Lipstick Magazine Issue 1: Spring

MAGAZINE

SPRING

£3.50

FA S H I O N

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BEAUTY

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BUSINESS

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LIFESTYLE

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WELCOME TO LIPSTICK MEDIA Words from Tanya Samuel, Founder & Managing Director Lipstick Media is all about embracing, encouraging and supporting superwomen. I meet so many wonderful women who have so much drive, confidence and sassiness. I like to think I share these qualities, too, which is why I decided to start my own company that is dedicated to celebrating the women who have followed their dreams, their hearts, and are definitely winning in their pursuits.

I did not start out my career in media. My journey towards becoming the boss began in property, where I used my extensive knowledge of London (having lived in Notting Hill my whole life) to lead my commercial sales teams and exceed monthly revenue targets.

I founded Lipstick Media as a way of combining the entrepreneurial skills I’ve gained from these experiences, and fusing them with my love of fashion and beauty. Lipstick Media’s quarterly print title, Lipstick Magazine – the beautiful issue in your hands right now – is my way of showcasing not only the hottest emerging and established brands, but the entrepreneurial women who continue to inspire with their incredible stories.

Contents FASHION The New Classic

Style Refresh: Rebel Waite

Shop Bags & Shoes: Tribal Ties & Silver Strides

p. 6 p.12 p.16

HEALTH & BEAUTY Spa Review: House of Elemis

p. 20

Shop: Game Face Lipsticks

p. 21

Bare Necessities with Tess Ward

p. 23

Recipes: Tess Ward’s The Naked Diet

p. 24

Drink Yourself Healthy

p. 26

Pop-Up Fitness with Olivia Cooney

p. 28

I hope their strength and power helps you to also remember, ‘Give a girl the right lipstick and she can conquer the world.’

From Crisis to Confidence: DiversityinCare

p. 30

Welcome to a new way of thinking. Welcome to Lipstick Media.

BUSINESS

LIPSTICK MEDIA Tanya Samuel Founder & Managing Director Stephanie King Acting Editorial Director Ruby Coles Acting Art Director Shaniqua Johnson Contributing Editor Christina Brown Contributing Editor Lynsey Saker Contributing Social Media Manager Registered business address: Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2DW

Game Changer: The Clique’s Dani Watson

p. 34

Seal the Deal

p. 37

Juggling Act

p. 39

p.40

Only Feast, No Famine INTERIORS

American Beauty: Flat 15’s Gabriella Palumbo

p. 44

Top 10: Intriguing Interiors

p. 50

Bean & Heard: London Coffee Festival

p. 54

On the List: The British Blacklist’s Akua Gyamfi

p. 56

Party Starters: CHROMATIC

p. 60

GOING OUT

More Than Meets the Eye: The O2’s Chelsea Stewart p. 62 3

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Boohoo SS16 collection, now available at boohoo.com

FASHION

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THE NEW CLASSIC Give your look a cool update this Spring/Summer '16 with contemporary cuts by Rebel Waite

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The Olivia shirt in

sandwashed silk, £190

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The Crawford shirt in Boy Blue, £160

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The Stevie shirt in White, £165

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The Olivia shirt in sandwashed silk, £190

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The Wilkinson shirt, £150

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STYLE refresh

The classic white shirt has received a makeover, and Australian label Rebel Waite is to thank for this contemporary take on the timeless design Australian designer Alexandra Waite is not afraid of a challenge. Since 2013 she’s set out to change the perception of the classic white shirt with her effortless, elegant silhouettes that flatter every modern woman. Her label, Rebel Waite, is a reflection of her upbringing, possessing an inherent coolness that is symptomatic of her Melbourne hometown. Yet by launching her brand here in London, it’s also to be expected that her pieces bear a certain crispness to match the city’s strong architectural lines.

Drawing on her 10 years’ worth of experience within the fashion industry, Alex used this knowledge to produce styles such as The Crawford – a simple button-up shirt with flapped pockets on the bust – and The Wilkinson, which was an homage to the 2015 Rugby World Cup with its open notched collar. All designs are made in London and are available in a variety of fabrications and colourways. But ultimately, it’s the ease and adaptability of a Rebel Waite shirt that has us hooked; they transition seamlessly from daytime to night. After celebrating her official launch in September 2015 at Chelsea Art Gallery’s The Dot Project, here’s how Alex is taking over the London fashion scene, one blouse at a time.

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When did you realise that you had an interest in fashion?

From a very young age. I always liked to dress up and create outfits that were overly accessorised or that would stand out from the group. I was extremely creative growing up and knew I wanted a career in fashion. I have worked in the fashion industry for over ten years and branching out and launching my own brand Rebel Waite has been an amazing achievement, something I have always wanted to do.

We can guess, but where did your label name come from?

‘Rebel Waite’ comes from my name, Alexandra Rebel Waite. Both of my parents worked in fashion – my mum owned a boutique and my dad was a fashion buyer – and I think they secretly knew I would one day start my own brand.

“REBEL WAITE IS NOT JUST A SHIRT BRAND, IT’S A LIFESTYLE” What’s the hardest thing about starting your own brand?

Running on not much sleep (jokes). Seriously, though, it is a balancing act; lots of multitasking. One of the hardest things I find is balancing time between different phases of my job. Running your own designer brand takes up a lot of time, which is to be expected, so it comes down to managing each aspect as efficiently and effectively as you can. Quality control has also been challenging: all of our products are made in London from the finest quality fabrics, which I think is really important.

Did you ever question your decision to launch your own label?

It’s only natural to doubt yourself at times, but I knew I had designed a collection and products that worked and that women wanted, so based on that I wasn’t worried. It was serious hard work in the beginning and took time to get where it is today. If I were to doubt myself it would have never happened.

You have to believe in yourself to make it happen; be resistant and positive.

How would you describe your personal taste?

My personal taste is…effortless chic. I like to dress with as little effort as possible yet still look polished and put together with designer pieces. I also love to layer an outfit and have fun with styling. When living and travelling between cities, having a versatile wardrobe is key. My range of shirts can be worn for any occasion and I love nothing more than wearing a white shirt with a fitted blazer, skinny jean and ankle boot.

I love to dress and experiment with new trends; however, I think I will always have a very relaxed sense of style, which can be a little bohemian at times. I put that down to growing up by the beach and loving the ocean. Also I’m sucker for anything lace or crocheted, and in white and black only.

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What’s always in your make-up bag?

I can’t leave the house without my Lucas Pawpaw Ointment. It might be an Aussie thing but I love it. I have most of my English friends hooked on it, too. I also can’t live without my Bobbi Brown black mascara and Chanel eyeliner. Also, when I’m feeling sassy enough, I love a red lip with our white shirts. It’s a really polished look.

You are originally from Melbourne, but live here in London. Where do you prefer?

