Footwear this week! š My guest is Stuart Davis, co-founder of Dubs Universe – a sustainable childrenās trainer brand. These trainers are inspired by children and designed by parents. They feature iconic sugarcane soles – as well as being made from recycled plastic bottles – how cool is that? š To tell us more, letās welcome Stuart onto the blogā¦
Hello!Ā
Iām Stuart, co-founder of Dubs!
Prior to founding Dubs, I was Ā in the advertising industry as a creative producer.Ā
I have an awesome sister, Samantha – who throughout my life, has been the person who inspires me the most. She is heavily disabled; became very ill when she was 3 (I was 4). Despite what she has been through, she is constantly smiling. She keeps me grounded and real.
Iām married to Kirsty, Ā an awesome, smart and funny lady. Ā Sheās the best.
And my daughterā¦ my bonkers, supercharged little girl Leila who is now 7 (7!). Sheās my best friend.
What inspired the launch of Dubs Universe?
Dubs was inspired by my bonkers, supercharged little girl and her crazy fast-growing feet and the fact that I lost my job during the first lockdown.
As a new-ish Dad at the time, I was gutted when Leilaās feet were too big for her brand-new shoesā¦thatā¦sheād only worn twice and were now destined for the bin. I actually turned them into flower pots – anything to keep her entertained.
My co-founder and good friend Gary, a graphic designer, and I used to catch up on Zoom weekly for some sanity. During these chats, I would often moan about my day, especially how Leila had outgrown another pair of perfectly good shoes that she had worn only twice. Gary understood this frustration all too well. He recognised that comfort, aesthetics, and sustainability had to go hand-in-hand, but the amount of waste generated by children’s shoes was alarming.
We discovered that 2 million shoes are thrown into landfills every week in the UK alone, with children’s shoes contributing significantly to this problem. This revelation led us to set an ambitious goal: “How do we make the Immortal Sneaker?”
Taking advantage of Leila’s naptime, I dedicated those 37 minutes each day to research, learn, and connect with anyone knowledgeable about shoemaking and sustainability. These efforts eventually culminated in the creation of The Dubs Universe, where we began to address our ambitious challenge and bring our vision to life.
Have you always had an interest in fashion/footwear designing or did you have other career plans whilst growing up?Ā
Iāve always had a love for sneakers. As in, I have favourite styles and brands that I love. But job wise, I spent most of my career in the advertising industry as a creative producer, most recently at M&C Saatchi where I held the position of Creative Operations Director. Ironically, my first job out of Uni was a dustman, at a recycling plant.
As a creative producer, I worked with brands such as Adidas, Coke, Airbnb, producing all types of content from TV adverts, press adverts to those annoying advert banners that appear on websites.
Towards the latter stages of my career, I oversaw production departments and helped agencies and brands navigate the complex world of creative production from an operations POV.
Iām interested in your brand name – Dubs Universe – why did you specifically pick that name? Were there any other contenders?
Oooh great question.
The name “Dubs Universe” comes from two main ideas. First, when kids are just starting to talk, they tend to use the front of their mouths and say words that are simple and easy to say, like “Peppa Pig” or “Postman Pat.” I wanted to pick a word that felt playful and was easy for kids to pronounce, which is how “Dubs” came about.
Second, I wanted the brand name to become synonymous with shoes, like how google and hoover are brands, yet people say: “Google it” or “Hoover the floor.” It’s exciting to hear kids and parents say, “Go get your Dubs on” or “Where are my Dubs?”āitās a sign the name is becoming part of their daily language, which is really cool.
We did originally start with the name “Bumpers,” but an old shoe brand in Italy raised concerns, so we pivoted to Dubs Universeāand I think it turned out even better!
I love your ideas of using eco-friendly materials to make your trainers – recycled plastic bottles, sugarcane, chrome free leather and recycled foam. Ā Iām struck by the fact you use sugarcane – what exactly is a sugarcane sole and its benefits?Ā
So sugarcane soles are made from a material derived from the sugarcane plant. This material is created by using the sugarcane’s natural sugar content to produce a more eco-friendly version of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), which is commonly used in footwear for its lightweight and cushioning properties. Our sugarcane is called āBraskem I’m greenā. It’s Ā a renewable resource, meaning it can be grown and harvested annually without depleting natural resources and it has a much Reduced Carbon Footprint. And what was super important for us, after many, many tests (!) Sugarcane soles offer excellent cushioning and flexibility, providing comfort for little feet during all their adventures.
What is currently the most popular colour & style ?Ā
The Flex, our debut shoe, is still the most popular. And itās a close call between the All Black, which is great as a school shoe and the Midnight Blue, which is loved by Boys and Girls
As you are based in the UK, are your items available to purchase overseas?
We are! But shipping costs often put customers off from overseas.Ā
On your website, you talk about a scheme to sell outgrown Dubs for cash. What does that entail?
Weāve just launched our pre-loved site, where parents can sell outgrown Dubs for cash (think Vinted, but just for Dubs) or exchange the cash for Dubs store credit, which can be used to get money off their next pair. Itās a fantastic way to keep our shoes on kids’ feet for longer and help parents effortlessly declutter.
Have you got any new trainer styles in the pipeline for 2025?
We have two styles ready to go!Ā
The Dubs Stomp – which is another velcro shoe – but has a big chunky strap.
And my favourite is the Dubs Bounce – which is more of a high-top! We always wanted to design kids shoes that we would wear ourselves. I can’t wait to get these guys in stock!
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Well, if itās just chilling, on the school run or popping to the shops – Iām almost always in Nike AIr Max. They are so comfy! But if I need to be a little smarter, then I have smarter sneaks, brogues or smart boots.
Do you have any favorite shops or online sites?
I always try to shop British independent brands where I can.
For me, I recently discovered &sons who Iām really into at the mo https://andsons.co.uk/
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I love the outdoors and camping – and I really need to upgrade my winter jacket! I hate being cold.
Boots or Shoes?
Boots. Theyāre more versatile. You can make boots look super smart when required, but can’t walk through the woods in the winter, to a cozy pub in shoes!
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Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Dubs Universe.
Disclaimer Alert: The Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo & Conditioner Essentials Kit has been supplied by Vegamour for the purpose of this review, however, all opinions expressed are 100% mine!
THE BRAND
Vegamour is an American company founded in 2016 by Daniel Hodgson. It is a vegan, cruelty free beauty brand of hair products from shampoos, conditioners to hair growth serums. The brand uses an holistic approach to hair wellness that incorporates clinically tested plant -based ingredients – no use of harmful chemicals and ensuring that every product in the Vegamour range as well as each ingredient, works in tandem. Only 100% vegan ingredients and no testing on animals either. According to Vegamourās website, Vegamour utilises the latest advances in clean, bimolecular technology to ensure that each plant-based ingredient in every product formulated is optimised for maximum efficiency. Sounds impressive, eh?!
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THE WEBSITE
Although Vegamour is an American company, and products are shipped from the USA, the website caters for your particular home country. Here is the UK site: https://uk.vegamour.com For UK shoppers, the price displayed is in pounds Ā£ and has the 20% VAT already added. Although shipping comes from the USA, I waited approximately 10 days for arrival. Currently, Vegamour ship to Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam
As far as the actual website is concerned – the site is clean and uncluttered with photographs of the products, price, reviews, FAQ , and lots of interesting scientific information.
