This period of self isolation, for many - is proving to be a time of rest, a time of reflection. Many lessons are being learnt about our own routines, and we’re finding inspiration in those of others. That said, it’s not a particularly easy time. Our hearts go out to those who don’t have access to green space, those caring for elderly parents or relatives, those with young families to provide for and no current source of income. The future had seemed so certain (a notion that’s laughable now) so each and every one of us is having to rethink, reshape and adapt to our new circumstances.
Here you can find some inspiration from the wonderful women in our community - whether it’s starting a new project, enjoying the rest, spending time with their little ones or just trying to live and exist in spite of the restrictions.
Evie Johnstone
First we have Evie Johnstone; photographer and stylist based in Newquay. Evie really does light up a room. With a beaming smile and the most infectious laugh, it’s hard to miss the extremely talented photographer, stylist, shredder, wild swimmer and dog mama. Evie seems to be one of those people that’s able to start a project and wholeheartedly master it. She can turn her hand to a cooking course, a surf comp or an interiors project and you can rest assured she’ll take it to its natural conclusion. Hear about her take on the lockdown below.
Lucy Campbell
Next is lovely Lucy Campbell; professional surfer and kitchen guru. Luc is always smiling. Whether she’s in full competition mode, focusing on cooking three different types of curry or mid sweat during a workout - you can guarantee Lucy has an ear splitting grin. She’s currently competing on the QS as well as the British surf tour. Hot off the back of a winter spent training in Australia Luc was getting ready to throw herself into competing, aiming for the 2020 olympics where surfing was to be a sport for the first time ever. For obvious reasons there’s going to be some drastic changes to her year, but she’s staying positive and focused. Read on to hear what she has to say.
‘All of us are adjusting. We’re all finding our new norms. I know (and i’m counting my lucky stars) that I haven’t been too badly affected by all this craziness. But I think we all have moments of worry, things we’re struggling to get our hearts/heads around, things that make us feel a little lost. For me it’s knowing a time frame, when will I be competing again? When will I get to work again? How much training will I miss out on? And so I’m hoping the little penny that recently dropped for me can help you guys too.
A couple of days ago I realised that if I just take things week by week, just have one easy little goal to reach for then the long run doesn’t seem so confusing. So, week 1: ME. The best advice I was given last year (I was going through a tough break up at the time) is that the best thing you can possibly do is invest time in yourself. So this week is mostly meditating and taking time with my own thoughts. Doing the little things that make me happiest; slow morning coffee, cuddles with my pup, music, reading (I highly recommend the Medium app), baking with my mum. Maybe some yoga and easy workouts too. Sure I still have work to do, but this week i’m just setting aside an hour or two a day to get the essentials done.
Maybe next week I’ll dedicate to getting my taxes done, getting the sewing machine out again, practising my Spanish or getting my teeth into the nutritional therapy course I half started a year ago. Now is a great time to figure out what exactly makes your heart happiest. There’s going to be so much we can do and achieve in this time, if we look at it with the right mind space.’
Sami Mauger
Another inspiring chica on our list is the gorgeous Sami; silversmith and owner of Catch The Sunrise her ethical jewellery brand as well as being a project innovator and highly regarded coach at Crowd Funder.
Sami is electric. Whether she’s in her studio making recycled silver and gold delights, bossing a long day of coaching at work or gracing the fields on our Sailaway stall - you know she’ll be approaching it with that special Sami vigour. Her jewellery, based on current and past adventures, is the perfect combination of minimalist beauty. They remain delicate yet durable and we love knowing they were crafted by hand in her little seaside studio, take a look…
Hannah Killingbeck Brown
Hannah Killingbeck Brown, vintage goddess and founder of the amazing Jolly Brown store in Hitchin. When we think of Hannah it’s her humour that comes to mind first. Not only is this incredible woman extremely witty, beautiful, arguably the best dressed person you’ll ever meet and a boss business woman but MY WORD is she funny. In between caring for her two adorable girls and running Jolly Brown she’s bound to be reading up on, or finding the next way she can be more environmentally friendly. Hannah’s altruistic nature is one of her most inspiring attributes. Hear some of her words below…
‘Hello from breezy Hertfordshire! I closed the shop 9 days ago and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind since! Having Margot (3) and Stella (1) wanting to paint, clay, draw, watch Pocahontas, run, jump and climb on everything means I’ve not had the chance to sit still! I’ve been trying to do some focused exercise but I’m fighting fires with shop admin at the mo, so once that settles I’m getting my yoga on!
I actually can’t wait to enjoy some downtime to create. I’ve got some making to do, which I’ve had in planning for 3 years but time never allows. Once we get into a rhythm at home I’ll have some head space to start creating! I’ve got a little range of reworked kids vintage to get working on too! I have been relishing having Pete at home, and so have the girls. To spend time as a complete family unit is incredible. He works in the week and I’m in the shop at the weekend, so we rarely have the chance in ‘real time’.
I’m going to spend more time cooking, I’ve been planting, foraging for wild free food and making little jars to leave on doorsteps, ‘Mama B’s Jars’! We’re looking to the future and whilst uncertain, it does seem bright. I can feel the earth repairing, the air is cleaner, the birds are louder and we will overcome this. I can’t wait to see what all my creative, small business friends will come up with in this time we have been gifted.
Though we’re staying positive, this isolation period has given me some re-election time. I’ve been spending my evenings trying to think of ways to be more ‘useful’. Having the shop closed as non-essential has opened my eyes. I have been working to find something which benefits the world around me; I know I want to work more in nature and my children have taught me the joy that being outside brings. I want to be able to bring community together more, and spread the importance of sustainability and ethical produce and wares.’
Nina Brooke
Finally we have Nina Brooke the wonderful aerial seascape artist based in North Cornwall. Nina’s vision is so unique. In an industry where ‘meaning’ is constantly squeezed from every piece, Nina has done something extraordinary by switching things up, by asking the question ‘What does the ocean mean to you?’ Her works range from views of her home of Rock to the tropical seas of Sri Lanka. Her work has the ability to completely transport you to her location of choice, something we’re craving now more than ever. Hear about her current projects below.