I was born and raised in Melbourne and moved to London when I was 22 years old. While Melbourne will always be home, I really do love London. I am a city girl at heart and both cities have a lot to offer. I love Melbourne fashion and Australian fashion designers, however I love the energy and vibe that London has to offer. You can get lost in the city – it is so big – and the opportunities here are endless. Rebel Waite is a combination of the two cities. I spend a lot of time travelling, where I gain so much inspiration, so it’s really important I design a shirt that reflects that. It’s all about ease and effortless dressing. It’s not just a shirt brand but also a lifestyle.

Interview by S H A N I Q U A J O H N S O N Foreword by S T E P H A N I E K I N G

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Rebel Waite’s been receiving a lot of press coverage lately (rightfully so), where the most recent feature was in ELLE UK. You must have been over the moon.

Yes, I was! It was a very exciting moment to see our Claudia shirt styled in the Elle fashion cupboard.

The Claudia shirt is your everyday staple. The fitted cut makes it great for layering and easy to work into your wardrobe. It’s really great knowing that I have created a product that women love.

To women who want to start their own business, perhaps their own fashion label, what would your advice be to them?

Stay focused, believe in yourself, and don’t give up. Everything takes longer than you expect and there are countless setbacks, but with hard work and persistence you’ll get there in the end. It’s wonderful to see your brand grow and I am so thrilled that Rebel Waite shirts are selling really well and the feedback from customers has been great.

Of all of Rebel Waite’s styles, if you had to pick a favourite?

That’s a tough one, as I love every shirt we have in the collection. At the moment we have seven different styles in various colours, and I like to alternate one for each day of the week. My aim was to create a range of shirts that can take the wearer from desk to dinner, poolside to party. That said my favourite shirt at the moment would be the Alexa in black silk. It is perfect for coming into spring and can be worn with absolutely anything: paired with skinny jeans, a tailored skirt or trouser, even shorts.

It’s really versatile and I love the gathered neckline and sleeve. It also comes in white.

Rebel Waite is delighted to offer Lipstick Media readers a 20% discount at checkout when they use the code, REBELFRIENDS20.

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Multicoat lenses. Hand crafted frames. All from £98.

Bailey Nelson was founded in 2012 to provide prescription glasses, sunglasses and non-prescription polarised sunglasses at a fair price to the style savvy.

Our vision is to change the glasses industry. We hope to empower individuality and self-expression through our beautiful, affordable eyewear, inviting stores and incredible people.

So that’s us. That’s Bailey Nelson. baileynelson.co.uk

@baileynelson_uk

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@BaileyNelson_UK

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Tribal Ties & Silver Strides Welcome Spring/Summer ’16 with some of the high street’s Topshop, Monica Block Heel Sandals, £29; topshop.com

best drawstring bags and metallic sandals

Next, Sporty Flatform Mules, £22; next.co.uk

Ancient Greek Sandals, Ikaria Leather Sandals, £160; matchesfashion.com

Studio Pollini, Strappy Sandals, £123; farfetch.com

Topshop, RiRi Cut-Out Sandals, £65; topshop.com

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Zara, Flat Laminated Sandals, £29.99; zara.com

Nasty Gal, Nila Anthony Reggie Suede Bucket Bag, £41; nastygal.com

Guanabana, Medium Tribal Bucket Bag, £89; revolve.com

H&M, Small Bucket Bag in Powder Pink, £14.99; hm.com

Circus by Sam Edelman, Maxima Mini Bucket Bag, £49.99; macys.com

Glamorous, Small Duffle in Ikat Print, £25; asos.com

Hiptipico, Crochet with Beaded Tassel Backpack, £50; asos.com

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£10 OFF YOUR FIRST SERVICE! blow LTD brings salon beauty to your home. Their hand picked, CRB checked and fully licensed team of expert beauty therapists offers blow dry, make-up, nail, facial and lash extension services in the comfort of your home, hotel or office (London zones 1, 2 & 3). blow LTD is offering all Lipstick Media readers £10 off their first service. That means you can get a blow dry at home for just £30!

Simply download the ‘blowltd’ app or book online and enter the code, lipstick before you submit your booking.

Find out more at www.blowltd.com.

Terms and conditions apply.

FEATUR ED

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IN

HEALTH & BEAUTY 21

HAUTE BEAUTY Stephanie King finds the haute couture of spa treatments in London’s House of ELEMIS

As a frequent facialee and massage addict, spa

treatments need to be fairly special to surpass my exceedingly high expectations. What a lovely surprise it was to find that House of ELEMIS did exactly this.

Tucked away in Mayfair’s Lancashire Court, House of ELEMIS is a veritable sanctuary nestled smack-bang in the centre of the busy West London shopping district. Just off New Bond Street, this luxurious Victorian townhouse is equal parts elegance and high tech engineering. It’s light, bright, modern and beautifully designed with highend furnishings in a calming neutral colour palette.

I’m greeted warmly by House of ELEMIS’s reception staff, and it’s not long before I’m completing my pre-treatment form via iPad – not an archaic clipboard in sight. Shortly after my spa therapist Chloe escorts me upstairs to the über plush, super exclusive Penthouse treatment room.

Here, she takes a photograph of my face using the ELEMIS Skin Lab programme while I try not to get distracted by The Penthouse’s fresh hydrangea arrangements, striking ceramic flower wall feature, and amazing Amber and Quartz treatment beds that are better than any mattress I’ve ever lain on.

Images ready, Chloe explains what each picture identifies: impurities on your skin (such as blocked pores), fine lines, pigmentation, and even areas of oiliness, dehydration and sensitivity.

Given that I’m to have the ELEMIS Couture Technology treatment, which combines the ELEMIS TECHNOLOGY BIOTEC Facial with a personalised deep tissue massage, I trust Chloe will soon be remedying my complaints of jawline spots and an excessive amount of knots in my back.

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Starting with the massage she instinctively knows how much pressure I prefer, as I snuggle further under the sumptuously soft towels. Thirty minutes flies by when your upper and lower back is in sheer bliss. Before I know it, it’s time to turn over for my facial. Chloe gives me a run-through of what to expect: a revitalising cleanse using the Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil, a light scrub with the Skin Buff exfoliator, followed by a deeply soothing Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask and Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel eye masks.

Using ELEMIS’s BIOTEC machine, Chloe guides the twopronged double-head of marble-sized rollers to glide over my face, allowing the latter products to really penetrate into my thirsty skin.