Deep Moisture Repair Mask
THE PRODUCTS
I received the Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo and Conditioner Essentials Kit to review. This kit comprises of 3 full size products- hydrating shampoo; hydrate & repair conditioner and a deep moisture repair hair mask. The shampoo is a hydrate and repair shampoo powered by Karmatin ā¢ļø, which is a vegan alternative to Keratin. The hair conditioning mask was to be used instead of the conditioner at least once or twice a week. The 3 products have been formulated for use on dry, damaged hair. My hair is highlighted and dry; it suffers from frizz and waviness on humid days; I normally wash my hair once or twice a week so, for this review I used the mask one week instead of the conditioner; and then used the shampoo & conditioner the following week; and so on. I have used these products for approximately a month. The shampoo & conditioner have twisty cap applicators and the repair mask is a thick and buttery cream in a tub. All three items have a strong, pleasant scent to them. Key ingredients: Karmatin ā¢ļø, Amino Acids , Marula Oil, Moringa Seed Oil.
Twisty Lid applicator on the shampoo
WHAT IS KARMATIN ā¢ļø?
According to Vegamourās website, Karmatin ā¢ļø is an innovative, encapsulated vegan b-silk ā¢ļø protein that replaces traditional keratin. Many hair products contain keratin, an animal protein that rinses away before it can repair damaged hair. Karmatin ā¢ļø bonds to the hair, nourishing it instantly for a glass like feel.It also deeply nourishes, repairs and protects hair from external aggressors like chlorine
BENEFITS/CLAIMS
Keeps Colour Vibrant – Iām not 100% sure on this claim because my hair colour at the moment is fairly muted and not as blonde as I used to have it in the past. My hair is highlighted though and some of the stronger blonde highlights are definitely vibrant to be fair.
Gently cleanses – Despite the strong smell ( which I loved), the shampoo gently cleansed and all three products didnāt irritate my sensitive skin and scalp. No dandruff either.
Conditioner softens and smooths strands. Reducing frizz. Locking in moisture. Yes, the conditioner definitely performed well. My hair feels very smooth and soft. Despite the recent humid weather, my hair hasnāt succumbed to frizz. Win win.
Deep Moisture Repair Mask – instantly repairing the appearance of damaged hair. The mask felt lovely when applied and my hair doesnāt look dry, even when it is due a wash after a few days! My hair also feels a lot thicker than it used to.
Unparalleled softness and shine. Oh definitely. My hair feels very soft and there is a definite shine.
Before and After
MY CONCLUSION
This haircare range set from Vegamour is impressive, offering an effective solution for those seeking vegan and cruelty-free products. The delightful scent and gorgeous packaging contribute to a luxurious experience, which is reflected in the quality of the products. However, the high cost can be a significant downside. Some Vegamour products cater to specialised hair conditions, such as thickeners etc; justifying their price to some extent. Despite the expense, regular sales on their website can make these products more accessible, and their attractive presentation makes them excellent gift options. Overall, I rate Vegamour products 7/10, deducting points primarily due to their price.
My thanks to Vegamour for supplying the Hydr-8 Shampoo and Conditioner Essentials Kit for reviewing. All photographs are by Linda Hobden.
The rejection of fast fashion and the heightened awareness of sustainable clothing makes it no surprise that in 2023 crochet clothing has featured heavily on catwalks and in clothing brand collections. Handmade crochet clothing is the only handicraft that cannot be made on a machine, unlike knitting. There was a crochet boom in the 1960s too – the āgranny squareā came into vogue, as well as a huge trend for crocheted home ware. Sound familiar?
My husbandās gran was a big knitter and she also crocheted granny squares to make enormous throws for our family. They are treasured heirlooms now as unfortunately she died in May this year aged 97. The latest recipient of a āgranny squareā item lovingly created by gran was my grandson who had a blanket made, but I think it was more appreciated by my daughter in law. Our family throw has been with us a number of years and has featured in many blog photographs over the past 10 years ā¦
Crochet clothing though. I had a crocheted top that I adored in the 1990s and it remained in my wardrobe until around 2007 when it snagged and unravelled and I decided to get rid. It was a camel colour and it was one of those tops that went with everything – an ideal wardrobe capsule item. The current dresses featured in stores at the moment are a mixture of plain crocheted styles alongside those in your face granny square numbers that look like granās throws!
The advantages of wearing crochet dresses are that they will keep you cool and comfortable. They are also sustainable – especially if made using organic cotton. The disadvantages – well, they are bulkier than usual summer dresses and crochet uses more yarn than the equivalent knitted fabric.
Joe Brownās catalogue
So what underwear should you wear under a crochet dress? Well , wearing underwear that matches your skintone will give you a seamless look. Or you can opt for a camisole style slip dress either in skintone or the same colour as the crochet dress. A slip dress not only gives a streamlined look but is also lightweight and you shouldnāt feel overheated. If you are using your crochet dress as a beach cover up , then it really up to you if you want to wear a colour co ordinated swimsuit or not underneath. A crochet cover up dress will enable you to look smart enough to go from beach areas to your hotel room – especially with the new Spanish rules banning the wearing beachwear in public in areas away from beaches and pools.
Crochet dresses, pouffes, bags and accessories I like ā¦. but Iām not quite sure if I like crochet āsquareā trousersā¦.. however, on Etsy I did spot a digital crochet pattern to crochet some extremely cute black & white skull pattern trousersā¦ they would look fab with a white bikini top – youāll just need the talent to crochet them in the first place!
Lastly, I canāt let a crochet post go past without giving a quick mention of this adorable crochet animals wallpaper by Anne-Claire Petit, featuring crocheted animals on a cream crocheted backgroundā¦.
Ever wondered why eating local produce when in season is better for you healthwise, better experience for your tastebuds, better for your wallet and better for the environment? Holly and Toby, founders & chefs at the Kindling Restaurant in Brighton, whose menus and dishes are inspired by nature and the changing seasons, were kind enough to explain everything you need to know about seasonal eating ā¦. and we talked about footwear too, of course! Welcome Holly & Tobyā¦
Hello. We are Holly Taylor and Toby Geneen, best friends, business partners and co-head chefs at Kindling restaurant in Brighton. We met working in London and have worked together on and off for nearly nine years now.
As founders & Head Chefs of the Kindling Restaurant in Brighton, how important is it to you that your menu is dictated by nature and that the seasons inspire the dishes that you create?
Itās the absolute heart of our concept. We are in a constant dialogue with our suppliers to find out when things are going in or out of season so we can adapt our dishes to showcase the very best of local produce
What is meant by seasonality?
For us it means creating dishes around produce that is growing naturally in our locality at any given time of year. We complement this with ingredients we have preserved from other seasons so that we always have a variety of tastes, colour and textures.
Photo Credit: Jo Hunt, Restaurants Brighton
What do you feel are the main benefits to follow a seasonal based diet?
Produce thatās grown locally and picked when ripe tastes better, is usually less expensive and higher in micronutrients. For example, British asparagus will hands-down beat imported asparagus for flavour and texture every time.
I love that the seasons inspire your dishes – what are the popular dishes for each season?
