WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

        Since the start of this year, I’ve thrown myself into teaching. I’ve been volunteering as an English teacher for four students through an NGO based in Vietnam, and it’s given me an immense amount of joy. Simply sitting down for an hour a week, and being able to offer that space with them to converse, build their confidence in communication, and even work on vision boards together has provided so much motivation for my own work.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

        I work full time as the Design Director for Silk Laundry, and I also manage my own project, TextileSeekers. Currently, I am involved in launching a brand new venture: Objects by TextileSeekers, which presents a selection of carefully curated items that highlight provenance, craftsmanship and artisanal community heritage. Our first collection is a beautiful range of artisanal combs and hairpins, crafted in Vietnam from bone, shell or horn - and this exclusive and limited run of creations kick-starts Objects by TextileSeekers exactly as we intend to continue: as a definitive pushback against mass consumption, and the pressures put on tribal communities to produce more than they can sustainably manage.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR CURRENT WORK?

         In a word: people. I’m endlessly inspired by artistry, the creative drive of artisans and craftspeople all around the world, and the incredible people I’ve met on my travels and who I can call my friends. Textiles - their history, their tactile storytelling, the symbolism and folklore woven through them - have always been a significant inspiration, and I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively both in my personal and professional life, exploring cultures and being fascinated by the day-to-day lives of people across the globe.

WHAT CHALLENGE(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING?

        As any founder of a new startup will tell you, there are always challenges involved in every project, especially when you set ambitious goals for yourself. From the necessities like managing my time, overseeing cash flow and keeping commitments, to simply finding the balance needed to juggle everything by yourself… It's a continuous learning curve, and I’m still educating myself on the importance of not taking on too much, and not always saying ‘yes’ to everything. Having the confidence to say ‘no’ is an important life lesson, and one that often ends up being the better option for everyone involved. In fact, being pragmatic, setting boundaries and knowing your limitations often present new opportunities for creativity.

HOW WILL YOU OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE(S)?

        I am quite an organised, methodical person - I do like a good to-do list to tick off with each goal reached. I’m a firm believer in making sure to set detailed priorities, and to include ‘me time’ on any agenda that’s being set. Burning out is always a risk on the horizon, but I’ve learned to mitigate this danger by seeking support and guidance from experts, and to make conscious check-ins along the way to ensure I’m on the right track. 

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that you can’t (and shouldn’t) be doing everything yourself. Your goal should be to grow your projects, and that evolution often involves stepping back and making use of the skills and experience of those in your network.