She finishes off this heavenly treatment with the Instant Refreshing Gel and Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal, and I think it can’t get better than this. But then I remember House of ELEMIS’ Penthouse is available for private hire. Making a mental note I resolve to get in touch with their VIP Spa Concierge to coordinate a session à deux. After all, this type of beauty decadence is best shared…

The House of ELEMIS, 2 Lancashire Court, London, W1S 1EX elemis.com/house-of-elemis

For private hire: 020 7499 4995 vipspaconcierge@elemis.com

GAME FACE

Stila, Colour Balm Lipstick in Olivia, £16; asos.com llamasqua, Matte Lipstick in Flare, £19.50; illamasqua.com Rosie for Autograph, Lipstick in Super Model Kiss, £14; marksandspencer.com Lipstick Queen, Bête Noire Lipstick in Possessed Sheer, £28.20; lipstickqueen.com

Too Cool for School, Hot Girl Lip Sticker in Real Red, £10; selfridges. com

Laura Mercier, Velour Lovers Lip Colour, £22; lauramercier.com

NYX, Lip Macaroon in Chambord, £5.50; asos.com

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A SEASONALLY INSPIRED WELLNESS BOX Aevi [æ-vi] comes from an Old Norse language meaning life. As two Scandinavian girls who have travelled much in our lives, we adore all things simple, beautiful and wellbeing-focused. We hope to share our message of love and light through our seasonal wellness boxes filled with the most radiant and pure products sourced from around the world. As the seasons change, we hope our Aevi wellness boxes help you to be mindful of the changes occurring within yourself, while taking care of your heart, mind and skin.

@aevibox 24

aevibox.com

BARE NECESSITIES Tess Ward, AKA The Yes Chef, reveals recipes from her famed first cookbook, The Naked Diet

Celebrity chef Tess Ward’s life changed

dramatically five years ago. After embarking on an innocent adventure across the globe and spending a month in India, Tess found herself bed-ridden, having picked up a parasite that was to stay with her for the next five years. Thankfully clinical nutritionist Humphrey Bacchus diagnosed the problem and Tess was promptly prescribed ‘more antibiotics than a cow’ as treatment, she says.

Despite this health issue, Tess’s incredible experiences abroad further ignited her passion for food and experimenting with flavour. Now, The Yes Chef as she is known, has released her first cookbook, The Naked Diet, which is packed full of inconceivably tasty recipes for dishes made using unprocessed, ‘naked’ ingredients. Tess’s philosophy is that food needn’t be overworked, and healthy eating is easy when you let seasonal produce speak for itself.

This method of stripped-back cooking counts colours, not calories, as she creates inspired meals that will nourish your body and satisfy your tastebuds.

The Naked Diet celebrates international cuisines and cooking styles, as well as drawing from the wealth of knowledge Tess gained after working at some of the world’s best restaurants, including The Ritz and River Cottage. So, with summer fast approaching, it’s essential you find a place for The Naked Diet in your kitchen. Here, Tess has shared two of her recipes to spark your appetite. You can thank her later.

Tess Ward’s The Naked Diet, published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd, is available from Amazon for £14.88. See more recipes and tips from Tess at tessward.com 25

Ribboned Kale & Nectarine Salad 1. Wash, dry and remove the stalks from the kale, then finely slice into long, thin shreds. Cut both cabbages into long thin shreds, removing the large stalks.

2.

Place all the cabbage with the kale in a large steamer over a saucepan of simmering water and steam for 1–2 minutes, to soften slightly and remove bitterness, tossing them gently halfway through to ensure even steaming. Remove from the heat and plunge the kale and cabbage into a large bowl of iced water (to preserve their vibrant colour).

3. Drain and dry well and place in a large

dish or platter. Add the parsley or coriander and nectarine slices and toss together gently.

Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve with the dressing (you may not need all of it).

150g kale

¼ small red cabbage

1/ 6 green sweetheart (hispi) cabbage

very large handful of chopped parsley or coriander

2 nectarines, quartered and sliced 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

NAKED DIET

the Recipes from Tess Ward 26

1 quantity tamari dressing

SERVES 4

Tip : If preparing ahead, you can dress the kale and cabbage in advance, and avoid having to steam them first; the dressing will help soften and break the kale and cabbage down, making them less fibrous.

Chicken Breast & Red Cacao Sauce 1. To make the sesame brittle, preheat

the oven to 180°C/ Gas Mark 4 and line a baking sheet with greased baking paper.

In a bowl, mix the sesame seeds and honey together until the seeds are well coated and season. Tip the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread out in a thin, even layer.

2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden

brown. Take care not to over-cook. Leave to cool, then break into chunks.

3. Meanwhile, put the chicken breasts

in a pan and add enough stock to cover them. Add the salt, bring to the boil over a medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes. Then remove the chicken and keep warm, reserving the liquid.

4.

Serve the chicken on a mound of brown rice. Spoon over some red cacao sauce and top with some sesame brittle and coriander leaves.

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 500ml chicken stock big pinch of sea salt handful of coriander leaves, to serve

for the sesame brittle: 50g sesame seeds 1 tablespoon runny honey pinch of fine sea salt

to serve: red cacao sauce cooked brown rice

SERVES 2

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D R I NK Y OU R SE LF H EA LTH Y Revolutionary detox tea company, DTOX’T is fast becoming the go-to for glowing skin and accelerated weight loss. We meet Dionne James, founder of this body-changing tea brand

With obesity on the rise, it is thought that as many as two-thirds of women in the UK are on, or have been on, a diet at some point in their adult life.

Considering the seemingly endless weight loss products on offer, it’s tricky to know which products work and which are a waste of time.

“SHIFT THOSE UNWANTED POUNDS AND KEEP THEM OFF FOR GOOD” Well fear not, because the solution is here: DTOX’T. No longer do you have to navigate your way through the minefield that is fitness supplements and diet pills, DTOX’T’s range of figure-slimming teas will help you to shift those unwanted pounds and keep them off for good.

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Founded by Dionne James, this 33-year-old entrepreneur found the solution to her own weight woes by developing a line of detox teas: ‘I had tried so many fads in my efforts to lose weight but could never stick to anything. I’d get bored because a lot of them were just plain dull,’ says the former care worker. ‘I began to think how I could make them better and so started looking into herbs that would give what I had personally been looking for in a diet supplement, along with flavours that were exotic but familiar.’

And so, from her Harrow home Dionne created five unique blends: – Peppermint, Mixed Berry Infusion, Strawberry & Mango, Pineapple & Coconut, and Original Triple Blend. Thanks to their allnatural ingredients, DTOX’T promises to cleanse and purify your body in only 14 days, with some customers losing up to 14lbs in one month.

“DTOX’T PROMISES TO CLEANSE AND PURIFY YOUR BODY IN ONLY 14 DAYS” Dionne explains, ‘I found that there was nothing on the market that combined the detox benefits with a delicious flavour. Once I started to lose weight and feel the additional benefits of drinking DTOX’T, that made me even more determined to help others in the same position.’

“EVERYONE HAS THE COURAGE WITHIN THEM TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL” It took over two years of research and collaboration with health and nutrition specialists from across the world, but Dionne finally discovered the perfect blend of ingredients to help her customers enjoy the benefits of a DTOX’T teatox, which include reduced bloating, a boost in your level of nutrients and vitamins, and an improvement in your overall vitality.