Our smoked tomato dish is always a winner on the summer menu. Cuttlefish stew which is only inĀ season for 6-8 weeks is very popular in May. In the winter,Ā the locally shot venison is a favourite. Dishes always change a bit from one year to the next because we are constantly innovating and improving things.Ā
Photo Credit: Jo Hunt, Restaurants Brighton
What is your favourite season, especially where food is concerned? What dishes do you personally enjoy making/ and or eating?
We love them all for different reasons but we definitely get most excited about spring. Weāre big fans of wild garlic, asparagus and elderflower.
So ā¦ letās play the name game ā¦ why did you choose the name āKindlingā for your restaurant and the distinctive logo? Were there any other contenders?
We cook the majority of our food over a fire which is the heart of our open kitchen,Ā so it seemed natural to have a name that was connected to this. We had plenty of terrible ideas early on but eventuallyĀ Kindling seemed like the right fit. The logo is a design based on combining the alchemicalĀ symbols for land, sea and fire. We wanted to embrace the three elements that are core to our cooking andĀ BrightonĀ location – food from the local land and sea,Ā cooked over fire.Ā
Have you always wanted a career in the food industry or growing up, did you have other ambitions?
Holly – I wanted to be a chef when I was a kid but I was also pretty academic so I ended up doing university and some other things before eventually taking the plunge. Now I canāt imagine doing anything else!
Toby – As a kid I wanted to be a Professional Snowboarder / Rockstar / Sculptor / Astronaut / Barrister. I studied Design at University. Iām a Chef. I think my kid self would be at least somewhat proud.
Personal now – outside of cheffing, what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Toby – Adidas Superstars or Gazelles, or Nike Airmaxtrainers. Howies organic jeans and an extra large white t-shirt.
Holly – also Adidas trainers, bootcut jeans and an oversize hoodie.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
Brocery store, they make the best massive hoodies
Carhartt
Adidas
Volcom
Paul Smith
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Toby – new pair of superstars
Holly – new pair of tall knee-high boots
Boots or Shoes?
Holly – boots for comfort, Iām already tall so heels arenāt really my thing. Or just good trainers.
Toby – shoes, theyāre more comfortable.
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter/Ā instagramĀ etc so that readers can find out more about Kindling Restaurant.
This week my guest is Randa Zaid, founder of Hayaty Natural Skincare. Hayaty is a natural, genderless skincare brand inspired by the wellness recipes of the ancient Egyptians. What really impressed me is that each bottle comes with a handmade piece of Egyptian papyrus to inspire us to love ourselves and the environment. Isnāt that cool? ! Without further ado, let us welcome Randa onto the blogā¦ hello Randa!
Hello! My name is Randa Zaid, I am 29Ā yearsĀ old and I am an experienced serial entrepreneur in the fields of hospitality, tourism and recently cosmetics as the current founder and CEO ofĀ HayatyĀ Natural, a clean, genderless, vegan, all natural, organic, cruelty-free skincare startup inspired by Ancient Egyptiansā self-care rituals. I hold a degree in cultural heritage from the Catholic University of Milan and I am currently based in the UK, although I was born in Egypt and raised in Italy.
I love remaining true toĀ my roots when developing brands and concepts that can benefit and strengthen the community and I am an advocate for increasing awareness for diversity and inclusion in the work-space and I talk openly about body positivity after personally going through and healing from an eating disorder.
What was the inspiration behind the setting up of your natural genderless skincare brand, Hayat Natural?
When COVID-19 hit the world, I became mindfulĀ ofĀ the importance of safe and beneficial ingredients, pursuing a healthier lifestyle and ending years of my own personal struggle with eating disorders, and self-image.
Being very passionate about history and inspired by my ancestors, the pharaohs;Ā and with the aim to go back to basics, and adopting a more natural, minimalistic approach to self-care;Ā I started researchingĀ the approach Ancient Egyptians hadĀ toĀ beauty, ingredientsĀ and the secret ancient formulas they used in their daily lives.
What really surprised me was that,Ā for them,Ā beauty was more thanĀ only an aesthetic aspect. It was about taking care of their souls and bodies.
Selfcare, back then, was genderless, as it was considered a sign of holiness more than just a beauty thing.
Men and women alike were known to adopt a holistic approach where theĀ physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing were taken into consideration, so that their bodies could function as a whole.
They had strong beliefs on the body’s natural self-healing process, and how important it was to add natural ingredients to support this process, instead of being aggressive or looking for quick fixes to any concern.Ā
Considering that they lived in a very challenging climate, where one of their biggest concerns was how to take careĀ ofĀ and protect their biggest organ, the skin, theyĀ used some of the first recorded ācosmeticsā made from rich formulas using medicinal botanicals such as Black Seed, Lupin oil, Fenugreek oil among others to protectĀ and help the skin recover, and allow it to remain healthy.
After adopting and using theseĀ ingredients and seeing how much of a difference they made in my life and how much they helped me in my healing journey, I decided to bring them to life and share them with a larger audience, with the aimĀ ofĀ creatingĀ a community that believesĀ real beauty is more than just fitting intoĀ societyās standards;Ā one that believes in adopting a holistic approach, that uses self-care not only to look good from the outside, but also to feel good from within.
I love finding out the origins of brand names – what does āHayatyā mean and why did you choose that name? Were there any other contenders?
HayatyĀ means āMy Lifeā in Arabic. I couldn’t find a better word to express my journey and how startingĀ HayatyĀ allowed me to get my life back. So,Ā it was the only name I considered since day one. I love to hear it from other people too. It is a name that represents each one of us as it helps us regain control of our lives. An affirmationĀ ofĀ life and to empowering others.
You have currently launched your two key products: Egyptian Recovery Night Cream and the Egyptian Blessed Night Seed Oil. What benefits does each product give to us?Ā
We call themĀ THE PHARAONIC DUO. Ā The Pharaonic Duo offers a synergistic,Ā holistic approach to the skinās natural circadian rhythm and works alongside the skinās regeneration process while you sleep. Also known as your 24-hour sleep/wake cycle, your circadian rhythm can influence body temperature, cell regeneration, water loss, hormone release, and the skinās natural healing process.Ā
Egyptian RecoveryĀ FaceĀ CreamĀ is aĀ well-studied synergistic formulaĀ made of nature’s most potent medicinal botanicals backed up by science, including our hero ingredient Black Seed, combined with Plant Stem Cells, Frankincense, Mullein, Vitamin C, Algae extract and Probiotic for extra around-the-clock antioxidant protection and collagen stimulation.
Complemented by our signature antioxidant blend of Aloe vera, Lupin seed oil, Grapeseed oil, Shea butter, Sesame seed oil, Sunflower seed oil and Onion oil.
The aromatherapeutic herbs of Mandarin, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, and Geranium help de-stress and rebalance anxiety levels while easing the circadian rhythm of the skin.
The main benefits of the formulaĀ areĀ that it isĀ Restoring,Ā Protecting Ā andĀ IlluminatingĀ
Meanwhile,Ā Egyptian Blessed Night Seed OilĀ harnesses many unique bio-dynamic oils,Ā including Black Seed and Lupin oils, active antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Thymoquinone, carotenoids, polyphenols and endemic desert botanical extracts to help stimulate skin cells, increase ceramide and lipid levels, support optimal skin barrier function.
