjoyed my careless life I wouldn’t be where I am now! Everything comes at the right time and everything has a reason. Even if something bad happens, it doesn’t matter; just learn from it and keep moving. If you believe in yourself and also believe in karma you’re on the right path.You can’t ever expect someone else to create your future. Only you can do it! .Learn more about Camille’s business at CamilleBeaute.co.uk Follow @microbladinglondon
Still on the hunt the perfect place to treat your mum this Mother’s Day? From an Indian feast to a four course French banquet, we’ve rounded up five of the best restaurants in London that are sure to make your mums feel like one in a million.
26 Grains
Open all day, 26 Grains focuses on simple, quality and seasonal cooking with a menu featuring sweet and savoury porridge, topped toasts and savoury plates such as yellow dal and warming salads. The perfect healthy treat for mums this Mother’s Day.
Farmer J
Farmer J serves honest food, that rolls with the seasons, is mindfully sourced (from as many, high-welfare British farms as possible), is bursting with flavour and most importantly, is scratch cooked on-site. This health hot spot has launched ‘Build Your Own’ brunch at the recently opened all-day restaurant on King William Street. Known for bringing the best of the fields to the City, Farmer J invites guests to create their own feast from a selection of favourites, enjoyed alongside bottomless bubbles or brunch cocktails.
Orrery
For one day only, Orrery, the French restaurant in the heart of Marylebone, is celebrating Mother’s Day on the 31st March with a four course lunch and dinner menu, specially curated by Chef Patron Igor Tymchyshyn.
The one-time menu includes seafood ravioli with lobster bisque, butternut squash velouté and Dorset crab for starters, followed by the likes of red leg partridge, Loch Duart salmon served with confit potato, Jerusalem artichoke risotto and for dessert, Valrhona Manjari device with salted caramel tuile, apple and cinnamon creme brûlée and passionfruit panna cotta. The menu will be served for both lunch and dinner on the 31st March only and costs £45 pp. Orrery is sure to give your mums the mother of all Mother’s Days!
Jamavar
Located in Mayfair and named after the intricate and vibrant 16th century shawls of Kashmir, Jamavar showcases a wide array of flavors from across India. Founded by the Nair family as part of the Leela Palace Hotel group and run by Samyukta Nair, the menu features dishes from the royal kitchens of the North along with those from the shores of the South. Jamavar was awarded their first Michelin star within a year of opening. This is an indulgent Indian banquet that all Mother’s deserve on their special day.
HoppersLocated in Soho and St Christopher’s Place, Hoppers brings Sri Lankan cuisine to London and it certainly is worth a visit. The menu centres around Hoppers’ namesake dish, a bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, and the dosa, made from a fermented batter of ground rice and lentils. These are served alongside a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