She’s happy to share that these include dandelion root, Chinese oolong tea, green tea, ginseng, chicory and yerba mate, and advises that consumers merely need to incorporate DTOX’T into their existing daily routine. Ideally, you drink one of the two recommended cups per day in the morning; the other, in the evening.

While Dionne is extremely proud of DTOX’T’s effectiveness in aiding weight loss, she’s open about how her teas should be consumed in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise for the best result.

The range is currently sold online, retailing at £21.99 for 28 tea bags (or 14 days’ worth), where Dionne also reveals that she’s set to start support groups and launch a DTOX’T fitness App: ‘I want to inspire people not just in the UK, but globally too. Everyone has the courage within them to reach their full potential and everyone has the right to lead a healthier life. This is just the beginning.’

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E L I T E FITNESS

Mix with the hottest celebrities and get the body of your dreams at Olivia Cooney’s incredible Pop-Up Fitness retreat

Stephanie King & Shaniqua Johnson

With a client list that boasts names such as Millie Mackintosh, Laura Whitmore, Katherine Jenkins and Caroline Flack, personal trainer Olivia Cooney is the health expert to know, and her company, Pop-Up Fitness, your secret fitness weapon. Olivia’s website, pop-up. fitness, is a dynamic platform that is the ultimate resource for all things body transforming: not only is there information about her personal training sessions, theres also tonnes of impossibly delicious #cleaneating recipes.

These Instagram-worthy healthy meals don’t just nourish you, they taste phenomenal, too.

But perhaps the best part of Pop-Up Fitness, is the fitness retreats. You read that correctly; Olivia and her partner Bart Van Maanen also host trips in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. The latest being? A seven-day bootcamp in Ibiza, which is set to run again in late May. Using nature as her gym, Ibiza’s idyllic surroundings make for a magnificent training ground to push her clients to their limits and get results. At this exclusive retreat you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals, training safe in the knowledge that you’re being coached correctly. Olivia and Bart ensure all of their clients use the proper technique when working up a sweat hiking, boxing, using weights, using kettle and medicine balls, even on their exhilarating runs.

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Sure, the retreats are challenging, but they’re also great fun and you can expect only the best: whether it’s the best people you’ve ever spent time with, best training session you’ve ever had, best food you’ve ever eaten or best place you’ve ever stayed at. Pop-Up Fitness’s retreats are about ‘working hard, rewarding well,’ says Olivia.

Although it’s not all tough love. You can participate in as many activities as you wish, with Team Pop-Up Fitness understanding that the true aim of their retreats is to help you to ‘learn a healthy balance of life.’ Recover from a hard day’s work in ultimate luxury at the retreats’ exquisite villas and ‘glamping’ accommodation. Fuel your body with dishes from award-winning chefs; chill out with yoga, paddle boarding and horse riding; and cut loose with live DJs and nights out at local night clubs. At a Pop-Up Fitness retreat you’ll think you’ve found health nirvana.

Laura Whitmore & Millie Mackintos

Working hard with Olivia Cooney

“AT A POP-UP FITNESS RETREAT YOU’LL THINK YOU’VE FOUND HEALTH NIRVANA” From 8-13 May Olivia and Bart will be taking over the South of France as well as continuing their Pop-Up Weekenders throughout the year, which are mini retreats at the UK’s best country house hotels such as Ston Easton Park.

So, whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, train for an event, or squeeze into that Vera Wang dress, PopUp Fitness will get you there. You can’t fail, not when Olivia promises ‘to be the motivating push you need to reach your goals, kick start a complete lifestyle change and produce results.’ We’ll see you in Ibiza.

Blissful Balearic nights at the Pop-Up Fitness Ibiza retreat

TAKE ME THERE Pop-Up Fitness is hosting its next Ibiza retreat in October 2016. Prices start from £1,140 per person. Pop-Up Fitness is delighted to offer Lipstick Media readers a 10% discount off its May 2016 South of France retreat when they use the code, ‘LIPSTICKFRIENDS’. Find out more at: pop-up.fitness 31

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DiversityInCare is a charity that works with individuals with drug and alcohol related issues; by providing housing and individual support.

Since 2006, DiversityInCare has continued to deliver positive outcomes, primarily because we care about those we work with; we look at the individual and not the addiction.

What We Do SUPPORTED HOUSING

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

Without housing it’s extremely difficult to address all issues. Unstable housing can increase addiction, crime and abuse.

By addressing an individual needs, combined with consistant care, we teach our residents how to reduce long term addiction.

Whilst in our hostels our residents are offered opportunities to enter employment or education.

SIGNPOSTING

MOVE ON

CAMPAIGN

We work with local agencies, to ensure all our residents needs are addressed.

We provide support for all stages of our residents rehabilitation, such as second stage housing.

We are the voice for the ‘under-served’. We have always been known saying the UNSPOKEN.

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TRAINING

We move people from crisis to confidence.

Over the years DiversityInCare has developed, but remains true to its core mission - to support underserved communities.

DiversityInCare has established itself as a charity that works with individuals with drug and alcohol related issues.

We are not just a supported housing provider. We’re committed to helping people move from crisis to confidence.

The majority of indivduals we encounter, need more than just a roof over their heads; they require stability, structure and consistency.

This is vital in helping the women and men we support to address their underlying issues, develop life skills and meet their goals.

By working with local agencies, organisations and charities we can provide a ‘wrap around’ style of support, strengthing the level of support DiversityInCare provide.

info@diversityincare.org diversityincare.org.uk 33

CBS COUNSELLING “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within” Christine Samuel MBACP Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapist Helping people with the following: Relationships Family crisis Bereavement and loss Confidence Self esteem Stress Panic attacks Depression Addiction Anger Adolescent issues Work issues Abuse Self Harm Trauma Counselling is confidential and you can talk about anything in these sessions. I offer long, short and time-limited counselling, face-toface counselling and telephone counselling.

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CONTACT E: christine@cbscounselling.co.uk M: 07957 118 951

cbscounselling.co.uk

BUSINESS

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GAME

CHANGER Bonafide boss woman Dani Watson is proof that it’s never too late to change your career destiny

A year ago, I was in a very different place to where I am now. I was in a job that didn’t fulfil me, I felt utterly lost, and I had no clue as to what direction I wanted to go. Now, my life is completed changed.

After founding The Clique, a thriving business that helps women to grow their own online empires and pursue their passions, it has grown to be more than I ever imagined. It’s amazing what can happen in the space of a year. So how did I get here?

Well, it all started with the thought of hitting thirty.

In my final year of my twenties I wrote myself a letter for the decade ahead. In it, I vowed that the next chapter of my life wouldn’t be the same. Ordinary and mediocre were no longer going to cut it. Instead, I was going to push my own boundaries and create something that would allow me to live the life I had always imagined.

I’ve always been a keen writer, I love connecting with other women, and am a social media enthusiast.