The main benefits of thisĀ formulaĀ are that it isĀ nourishing, soothing and balancing.
Why did you decide to launch your brand with night cream and oil?Ā
Regeneration and healing have always been related to the night.Ā Nighttime is truly the moment when we heal andĀ get ready to wake up to a better, fresher version of ourselves each morning. Considering how overly stressed and exposed we areĀ inĀ our daily livesĀ to blue light, digital devices and external aggressors suchĀ as free radicals, UV radiationĀ and pollutants, I decided to focus on developing products for the nighttime in order to nurture the skin and strengthen it to fight back and remain resilientĀ toĀ what life may throw to us. Creating a routine that couldĀ repair the skin from aggressive beauty routines that compromise our skin’s natural barrier was also one of the core objectives when developing the formulas. The nighttime is the opportunity that our skin has to recover, so it is very important to use effective and rich formulas to support this process. Ā Each night is a night of intense repair and renewal to the damage that happensĀ to your skin barrier throughout the day. Our skin already does so much for us that it is time that we give back to it.
What other products are in the pipeline can we look forward to?Ā
We are developing a cleanser, a face mask and an intake vitamin to boost the skinās immunity system from the inside out.Ā
I love the fact that each bottle is packaged in recyclable glass & card and comes with aĀ hand madeĀ Egyptian papyrus! Also I love that the organic ingredients you use are sourced from local communities in Egypt and Italy. Ā What ingredients are especially found in Egypt and Italy that you use?
We source our Black SeedĀ from the Ancient Cities of Egypt, which is the hero ingredient in our formulas. Other main active ingredients we source from organic farming in Egypt are Lupin extract, onion extracts, frankincense extract, Aloe VeraĀ and fenugreek extract;all of which have been cultivated in Egypt since the Pharaohs’ time.
Other main active ingredients sourcedĀ from Italy are plant stem cells derived Ā from apple, sea buckthornĀ and oak bar, probiotic, Mullein flower extract and algae extract. In addition to those we have other 30 natural ingredients sourced as well from Egypt and Italy divided between both products, all well-studied to work in synergyĀ and to deliver an effective product. We are huge believers in the fact that skincare should be minimalistic.
Personally, I believe that a rich,Ā non-aggressiveĀ formulationĀ can deliver moreĀ benefits, and can simplify a routine instead of using different products to get the same benefits.Ā
For me this minimalistic approach remains very sustainable for us and our planet.Ā
Are your products available to purchase & ship worldwide?Ā
At the moment,Ā we are available only in the UK and Italy as we have our warehouses in both countries. One of our strategies to reduce our footprint is to have a warehouse or partner with third parties in each country we sell in, in order to avoid shipping long distances to the final customer.Ā
However, we are working very hard to be able to ship worldwide soon in a sustainable way.
Growing up, have you always wanted a career in the skincare business or did you have sights on a different career path?
It was always in the back of my mind, as growing up and visiting my grandma in Egypt during summer break, I remember she was always doing her own special Ā mix of natural ingredients to look after her skin, hair and body . I used to beĀ fascinated by howĀ they were so effective and natural and thought that maybe one day I could bring these magical recipes and ingredients to Europe. However, my path took me to get a degree in cultural heritage, then to work in the hospitality field, untilĀ destiny helped me to bring my little girl dreams to life.Ā
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Working out is my thing.Ā I like to read a lot and I enjoy listening to interviews or podcasts about inspirational stories as well.Ā
Personal now –Ā what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Growing up in Milan and working for Armani for a whileĀ helped me understand that it is not what you wear that is important but how you feel wearing it. So, I really pick my outfits based on how IĀ feel that dayĀ –Ā of course, keeping my schedule in mindĀ –Ā so sometimes it is casual, corporate or if it is only home office day, can be a tracksuit.Ā
I am a huge,Ā hugeĀ fan of shoes. I used to love high heels but lately I am getting into cool trainers and flatĀ boots.Ā
Do you have any favorite shops or online sites?
Usually, I like to shop in Italy, so when I am visiting any city, I like to go around and discover those hidden local shops. They always have cool stuff and for me is a way to support the localĀ economy as well.Ā
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
It is a gold dress from the 2020 collection ofĀ designer Zuhair Murad inspired by Egypt’s ancient queens. I am so in love with it, I love the details and the cut.Ā
I have promised myself toĀ get it next year to celebrate one year ofĀ HayatyĀ in 2023.Ā
Boots or Shoes?
Shoes. They always go with everything and make a huge differenceĀ toĀ anĀ outfit.Ā
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Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebookĀ etcĀ so that readers can find out more about Hayat Natural
All the way from Japan, my guest this week is Japanese photographer, Hideyuki Hayashi, and designer/founder of Japanese fashion label WAySTEaD. By upcycling hot air balloons, seatbelts, air bags and plastic bottles into trendy coats, jackets and t – shirts, Hideyukiās mission is to transform waste all over the world into treasures through fashion design. Hi Hideyuki and welcome š
Hello. This is Hideyuki Hayashi, the director of WAySTEaD and photographer from Tokyo, Japan.
What inspired the launch of WAySTEaD?
Firstly I launched my own small web media called TELLERS which represents the mixture of journalism and creativity. But I noticed that it was really tough to make profit out of it and will take quite long time to make it happen. So I decided to run another small business that related to the concept of media as a part of it. Since the concept of the media is something related to social issues and my background is fashion (my first career was as a fashion stylist) so the idea of up-cycling fashion poppedĀ up into my mind.
Have you always had an interest in fashion designing or did you have other career plans whilst growing up?
My first career was as a fashion stylist for around 10 years. Then I became a photographer but I kept my passion for fashion by taking fashion photos mainly. But I never imagined that I would be launching my own fashion label at that point.
Iām interested in your brand name – WAySTEaD – why did you specifically pick that name? Were there any other contenders?
The word is a mixture of Wasted and Way and Stead. I really canāt remember the process to deciding the brand name, but I do remember that I didn’t want to make it that clean and beautiful, so I decided to use the word āWasteā. I’m quite an intuitive person and the idea came suddenly and I decided to go with it quickly so I guess there werenāt other contenders.
I love the ideas of upcycling Hot Air Balloons, seatbelts, airbags and plastic bottles into wearable items!Ā How difficult is it to upcycle these products ready to wear as clothing?Ā What processes are involved?
It was absolutely tough to make it happen. There are lots of brands that make bags or shoes and otherĀ accessories, but making clothing is completely different. Basically these materials are really hard to be transformed. Sometimes they are stiff and unprintable. And clothing is basically composed of very complicated patterns (especially our brand’s one is crazy). So it was like sewing complicated clothing using leather bag machines. Also, they are not organised in rolls like ordinary fabrics sold in stores so it’s not suitable for mass production and it’s more like the couture process. So, some people might think that the price of our products is not reasonable but actually our cost ratio is higher than ordinary fashion labels.
Do you have a favourite item from your collection?
It is too hard to select which is my favourite, which is like selecting my favourite out of my kids. All of them were really hard to give birth to and I love all of them.
As you are based in Japan, Ā are your items available to purchase overseas?
Yes we are going to be taking pre-orders from international markets on our website soon. I also want to distribute them in retail stores overseas, so am looking for sales agency as well.
