December 2, 2016   admin   Gallery Update, Interviews

Can you tell us a little bit about Shop Small and the role you play in helping small businesses?

I’m supporting Amex’s Shop Small campaign to encourage people to ‘shop small’ in the lead-up to Christmas in particular. And helping to shine a light on some my favourite independent shops.

Why do you think Small Business Saturday is such an important cause to support?

I think it’s important to encourage the creativity and individualism that small shops offer. I love to spend my Saturdays stumbling across a new independent store and finding an upcoming designer to offer something new for the home or for an individual gift. Also, the personal customer service, in your local coffee shop for example. I think variety and individualism is the key and one of things I adore so much about living in London.

How would you encourage people to support small businesses in their everyday lives?

It’s all about discovery, and finding those smaller, one-of-a-kind shops and taking enjoyment from it. It’s simple. I’ve really enjoyed sharing my tips and ‘finds’.

What was the first record you ever bought?

Cher, ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ or Johnny Nash, ‘I Can See Clearly Now’.

What is your favourite film?

Hardest question ever, but I love classics like Bringing Up Baby, Betty Blue and Little White Lies. I am a big fan of Damien Chazelle too.

What do you have an irrational fear of?

Rollercoasters. Ironic after growing up in Blackpool.

What is your favourite childhood book?

Black Beauty strikes a chord. Alongside Enid Blyton’s The Wishing-Chair.

What is your signature dance move?

All about the hands. And a slight hip bob.

What surprises people about you?

That I am indeed of Scottish/English descent

Who was the first actress you were inspired by?

Maxine Peake at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, where I used to go on school trips.

What was a book that changed your life?

East of Eden, I remember reading the section about ‘Thou Mayest’ and finding it pretty profound wherever I was in my life at that point. Recently, I adored Donna Tartt’s Goldfinch, it felt very ‘big’.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I was in Bali with a taxi driver and he was trying to explain his life philosophy through a language barrier and it came out as “making easy”. I love the simplicity of this. I also read a Ricky Gervais quote on Instagram today which was: “No one else knows that they’re doing either”, which gives me immense comfort.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud that all my girlfriends from school have maintained such close friendships for 16 years now, through school, university, moving to London, working in totally different fields, life moving in different directions and now entering our 30s together.

What are the skincare products you can’t live without?

Bioderma, Su-Man toner, Linda Meredith Q3, Sisley Black Rose mask, [which is] especially good for a flight.

What is your signature scent?

Acqua di Parma Ginepro Di Sardegna.

What is the best beauty tip you’ve ever been given?

Ice your face for two minutes after cleansing – the cheapest and most powerful trick. It also wakes you up.

How do you keep in shape?

I really believe in functional medicine and try to put a lot of vitamins into my body. I switch between yoga and jogging, As of recent, a bit of horse-riding too. 


Who is your beauty icon?

Keira Knightley. I think she has such a Romantic grace about her.