I started a blog as a way to inspire other women by interviewing female entrepreneurs while using it as a platform to launch my side hustle as a social media strategist.

Starting out again in a totally new industry of online marketing, branding and digital strategy was entirely different to the legal path I originally set out on.

Amazingly, my blog and side hustle started to grow, and within six months of launching I had enough clients to take on my business and blog full time.

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“MY GREATEST JOY COMES FROM HELPING WOMEN TO CREATE A LIFE THAT EXCEEDS THEIR OWN EXPECTATIONS”

Although social media strategy is still a huge part of what I do, my greatest joy comes from helping other women to launch their own online businesses. I host workshops in London to motivate women to achieve their business and life goals, encouraging them to create a life that exceeds their own expectations.

Many people ask me how I was able to turn things around in such a short space of time. I’d love to share some of my advice for going out there and pushing your own boundaries of what you thought possible.

Dani’s Top Tips for Budding Entrepreneurs

1.Set yourself huge goals

Someone once reminded me that, ‘If you shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land amongst the stars.’ If you only ever set yourself realistic and predictable goals, you’ll only ever get realistic and predictable outcomes. I may not hit my goals every time, but by aiming high, I always manage to achieve more than what I initially thought achievable.

2. Take small actionable steps daily

I firmly believe that a big part of success lies in making small steps consistently without losing enthusiasm. It’s showing up and working on your business every day and being persistent with it, even when it feels tough or repetitive. Small daily steps can suddenly lead to giant leaps and before you know it, you look back at how far you come and you realise just how doable your goals really are.

3. Surrounded yourself with people who inspire you

A man called Jim Rohn once famously said, ‘You are the average of the five people who you spend the most time with.’ Who you hang out with has a huge impact on your thought patterns and what you achieve. Since launching my business, I’ve spent a lot of time with women who are in a similar position to me and who are achieving amazing things within their business and their personal lives. As a result, it motivates me to do the same. So, if you want positive things to happen in your life, surround yourself with people who are positive and who are going to lift you higher.

4. Believe in yourself

The most important thing to remember if you are looking to start something new, is believe that you can. Believe that you can and you are already half-way there. We are capable of so much, more than we often give ourselves credit for, and it’s mind-blowing how much we can achieve if we just give things a go.

“WE ARE CAPABLE OF SO MUCH, MORE THAN WE OFTEN GIVE OURSELVES CREDIT FOR” For daily nuggets of inspiration and business advice, please check out The Clique, where you can find a free Girl Boss Guide to making your mark online.

Dani Watson, Founder of The Clique dani@wearetheclique.com @we_are_the_clique

wearetheclique.com 37

WHAT WILL YOU BECOME? SPECIALISING IN ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

WEBSITE : WWW.LOTO-ACADEMY.CO.UK EMAIL : INFO@LOTO-ACADEMY.CO.UK / LOTOACADEMY@OUTLOOK.COM TEL : 07448 562 440 38

07851 466 682

SEAL THE DEAL Five sure-fire ways to build your confidence and get the deal signed

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see the

happy, outgoing, confident person that other people think you are, or do you see someone silently struggling to keep that persona going? Everyone suffers from a crisis of confidence every now and then, but if you can feel your self-esteem beginning to wane, it’s time to regain control. Before it starts to negatively affect your work performance or personal relationships, take note of these five brilliant confidence-building hacks. You’ll feel re-empowered before you know it.

1. RE-INVIGORATE YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH The most crucial components of self-confidence are mental and physical health: you need to feel in control of what is happening around you, as well as within you. The best way to reclaim this sense of control is by firstly, surrounding yourself with people who are positive influences in your life.

Their support will invaluable if you have days when you’re struggling or are doubting your abilities. On the physical side, start small by taking the stairs rather than the lift. Substitute your mid-morning sugar-filled snack with fruit. Make these part of your daily routine and see the benefits almost immediately.

2. ENGAGE IN POSITIVE SELF-TALK The car has a flat tyre. Annoying and frustrating, yes, but as everyone knows, it is just one of those obstacles life occasionally throws our way. The important thing is how you handle it. Those with low confidence may question whether the flat tyre is their fault – after all, they drove over the nail – they may even think that it is a sign of worse things to come.

Can you start to see the cycle? How we ‘talk’ to ourselves inside is paramount to a health level of confidence. Become aware of what you say to yourself during the day or when unexpected challenges arise.

Make a conscious effort to change any negative thoughts and don’t immediately accept them as truth. With positive self-talk you can tackle almost any hurdle with grace.

“TAKE NOTE OF THESE FIVE BRILLIANT CONFIDENCE HACKS” 3. TAKE ACTING CLASSES Many of us struggle with emotions, especially when it comes to handling criticism, be it in the boardroom or at home. One way of getting to grips with a dip in confidence is to create a character or a persona that you use in business or in other high-stress situations.

Drama classes are a great way of having fun, but also learning how to not left self-consciousness cripple your life.

4. PUSH YOUR COMFORT ZONE Trying something new and nerve-racking is a great way of boosting confidence. Though you might be anxious, going through the journey of thinking something is unmanageable or impossible and then achieving it helps you to quickly realise that you had nothing to fear in the first place. Little goals such as signing up for a salsa class or talking to an unapproachable colleague are great places to start. Pushing past your comfort zone while picking up some new skills will instantly give you back some of your sparkle.

5. KEEP A DIARY You may think the art of diary-keeping is long gone, but just take a look at the success of blogging: writing about your personal experiences and thoughts is as popular as ever. Penning your emotions on paper (or typing them out) is a great way to decipher how you feel, analyse situations, and look into what could be squashing your confidence.

Journaling allows you to assess where certain feelings are coming from and why these negative emotions seem to be taking over. Selfconfidence is about feeling in control of what you are doing and why.

So, knowing how to break the cycle of negative self-assessment could be the best lesson you’ve ever learned.

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Juggling ACT Here’s how to run your business when the kids are off sick Running your own business is great, isn’t it?

Fabulous flexi-hours, the feeling that every ounce of energy you expend makes its way back to you; you are creating something from nothing, and everyone’s a winner. Work/life balance sorted.

But not so fast. As any parent knows, there is a constant battle between being a great parent, running a business, and spending as much as time as possible with your kids. This finely tuned balance – a juggling act you’ve perfected over the years – is suddenly thrown into disarray when your child is home sick from school.

Those magic hours between 9am and 3pm are, for most parents, when you can cram in everything you need to do while knowing your child is safe (and occupied) in the classroom. It is with abject horror when you realise they are too ill to go to school. Yet there is a deadline looming, a phone call that must be made…what do you do?

1. Plan before the event If you are a mum, you will know how quickly kids can go downhill with some dreaded bug or other illness. You need to be prepared and have some kind of Plan B up your sleeve for when this occurs. This can be anything from relying on grandparents, to perhaps entertaining the kids for an hour while you do some ‘holding’ emails or calls to clients. Also having the number of another freelancer that may help to cover any overspill is an extra safety net.