You are also a photographer. What or who inspired you to take up photography? What genre of photography do you prefer to indulge in?
I always been fascinated by fashion photography. I especially love producing and being inspired by something unseen. When I was working as a fashion stylist in Dubai, the owner of my rep, who was a photographer, suggested to me to start photography and lent me his camera. At that point I used to be working like creative director rather than stylist, so he thought that it would be better that I utilised my perspective into photography directly.
If you could visit any place in the world to do a photography shoot, where would you go and why?
I don’t have a certain place that I want to visit taking photos at this moment, but I guess I wantnature to play a part.
WAySTEaDās mission is to transform waste all over the world into treasures through fashion design. So, you already have upcycled hot air balloons, seatbelts, airbags and plastic bottles – Ā what other items do you hope to upcycle in the future?
Yes, I think I need to keep finding other wasted materials and creating new products. Now I’m trying to develop new stuff with LAN cables that has been carved out in production and more ideas to come. But the most crucial thing at this point is selling the products that I’ve already produced because inventing new products costs a lot and istime consuming.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I mostly wear vintage or second hand clothing these days. I used to wear only black outfits before, but after I started to tackle this project, I found the joy of wearing colour, logos and graphics.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own)
Not really, currently. I find American vintage stuff on ebay sometimes. I found an amazing Jeff Hamilton stadium jacket with a Mountain Dew logo patch on there recently.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Vintage painter pants which are incredibly wide.
Boots or Shoes?
I used to be pretty much a boots person, but now I’m shoes person for these last few years. Simply because when I moved to Dubai, boots were too hot (I’ve still put on boots sometimes though).
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This week Iām featuring a brand – Handmade By Tinni – that is all about sustainability and joyful colours – jewellery and home decor signs using organic cotton rope and yarn. Let me introduce the lovely designer Paulomi Debnath onto the blogā¦.
Hello, Iām Paulomi and I am a textile jewellery designer and the face behind Handmade by Tinni. I create colourful, bold pieces of designs that brings joy and inspire confidence. I am a coffee lover, passionate about jewellery (read obsessed!), slightly eccentric, a pretty good cook (Asian mainly and certified by my other half!) and a proud small independent business owner.
I was born in Kolkata, India, a colonial city with a rich heritage and history. Charming and extremely busy, my birth city holds a special place in my heart forever.When I set up my brand finally in 2020, I drew my design inspiration from the bright colours of nature, amazing places that I have travelled to over the years and most importantly from the rich heritage of India.I studied sales and marketing and started my career in hotel sales in India. I am passionate about travelling and have always found great pleasure in promoting hotels and destinations.
In 2004, I met the love of my life and in 2006, we got married in Kolkata. We both belong to this āCity of Joyā and very proud to have strong roots there. Soon, I joined my husband in London to start a new chapter of our journey together. With my experience in hotel sales, I was back in hotel sales management.
It has been a challenge ā managing a creative business while working full time as a Senior Buyer, a wife and a mother of a 10-year-old boy (who always keeps me on my toes). You constantly need to learn to juggle a busy work & social life with loads of multitasking. But with constant support from my family, I always have been able to overcome that. When it has come to living my dream, I donāt want to resign into a life of missed callings and dreams.
My brand is all about sustainability and joyful colour. My vibrant, bold designs bring joy & inspire ethical living. I am based in London and make all my designs from my home studio.
What inspired the brand name of āHandmade ByTinniā? What made you decide to concentrate on textile jewellery?
Tinni is my nickname that my family lovingly call me. It is like my alternate personality ā cheeky, full of fun and colourful!When I was searching for an ideal brand name, I really wanted it to represent my soul and my passion for Jewellery. ANDā¦ā¦ I am totally addicted to jewellery. My mum often teases me, and says that I am building a secret jewellery museum. And being an Indian by origin, I am spoilt for choices. I am extremely proud of my eccentric collection which is a mix of vintage and contemporary design.
So, my brand name is my cheeky pet name and echoes that I design every piece of my jewellery home studio based in London. When I started Handmade By Tinni last year, I wasnāt even sure how far I could go with it, because everything was uncertain at the time. But I knew that I wanted a brand name that would mirror my passion and my hard work. My designs are handmade, and hence, itās Handmade by Tinni.
I love the Red Knotted Statement Cotton Necklace as well as the home decor signs. What items/colours are proving popular amongst your customers so far this season?
Thank you, Linda. That Red Knotted Necklace ā Maya Necklace is one of my first designs and a all time favourite. The design is simple yet classic and very easy wear for all occasion. And not just in red, this necklace (and all others) is available in twenty-eight colours, which makes it popular as a gift too.
In terms of colour, currently I am seeing an increased demand for Mustard, Fuchsia, Turquoise and Emerald Green. These colours are very vibrant and add glamour to any outfit. So, a great choice if you want something new that is not Red or Black.
In terms of designs, I am so excited to see customers are increasingly embracing colours and experimentation. I am receiving more and more custom requests with design details, colours, shapes, and whole array of words when buying our custom word necklaces. I would forecast a lot more experimentation and adding a bit of glitz and glamour to classic designs. More and more customers are being open to statement pieces to show off their individual styles. This fashion forwardness really inspires me to create unique designs knowing there are accessory lovers who admire statement niche designs.
Being a small independent brand, customers are also feeling confidant in approaching the designer to commission a custom, unique design that they will treasure forever. I am blessed to make someoneās dream design for them!
Out of all your collection, do you have any favourites?
It is very hard to pick among all your creations as you put little bit of your soul in each of them. However, if I really must, I will choose the āLoveā word necklace.
This was the first design that really earned my place in our creative community and became my signature design. I have since created several custom word necklaces as I can make any word (4/5 letters max recommended) like your name or belief or fun words, into wearable pieces.
This is a unique piece of jewellery which is perfect to gift to a loved one. It makes a great valentineās day gift, a Motherās Day gift or a anniversary gift.
As you are based in London, are your products available to purchase overseas?
Absolutely. We can deliver worldwide. I would always recommend choosing tracked shipping when buying from international designer for additional peace of mind.
We are also stocked at various boutiques in Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, France, Italy and of course in UK.
It always gives me greatest pleasure if I am introduced to a jewellery lover from overseas. Just a little appreciation for social media here, as without that, many small designers like myself might not have achieved a bit of global recognition. My own Instagram is so colourful with stunning, inspiring posts from all over the world, makers and buyers combined. Just make me very happy to see so much love for small creative industry especially over last 2 years.
When designing jewellery to add to your collection, do you take into account your own tastes, your customer base, requests, or bits of all those?
When designing a new collection, I do not follow any rules. I am influenced by nature and colours around nature. I keep myself updated around the colour trends and design influences around the world like minimalistic or geometric and incorporate that in my designs. I do rely on Pantone colour trends and colour charts when considering new colour collections.
My custom designs are really a mixture of what the client envisioned and my creativity. It is so exciting to create someoneās dream design with a bit of my own twist.
What do you enjoy most about making textile jewellery? What was the hardest piece of jewellery to make or the most unusual request you have had?
There are some who would say you donāt choose the craft; the craft chooses you.
I love the whole look and feel of knotted jewellery but I am also very drawn to the art of repetition. I love the feel of knotting, the comfort of making the same movement over and over, and the oozy happiness when you create something with it. I take great pride in making modern wearable pieces of art using this traditional craft technique.