2. Shift your day around into bite-sized chunks On a normal school day you may race back from the school run with every intention of being sat at your desk by 9am, coffee in hand, ready to focus for the next six hours before the mid-afternoon dash to pick up your children. When they’re ill this isn’t going to happen. You’re going to want to be available should they need you, so devise a timetable that’s broken into bite-sized chunks. It’ll make achieving those must-do tasks far more manageable.

“ HAVING A PLAN IN PLACE WILL ALLEVIATE SOME PANIC” 3. Prioritise work activities and deadlines Just because the schedule of your day has changed, this doesn’t mean your clients’ or employees’ has. They will continue to work as normal – and expect you to be doing the same. Fortunately, though, considering you know your work best and which clients will be more understanding than others, you can spend a portion of your morning prioritising who needs what and by when. Rescheduling any commitments straight away will ensure you don’t burn any bridges and deliver what you’ve promised on a realistic timescale.

4. Accept it – stuff happens Kids get sick. Fact. Sometimes we just need to accept that our little ones will get unwell at some point and all they’ll need is their mum to cuddle them while watching TV on the sofa. Even though you don’t have to feel guilty about taking time off to look after your sick child, it may be hard not to panic about your everincreasing To Do list each hour spent ‘not working’. Acceptance and having a plan in place will alleviate some of this panic, freeing you to concentrate on getting the kids better.

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ONLY FEAST, NO FAMINE Easy and effective ways to ensure you get work all year ’round

W

hen you started out in your career – particularly if you started your own business – it’s likely that at least one person told you to expect times of ‘feast or famine’. In other words, that you would either be completely swamped with work, or sat twiddling your thumbs, nervously checking your email (and your phone line). Smoothing out the bumps between these two phases is a little easier with these four very simple, yet very effective tips.

Goodbye, bitten fingernails. Say hello to a more balanced workload.

1. Promote yourself when you are at your busiest

It seems odd to think that when you have an over-flowing in-tray and massive, looming deadline that you should effectively ask for more work. But it’s a simple equation: it takes time for marketing to turn into sales. Smart freelancers and self-employed workers are constantly looking past the next deadline to line up their next piece of work. Shift your focus from the ‘here and now’ and start looking a few weeks ahead; some freelancers spend 20% of their week fishing for new work.

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“BUILD A CASH RESERVE TO GET YOU THROUGH LEANER TIMES” 2. Build a financial cushion

There will be quieter times of work, however this doesn’t mean that you or your family need go hungry. Hopefully not too often, but there will come a time when your leads haven’t quite turned into paying work.

This is where we should turn to the story of the ant and the grasshopper: The grasshopper spent the summer rolling around in the sunshine having a high old time. Meanwhile the ant was more sensible, collecting seeds in preparation for the cooler months. And so when winter came, the ant was languishing in a huge food larder, where, sadly, the grasshopper had nothing to keep him going.

The moral of the story? Build a cash reserve to get you through the leaner times.

3. Plan, schedule, timetable

Trying to get everything done as quickly as possible may be brilliant by your clients, but not so wonderful for you in the long run. So you have a sustainable career and don’t burn out, be vigilant about negotiating a realistic deadline with your client or employer. This way, you can build in time to promote yourself and get the current project’s work done in a reasonable time frame. Win-win!

“SHIFT YOUR FOCUS; START LOOKING A FEW WEEKS AHEAD” 4. Faith

This is a tough one but when the chips are down and work is scarce, you need to be confident and trust that all of the promotional work you have done will yield results. Potential collaborators can sense desperation, so keep having faith in your abilities.

As any freelancer will tell you, it all comes good in the end. This may seem like a big ask, but the life of the self-employed will always have more variability than an office worker. Thankfully, no matter the market’s ‘weather’, these tips should stand you in good stead all year ’round.

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INTERIORS

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AMERICAN BEAUTY Award-winning interiors blogger Gabriella Palumbo talks her design inspiration, starting Flat 15, and her top tips for updating your own home

P hiladelphia-born Gabriella Palumbo

– or, Gabby, as she introduces herself warmly – is the American transplant who moved to London almost a decade ago and has since been making a name for herself with her award-winning interiors blog, Flat 15. Dubbed the Editor’s Choice in 2015’s AMARA Interior Blog Awards, Flat 15 was selected over 550 blogs and was hand-picked by a panel of judges representing Missoni Home, Mulberry Home, Farrow & Ball, and Christian Lacroix.

Her prize-winning blog features interior design (her own and others’), as well as style and travel sections plus video tutorials with incredibly useful, quick and easy ways for sprucing up your home. Gabby also has a selection of key décor accents and beautiful luxury products available on her website. If you can tear yourself away from her e-store, it’s worth diving into her People & Their Spaces series, which shines a spotlight on other styleminded individuals.

But for now, enter the world of the lovely blogger-turned-entrepreneur who is every bit as beautiful inside as she is on the outside.

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You were born in America.

Why the move to London?

I decided to move to London eight years ago. Not only was I in a long distance relationship with my British boyfriend (now husband), I also enrolled in a Contemporary Art Master’s program at Sotheby’s. I was (and still am) completely in awe of the of the massive cultural, design and art scene here in London.

Agreed. Any particular landmark or place that is your favourite?

I honestly love my neighbourhood, Notting Hill. Moving to this area really made London feel like home for I never get tired of the colourful streets, little cafes, antique shops and the buzz that is all around.

Was there a ‘defining moment’ when you realised that your passion for interior design could be turned into a career?

I have always loved interiors and would style anything I could get my hands on, though I really only looked at it as a hobby or side interest. It wasn’t until I was working in the art industry here in London that I began to slowly take on actual design projects (on the side) for friends and family. Combining my love for contemporary art and interior design in a residential setting was when I had that ‘light bulb moment’ and thought, I should be doing this full time.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

My style is contemporary with eclectic accents. I love combining clean, modern lines with vintage pieces to add shape and texture to an interior space.

As well as being a creative outlet, does your blog help you to attract business?

Your blog, Flat 15, is amazing. We’re obsessed.

What made you start it?

I started Flat 15 the same time I realised that I wanted to transition from the art world into interior design. So, I used it as a platform to express my ideas and design inspiration. Since then the blog has grown and I found my voice.

Where would your dream home be and why?

Recently, yes, it does drive interior business.

I think that visitors can really get a sense of my style and my projects, which is great, and people do contact me for interior design from this.

My dream home would definitely be in Los Angeles, California. I am so drawn to L.A.; I visit it yearly. I find such design inspiration there through their amazing hotels, restaurants, designers, artists and bloggers.

Along with these elements, nothing can quite compare to the landscape (sea, desert and canyons), weather and greenery all throughout California. It’s my happy place.

Interview by Shaniqua Johnson

@flat15

CHECK OUT GABRIELLA’S BLOG AT FLAT15.COM 47

Within your own home, what is your most cherished room?