Iām self-taught in the art of rope knotting and I spent many days perfecting and learning the craft. Even today, I get excited about learning a new knotting technique, which I may or may not be able to use in my upcoming designs, but it is thrilling to do something new. The experimentation of mixing and matching different knots excites me too. Some of these techniques are ones I learned when I was trekking in the Himalayas.
Hardest piece of Jewellery ā Without a doubt my cotton wrapped collection. This wrapping technique is time intensive and requires precision. Each piece is unique and timeless. The delicate craftmanship makes them really āhard to findā jewellery pieces.
Most unusual request ā I have designed plenty of custom designs and each are unique. From brand name to first name to their favourite word to special tangled designs, I have really done a spectrum of unusual designs. This particular designwas6 unusual as it challenged me to recreate a necklace design to a pair of anklets for a special customer. I had to carefully redesign to make it as close as to the original design they loved.
What are your top tips on looking after your Statement Textile Jewellery?
Very good question and I have a website section dedicated to product care.
Please treat your jewellery / accessories with care, whilst it is durable, handmade jewellery / accessory still needs love and care! So, look after it well & it will last a long time. ā¢ Avoid contact with water, oil, lotions, insect repellents & perfume
ā¢ Please store away from extreme heat, strong sunlight, water or high levels of moisture & try not to drop it!
ā¢ To keep your Textile jewellery shiny clean, always use a super soft cloth to get rid of any smears & smudges. A microfibre cloth, similar to the sort you get with your reading glasses is a good choice
ā¢ Jewellery with Magnetic Closures – Kindly open and close the magnetic clasps by holding the metal section only. Try not to pull the rope endings. They are glued and strong pull might unglue the magnets
. ā¢ Always ensure the cloth is clean, dust free & rub lightly to avoid losing the shape of the product. For more stubborn marks, a little bit of water or baby wipe should help
Avoid contact with body oils, and other chemicals, including household cleaners.
ā¢ Remove when sleeping, exercising, or doing other physically strenuous activities
ā¢ Do not use chemical jewellery cleaners.(
ā¢ Do not wash.
Storing jewellery whilst not in use:
ā¢ Kindly always store the necklaces flat when not in use to maintain shape. ā¢ Try to keep them away from childrenās hands as the shape is written in calligraphy way and manhandling can ruin the letters and / or writing.
ā¢ Store your accessory in a cool dry place.
Your company has partnered with Ecologi. What does that involve?
When I began creating my statement jewellery, I knew that I had to do so sustainably. Protecting our planet is no longer an option, itās essential. As a small business, I ensure Iām eco-conscious in every decision I make. I chose cotton as my main design medium as it is sustainable & bio-degradable, soft to wear and anti-allergic. My zero-waste collection ensures that every offcut is used so that Iām not wasting materials.Handmade By Tinni is also committed to sourcing materials ethically and continuing to find ways to reduce my businessās carbon footprint. One way we do this is by supporting Ecologi, a wonderful organisation dedicated to reforestation. Together with Ecologi, Handmade By Tinni enables the planting of 32 trees per month.
Growing up, did you always want to be a jewellery designer or did your aspirations lie elsewhere?
I am totally addicted to jewellery from early days! I designed and dressed up my own collection. My aspiration was always around jewellery and I wanted to become one as soon as I finished studies. However, I followed my second passion at that time and started working in travel industry.
I am a bohemian traveller at heart, and I have been very lucky to have travelled to many places over the years due to my work or simply holidays. Nothing inspires you more than the multitude of traditional art and craft, the people and textiles from different countries and cultures.
So, imagine my excitement when I could finally launch my own jewellery brand inspired by nature and the places that I have travelled over the year.
Could you explain your creative process?
I am a dreamer! I dream a design and then work my way to it. Ideas can hit me at any time, so I carry my small sketchbook with my everywhere. Itās full of scribbles and sketches of designs. I also keep an eye on popular colour trends (Pantone has a helpful library of colour palettes to experiment with). Once I have an idea, I play around with the material, colours, different knots and patterns to find the best combination to create a wearable piece ā although some of my designs are so intricate, they are only for galleries and exhibitions.
I like to find a quiet corner and just get busy with my ropes and accessories. Some days itās easy and I can make the final design in one go. However, there are days when I need to work longer and harder before I can transform that thought in my mind into a design. Some days, I must start again from scratch. I guess thatās the life of an artist! Itās the best feeling, though, when you see your idea coming to life exactly how you imagined it
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Hypothetically speaking, if you could nominate a famous person (dead or alive) to be the āFace of Handmade By Tinniā who would you pick to represent your brand and why?
I am a HUGE fan of Iris Apfel. Her trend setting eclectic style of layering bright colors and patterns while pairing oversized accessories together, especially her signature black glasses, just makes me supercharged and inspired. Every time I see an image of Iris, I find myself just ogling!
Given a chance, I would love to raid her wardrobe and just amass every accessory! (Iris Mam, if you are reading this blog, donāt judge me please. Many fashionistas have the same dream, believe me!)
So, it is only my dream to have Iris Apfel as the face of Handmade by Tinni.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
My brand reflects my personal style. Colourful, edgy, structured!
Work-wear – I am huge fan of vibrant colours paired with eternal classics like blue denim or pleated skirt. For a more polished look, I just pair my outfit with a cotton blazer. I own quite a few structured jackets in an array of colours.
Another look that I really love is printed dresses paired with jackets or blazers.
I love prints and abstract colour combination. Most of my clothes are handpicked and from good brands to ensure long shelf life.
Of course I always pair all my outfits with statement jewellery pieces.
Holiday Look ā Floaty dresses, pair of classy shades, long beaded / tassel necklaces and dark lippy.
Indian wear ā Due to my heritage, I am fortunate to own a huge collection of handloom sarees and Indian dresses. They are handcrafted, some are handstitched all over the body and just purely stunning. I dress up quite often when attending cultural events.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own!)
I am a huge fan of Kate Spade New York and Desigual. I have a weakness towards designer bags, and I celebrate my big wins with a fancy purse few times. I have a Desigual coat, and it is a head turner! Whenever I wear that, I get compliments, and everyone wants to know where I got it from. Ted Baker ā OMG! I love their design essence and own quite a few dresses, skirts, tops etc. Just love the simple, classic yet colourful designs.
Is the rest of your personal jewellery collection is as bold and colourful as your work?
I have always been an avid collector of antique and hand-crafted jewellery. Here are some of the pieces from my own collection that are truly treasured and valued antiques. They hold very dear memories for meā¦
Pic 1: Gifted on my wedding by my Grandmother-in-law, who received this as a wedding gift from her mother-in-law. This armlet is at least 100 years. It is one of my treasured vintage pieces. I am truly humbled to own it.
Pic 2: Another weird-shaped silver piece! This was part of an elaborate Indian anklet. I only received this part and wear it as a choker. Thankfully, I donāt have thick neck!
Pic 3: This was a gift from my mother-in-law. The armlet belonged to her great grandmother. The main piece of the earring is a bit bent as it is part of an armlet (I only got them as those pieces) and I then designed it as a earring pair.