My favourite room in my home is the living room: it is actually on the top floor of my house, so the space is extremely bright and airy. Being that England can be dark at times, having this abundance of natural light makes me feel so content.

Have you got a favourite colour?

Yes, my favourite colour is green. I am slightly obsessed with natural greenery and I always like to include some living element within my space, such as plants.

For anyone wanting to give their own home a design update, how should they begin?

I would say to: 1) Get inspired. Research and find visual inspiration for the type of ‘look’ you are hoping to create. Having a clear vision of what you want your space to look like is sometimes half the battle. 2) Be yourself. The most important thing in any space is that it reflects the person who lives there. Be sure to include décor accents and details that really show your personality. 3) Don’t rush it. Take your time to create the look you love.

Sometimes it takes longer to source unique pieces or that perfect design detail, but it is so worth it in the end!

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“I LOVE COMBINING CLEAN, MODERN LINES WITH VINTAGE PIECES TO ADD SHAPE AND TEXTURE TO AN INTERIOR SPACE”

clare@tallulahandrose.co.uk 49

from bed to bouquet

1. What is it?

Bloomon was founded by three Dutch rebels, Patrick, Bart and Koen, who were on a quest to turn the flower industry on its head and spread happiness throughout the world. So far, they’re doing pretty well.

2. How does it work?

Your flowers come directly from our growers. That means that once your flowers are picked they don’t hang around in the cold morning air on the back of a lorry. Bloomon delivers the sleepy little darlings straight from their bed to your table!

“Our flowers are fresher and stay fresher longer”

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3. What can I order?

With a ‘less is more’ philosophy, our spacious designs allow each individual flower the chance to breathe – and shine – in sizes Small, Medium and Large. Our flowers love your personal touch so we encourage you to play around with the arrangement and add a vase for an extra special finish.

4. Can I gift a Bloomon bouquet?

Remember that scene from Love Actually when Rowan Atkinson gift wraps a necklace for Alan Rickman? Well, we don’t go that far. We like to minimise the amount of extra material we use, which is why our wrap is made from recycled paper.

5. How are Bloomon bouquets delivered?

Each bouquet is hand wrapped in our carefully crafted packaging, specially designed so your flowers are all snug for their journey.

We also make sure they don’t get thirsty; they’ll arrive in water.

And, as a final flourish, with lots of lovely little words to bring a smile to your face.

@BloomonUK @bloomonuk

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TOP 10:

INTRIGUING INTERIORS Designs with a delightful element of surprise

ferm LIVING draws on Scandinavian design traditions and simple aesthetics, but with a distinctive graphic edge.

Danish founder Trine Andersen, a graphic designer, took matters into her own hands when she could not find the wallpaper she wanted. From 2006 she’s been selling her design and interior products, and is now stocked all over the world. Even though her pieces are available in all parts of the globe, their aesthetic remains rooted in the Danish soil, where it all began. fermliving.com

Førest London is the latest venture from collector of prestigious Scandinavian and Northern European design, Eva Coppens. Specialising in original and authentic mid-century furniture and lighting, Førest London mixes old and new art forms through a series of exhibitions and collaborations with contemporary artists. Following the enormous success of her pøp üp butik Lulu Bright in August 2010 just a few doors down from the current shop on 115 Clerkenwell Road, Eva quickly set about establishing a more permanent creative hub, and Førest London was born.

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lovejoycreate.com

forestlondon.com

Drummonds was founded in 1988 by Drummond Shaw, who, at the time, was finding it difficult to source authentic architectural antiques.

Drummond used this experience to set up his company that is now one of the best architectural antiques dealers in the UK. Today, Drummonds now manufactures and distributes classic bathroom products, which you can guarantee are unlike any other. drummonds-uk.com

Turkish blogger and crafter Enhar started her handcraft business in 2012. Since then she’s used her home town of Instanbul as inspiration for her bright, quirky furnishings she hand makes right in her home studio. These graphic print cushions in soothing neutral tones are perfect for adding personality into any room. And, like the rest of her creations, they’re surprisingly affordable, retailing at only £27!

Normann Copenhagen is a Danish design company with the mission to create original, bold and eye-catching products in a simple and contemporary design that withstands the test of time. Or, in other words, to challenge conventional thinking and make the ordinary, extraordinary through great and innovative design. Normann Copenhagen’s collection consists of a wide and ever-growing range of versatile furniture, sculptural lighting, stunning textiles and clever home accessories. normann-copenhagen.com

This new retail space and online shop sells an eclectic range of furniture and homewares. Holly’s House showcases modern designer furniture pieces alongside vintage one-offs and smaller items, ideal for gifts. Each product in the shop has been hand picked from different designers and artists around the globe, and Holly's House founder Holly Wick also offers an interior design and styling service. Holly created Holly’s House as a way of bringing a fresh style to the interior design world, and making beautiful and unusual home wares readily available. hollys-house.com

Since September 2014 Charles Lethaby has been using his training at London’s prestigious design college Central Saint Martins to bring to fruition 10 years’ worth of dreams, ideas and ambitions. His exceptional light sculptures bring together Charles’s love of bright block colours, striking simplicity and geometric lines. Personally making the first of each of his designs by hand, he then works with carefully selected manufacturers to have some produced in greater volume.

Using unusual materials such as steel, concrete, glass and concrete to card, it’s safe to say you’ll not see else like Charles Lethaby Lighting. charleslethabylighting.com

Once again, minimalist fashion label COS has collaborated with Danish design company HAY. The Spring 2016 range features three capsule collections of: live, work, dine. The edit of pieces –available in soft greens, pinks and blues – is combined with light wood and cork elements that produce a line of fresh, modern pieces that are great for everyday use. Once again, COS and HAY prove their stripes in marrying playful details with functional design. cosstores.com

This incredible Dutch start-up brings straight from flower beds to your door. This means no middle man, adding time and potentially ruining your beautiful bouquets. Instead, Bloomon’s arrangements are hand picked, packed and delivered straight to you. The ‘less is more’ designs show off seasonal flowers as nature intended, which means you can expect something truly original every time you order. bloomon.co.uk

Guy and Lyndsey Goodger live in South Manchester with their two energetic little boys, Finn and Ollie.

They spent many years living in London working for media companies, but were so inspired by the capital’s markets and unique going out venues that they decided to start Rose & Grey. Guy and Lyndsey's contemporary mix of vintage pieces and colourful home accessories will make you love the space you’re in even more.

roseandgrey.co.uk

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One of the UK’s top party and function bands

CHROMATIC is the high-energy live music group is one of the most popular and trusted party bands around. This provides live entertainment for both corporate and private events.

This seriously stylish and highly experienced outfit of professional musicians specialises in parties, corporate events and club nights, and has played all over the UK and internationally.