Pic 4: This was an heirloom hair accessory used by aristocratic ladies in a traditional Indian household. I transformed it into a statement neckpiece.
Pic 5: An original piece of antique Afghan jewellery, I bought this necklace and anklet set on a trip to Dubai, from a little shop in the souk. I absolutely love this piece ā itās entirely unique and was very hard to find.
Pic 6: Look at this riot of colours! This awesome piece is from Sorrento in Italy. It features original Italian semi-precious stones and is very heavy but such a head-turner.
Pic 7: An amazing piece given to me from my sister who bought it from a local designer in my hometown of Kolkata. I love the colours and simplicity.
Pic 8: This is another gift from my sister and was chosen by my little boy. My darling sister took him to a jewellery exhibition and apparently, he wouldnāt leave until my sister bought this necklace for his mumma. He knows I would LOVE it.
Pic 9: This is pure silver jhumka. It is extremely dear to me, although itās quite heavy and not for the faint hearted! Gifted by my Ma.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I have spotted a Kate Spade quilted bag and that is definitely on my shopping list. Also, I am eying the Kurt Geiger rainbow bag that is a stunning showstopper.
Boots or Shoes?
It used to be shoes but slowly and steadily I am moving away from pointy heels, stilettos and replacing them with comfy, stylish boots or flat slip-ons.I own a pair of Kate Spade sparkly boots and a pair of Mulberry flats. Really comfortable and awesome style quotient. Love them both.
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What do you get when you cross essential oil scents with jewellery? Perfino, of course! Perfino is an innovative natural scent jewellery brand that combines expertly blended, 100% natural pure essential oils with exquisite jewellery. Intrigued? I caught up with founder Kim Brookes to find out more. Hi Kim and welcomeā¦
Hello! My name is Kim, founder ofĀ PerfinoĀ natural scent jewellery andĀ a natural fragrance obsessive.Ā ItāsĀ on the gentler end of addiction butĀ IĀ find it hard to walk past a flower without putting my nose in it and just love the smells of nature.
What inspired the setting up of āPerfinoā?
I was always a big fan of perfume until I realised how harmful it canĀ be.Ā
Most perfumes areĀ made of mass-producedĀ synthetic chemicals. It may call itself rose but it wonāt have any rose in it. In fact,Ā you wonāt know what is in it as ingredients areĀ not disclosed.Ā It seemsĀ strange that we are so careful what we put in our bodies but pay little attention to the synthetic chemicals we put on our bodies, some of which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
So,Ā I looked for a new way to wear natural fragranceĀ so we could still enjoy great scents without compromising our bodies.Ā IĀ worked with some incredible jewelleryĀ artisans to find the perfect way to encapsulate natural essential oil blends into jewelleryĀ in a sustainableĀ way,andĀ immersed myself in the blending of natural essential oils, until I found the solution,Ā which isĀ Perfino.
I love the idea of natural scent jewellery – wearing scent all day without chemicals touching your skin! Ā Letās get down to the basics – what does the jewellery set comprise of and where do you put the essential oils?Ā
The set includes a recycledĀ solidĀ silver or gold vermeil necklace,Ā sixĀ superĀ absorbentĀ lavaĀ stones straight from mother earth, and 10ml ofĀ pureĀ natural essential oil which has been blended to provide a fabulous scent. You simply add a drop of the oil to the stone which sits inside the necklace, closeĀ it,Ā andĀ wear it.Ā Our essential oil blends give outĀ a much gentler and natural fragrance than perfume, and one that can last all day long. The scentĀ is gentle, discreet, and forĀ the wearerās own personal enjoyment.
Out of all your essential oils collection, do you have any favourites? What are the popular scents amongst your customers?Ā
My personal favourite isĀ āā¦and breatheāĀ as it is led by rose absolute, a gorgeous but very precious oil. It takes around 10,000 rosesĀ to produce a teaspoon of rose absolute, which I have blended with ingredients which compliment this incredible fragrance.
My customers really loveĀ āā¦deep loveā,Ā possibly as it has some wonderful neroli oil in there making it quite romantic and dreamy. Itās very popular as a gift for loved ones as it says it all.
As you are based in the UK, are your products available to purchase overseas?Ā
Yes, we are based in the Somerset but we sell all over the world and have had orders from San Francisco toĀ the SeychellesĀ as thereās really nothing quite likeĀ PerfinoĀ out there.
A couple of hypothetical questions now! Ā Firstly, if you could go anywhere in the world for inspiration to create a new collection or to capture a new fragrance, where wouldĀ you Ā goand why?
Thatās a tricky one as the essential oils come from all over the world, often in very exotic sounding locations but ones where the harvesting provides badly needed fair trade income to the agricultural workers or pickers. I would love to go toĀ deepest darkestĀ Brazil where they continue to discover new plants and fragrances, and where there is a growing appreciation of how these should be protected.
Secondly, which famous lady would you pick to be the āFaceā OfĀ PerfinoĀ and why?
Ā Well,Ā likeĀ Perfino sheād have to haveĀ aĀ cool and subtle styleĀ andĀ be a force for goodĀ ā¦so Iād pickĀ the Emma Watson, a truly fragrant woman of substance.
Growing up, did you always want to be a jewellery designer or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?Ā
As a child IĀ lovedĀ fabrics and in my dream other lifeĀ IĀ might have been a fashionĀ or textileĀ designer. I made clothes for my teddy, then myself,Ā and then my kids,Ā but for jewellery design I have been able to spot talent in others rather than being the talentĀ myself!
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?Ā
I have a mania for natural fabrics particularly linens and silks,Ā andĀ comfortĀ ā so anything that hangs well with a pop of colour, and a lovely scented necklace of course! As for shoes, I just adoreĀ Superga, but cannot resist a rubber fleece linedĀ TretornĀ Chelsea boot, whatever the weather.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own!)Ā
I am a big fan ofĀ EbayĀ as it is such a great way to recycle,Ā andĀ manyĀ items are brand new. I enjoyĀ Sezanefor great French style, and am in heaven immersed in any far away market.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?Ā
A huge warm coat forĀ immersing myself in afterĀ wild swimming which I am dabbling in but not yet convincedā¦and a new pair ofĀ Tretorns.
Boots or Shoes?Ā ( &Ā Why?)Ā
Shoes ā boots make me think of winter and I am definitely a summer person
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Have you ever wanted to capture the unique scent blend of your favourite place ? To bottle up that essence of the sea, the spices, the woods, the flora? My guest this week is Maria Hallas, founder of Sussex Special Candles, and she has made some highly scented candles inspired by the English county of Sussex and also her personal experiences of her travels around the worldā¦.from Brighton beach to the smells of the Orient. I was sent the Brighton Essence and the Dark Nights candles to review (read my thoughts later in the post) and needless to say I was looking forward to chatting to Maria about her delightful products. Hi Mariaā¦.
Hello š My name is Maria Hallas. Iām the founder and the owner of Sussex Special Candles, an entrepreneur and pastry chef by profession.
What inspired the founding of your company, Sussex Special Candles?
The company was inspired by my family, as a stay-at-home mother with a young toddler I wanted to do something to support my family, that at the same time allows me to continue to be creative and artsy.
You have 5 distinct collections: Sussex Special; Boutique; Limited Edition;Treasures; Charisma. What are the main characteristics that set each collection apart from each other?
Sussex Special collection is inspired by iconic places around Sussex with the desire to experience the spirit and to bring this great outdoors inside in the comfort of our homes. Boutique collection is a collection with our first signature bestsellers with scents which are mirroring emotions and occasions. Limited Edition collection is for experimental and seasonal candles. For limited time we release some of the candles, in this collection you might also find our holiday themed candles. Treasures is a collection inspired by personal journeys around the world. Charisma is a collection created with the idea to bring charm and beauty through the fragrance of the candles.
What is currently the most popular candle fragrance and/or collection?
The most popular collection naturally is The Sussex Special collection as the most purchased candles are the Brighton Essence and Enchanted Forest candles.
What’s your most favourite candle fragrance or collection?
My most favourite collection is the Sussex Special collection, this is the collection that so far is the result of our longest labour and is the most intertwined with memories, emotions and experiences. As my most favourite candle fragrances are the floral River Adur, the citrusy Elegant Touch, the fruity Lucious Gem and the musky Golden Rush.
When deciding fragrances to add to your soy wax candle collections, do you select by what has proved popular with other candle makers, current trends, customer requests, personal preferences or all of those things?
I believe that a successful candle business is original and unique and must craft products that are different from whatās already available on the market. That been said Sussex Special is a customer orientated company and we do listen to our customers, for instance the Hurst Meadow candle is inspired from a customer who was looking for a freshly cut grass candle.
What do you like most about using soy wax for your candles? Do you find candle making therapeutic?
As a consumer I do enjoy the clean and the long burn of a soy candle and as a candle maker I appreciate the lack of any odour in the soy wax that might eventually interfere with the fragrance oil and affect the finished product. Candle making as a hobby might be therapeutic, but as a business owner, the therapy of making candles is somewhere lost along the lines.
As Sussex Special is based in the UK, are your products on the website available to purchase & ship worldwide?
Our online shop is hosted on Shopify, we do also have Etsy and Amazon shops and our candles are available for purchase worldwide.
Hypothetically speaking, if you could travel to any place to inspire a new candle collection, where would you go and why?
I loved this question, thank you for asking! As a matter of fact, I have already been inspired and Iām currently working on a new collection that will be ready in the next couple of months. So if I were to be newly inspired, I would love to travel to Asia to experience a burst of spices, flavours, smells, colours, and textures. Iām absolutely fascinated by the Asian culture and so far, we have 2 Asian influenced candles Oriental Delight and Dragon Heart.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Normally I wear smart-casual with outweigh on jeans, t-shirts, and trainers.
Dresses and jackets are always on my wish list, I just love a nice, feminine, and elegant dress combined with a chic jacket.
Boots or Shoes?
To be honest, before I dived into the motherhood, I had a shoe addiction, I was the type of woman who bought shoes for the sake of buying shoes, as most of them has never been worn and were still packed in their boxes. But since motherhood creates substantial lifestyle changes, I would now answer boots to this question, mostly because of the weather in the UK.
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DISCLAIMER ALERT: The candles have been supplied by Sussex Special Candles for the purpose of this review however all opinions expressed are 100% mine.
Hmmmā¦. Candles! These are certainly one of a kind. Smartly presented in glass jars – I particularly liked the fragrance notes that come with each fragrance. A bit like a wine connoisseur- you can read the fragrance notes, take a good sniff, light the wick and then take your bath luxuriating in your bubbles and the heady aroma. Out of the two candles I tried, Brighton Essence was a favourite with both myself and my daughter. You can definitely smell the jasmine, sea salt, and other fruity aromas ā¦. I just love the smell of jasmine! I canāt decide which fragrance to try next ā¦ possibly the Mountain Dream limited edition š. Thanks to Sussex Special Candles.
Linda x
All photographs (apart from the featured /header/Pinterest photo of Brighton Essence/Dark Skies – that was taken by Linda Hobden) have been published with kind permission of Sussex Special Candles.
Bath bombs, wax melts and shampoo bars ā¦. this week I am interviewing Vicky from Simply Soaperior who makes the most delightful artisanal bath products! My teenage son adores the bath bombs, my niece is a Mrs Hinch fanatic so she uses the Mrs Hinch style wax melts and me? Well, I adore the shampoo bars that are specially formulated for different hair types. Hello Vicky and welcomeā¦
Hi! My name is Vicky. I’m 36 with one daughter, who is 11 and called Ella. I moved to Newquay Cornwall from Cheshire 12 years ago, and that was the start of a completely new life for me and a new adventure.
What inspired you to launch Simply Soaperior?
Probably not what you would expect.. Once moving to Cornwall, I began cleaning holiday homes (something I never thought I would do after being a hairdresser in the past) I wanted to do something a little special and add handmade soap for guests, but I thought to my self, I could do that. It became an addiction to making new items and wanting to try new things. I was fortunate that people loved what I made, so it became a completely different business, and 10 years on, I’m still doing something I love, and it is still an addiction. I can’t say I ever have the dread to work!
I love the Mermaids Glamour Bath Bomb & the Yippy Hippy Bath Bomb! What products are proving most popular amongst your customers this year?
The two most popular products are the Shark Attack Bath Bomb, and the Mrs Hinch Inspired Wax Melt Selection, I would say the mermaid’s Glamour is 3rd in line though.
Have you got a personal favourite from your range?
I love a bubble Bar! I’m all about bubbles and feeling all soft after the bath and that is exactly how they make you feel. I’m also a solid shampoo lover, it was my love for them that made me start to make them, I spent nearly 2 years formulation them till they were exactly how I wanted them. so many benefits from zero waste – they have a lower PH to work with hair and scalp unlike soap and a lot of bottle shampoos.
Apart from bath products, you also produce āwax meltsā. What are wax melts?
Wax melts are scented, pieces of wax that when gently melted by a wax warmer will fill the surrounding area with a delightful aroma, a scent as pleasant as any candle but without a naked flame (if using an electric warmer)
Have you any other new products in the pipeline to add to your range in the pipeline for 2021/2022?
We are making new bath bombs all time, but our big launch was the solid shampoo bars that went live at the end of May. Living by the sea and trying to do my bit on plastic everyone must try I’m sure you will make the swap!!
Have you always been interested in cosmetics, or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?
I have always been crafty and loved making things, as a child I use to spend hours in lush and body shop, but I never would have thought it would be what I did for a job but once I started I just couldn’t stop! There’s a lot of science behind making cosmetics so its not as simple as some people think.
As you are based in UK, are your products available to purchase overseas?
It’s something I will offer soon hopefully but after leaving the EU it’s not quite as simple as it was.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
In the winter I would be ugg boots, jeans and normally a t-shirt or jumper.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
I’m an Abercrombie jean lover, and I love scrolling through Etsy, its great for inspiration and to buy unique things.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Sandals and flip flops, one thing you must have when living by the beach.
Boots or Shoes?
Boots ,trainers or sandals, because I’m all about comfort.
After this interview took place, Vicky kindly sent me a couple of bath bombs, wax melts and shampoo bar. They are wonderful – I was especially impressed with the bath bombs ! Thank you very much Vicky.
Linda x
All photographs have been published with kind permission of Soaperior apart from the header photo and Pinterest photo which are by Linda Hobden.
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