Contact CHROMATIC today for a copy of the band's full price list, as well as further information regarding bookings. With CHROMATIC's high-octane performance, fresh and exciting repertoire you can guarantee that you and your guests will have a night to remember!

CHROMATIC-BAND.CO.UK 07840 369 261 (Dhil) 07850 447 347 (Jason) 07792 673 067 (Ricardo) info@chromatic-band.co.uk 54

GOING OUT

© James Bryant & Gary Handley, London Coffee Festival, 2016

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BEAN & HEARD We round up London Coffee Festival’s coolest new roasters and independent suppliers

Mr Black is the original Australian new world coffee liqueur. Created using a dark blend of pure Australian grain spirit and single origin speciality beans from Papua New Guinea, Brazil and Ethiopia, Mr Black is big, bitter and inexcusably coffee. If you like coffee, drinking and having a good time, then you’ll love Mr Black. mrblack.co

2. Small Batch Coffee Roasters

Small Batch has been roasting in Brighton and Hove since 2006. After opening its first espresso bar in 2009, Small Batch’s retail business in Brighton has expanded to five shops and two mobile coffee carts. More great news: they have wholesale customers across the whole of the UK and in Europe, spreading a bit of Brighton wherever they go. smallbatchcoffee.co.uk

3. La Cabra

La Cabra is a Scandinavian roastery and a coffee shop in Aarhus, Denmark. This independent company prides itself on providing a unique nordic coffee experience, bringing out a delicate and dynamic clarity in every coffee batch produced. By working directly with coffee farmers who are true artisans of coffee cultivation, La Cabra can bring you coffee that is consistently of the finest and cleanest quality available. lacabra.dk 56

© James Bryant & Gary Handley, London Coffee Festival, 2016

1. Mr Black

4. goodbeans

In 2012, after discovering cold brew coffee in San Francisco, childhood friends Rosa Escoda and Becky Neale realised that despite its popularity abroad, finding a decent iced coffee in the UK was near impossible. Bringing the smooth cold brew style to London became a no-brainer for goodbeans, which now serves its version at several locations in the city. Though it takes Rosa and Becky up to 18 hours to steep their coffee beans, they don’t mind, because ‘Good things come to those who wait!’ goodbeans.co.uk

5. Modern Standard Coffee

Modern Standard Coffee is a speciality coffee roaster that aims to work with other sectors of the industry to improve coffee quality, and ultimately deliver a better tasting cup.

This collective of coffee devotees is all about making fantastic coffee, from the source to the cup. modernstandardcoffee.co.uk

6. Norð Brenneri

This oh-so-Scandi coffee roastery, artisan bakery and restaurant in Oslo believes that food should be bought directly by the people who make or find it – be it the farmer, the fisher, or the cheese maker. Norð Brenneri knows it’s better for the environment and is a lot healthier, which is why it guarantees its coffee and food will taste far better than anything you could buy at the supermarket. nordoslo.no

7. Colonna

Colonna is the new company from Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, a sourcing and roasting company that explores the world’s best coffees as well as ways to store, prepare and deliver them.

Specialty coffee is at the heart of Colonna, which promises a variety of roasts, full of wonderful, complex and varied flavour. colonnaandsmalls.co.uk

8. Assembly

Assembly is a London-based coffee roasting company, which recognises independent cafes as an invaluable source of insight into the coffee drinkers they serve. The innovative company collaborates with the owners and operators of independent cafes to offer coffees of uncompromising quality and to develop forward thinking approaches to café culture. Novel, right? assemblycoffee.co.uk

9. Union Hand-Roasted Coffee

These suppliers of brilliant beans have been sourcing, roasting, living and loving good coffee since 2001. Union Hand-Roasted Coffee finds and works directly with talented farmers, paying them a fair price so they can invest in their farm, families, and workers.

Sticklers for quality, Union only sells speciality coffee scoring 84 or above on the SCAA scale, hand-roasting it in small batches in East London to create the perfect cup. unionroasted.com

10. Cru Kafe

CRU Kafe’s mission is simple: to deliver the finest organic coffee from around the world, in the convenience of a Nespresso®friendly capsule. CRU Kafe cares about the big picture. This means: Fairtrade partnerships, eco-friendly packaging and honest customer relationships. Now that’s coffee with a conscience. crukafe.co.uk 57

ON THE LIST Lipstick Media speaks with Akua Gyamfi, whose online platform The British Blacklist is helping to spearhead ethnic diversity in the media

When you see a film this weekend or go to your next play, take a note of the

cast. How many of those involved are not Caucasian? Better yet, how many are of African American or African Caribbean origin? One? Maybe two? Though it’s improved in recent years, representation of this minority group within the media remains far from equal. Enter: Akua Gyamfi, founder of online platform The British Blacklist. Her digital news portal spotlights established and emerging African Caribbean media talent, with a particular focus on illuminating British creatives. Not to be confused with a talent agency, The British Blacklist chronicles the achievements and latest work of professionals in film, television, music, theatre and literature. So, you can bet John Boyega’s appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens received a mention, as did London’s National Theatre production of Les Blancs. But in future, how does Akua suggest we establish the ethnic balance within today’s media? Read on to discover her inspirational and enlightening responses.

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Words by Stephanie King thebritishblacklist.com

What made you start The British Blacklist?

I started The British Blacklist when I realised there was a lack of information celebrating British African Caribbean talent across the creative arts industry. So in a moment of madness (which took about a year to research and to get started) I decided to do something about it. The site is a combination of a database of talent across music, film, theatre, literature.

We also report the latest industry news, reviews of new work and speak to a wide range of talent.

Our focus is on British talent but we also include African Caribbean talent across the globe.

How does The British Blacklist help to showcase its talent?

People often mistake us for an agency. We’re not. We’re a platform which celebrates ethnic talent.

How we do this is by ensuring that we share new projects across the creative arts world coming from the African Caribbean arts industry.

We also make it a priority to speak to talent who don’t get mainstream focus. Widely known newspapers, magazines entertainment platforms tend to only mention the most famous person(s) in a new film or play, for example. Although things are slowly changing, more often than not there won’t be a person of colour. This is where The British Blacklist steps in.

We like to [spotlight] that person who is a British African Caribbean who may even have a significant role but gets ignored because mainstream press believes their audience won’t be interested. We’re less about talking about what’s not happening; instead, we offer the solution.

Who are some of The British Blacklist’s ‘ones to watch’?

At this stage we don’t like to predict, or look like we have favourites. But I will say overall there is a lot of talent coming from behind the scenes especially. British African Caribbean creativity is at an all-time high.

We’ve been boosted by the success of John Boyega, Letitia Wright, Brothers With No Game online creative team, and directors Steve McQueen and Amma Asante. All of these talented people have come from our local neighbourhoods and are going on to take Hollywood and the massive online arena by storm.

It’s so exciting to be a part of it.

“THE BRITISH BLACKLIST IS LESS ABOUT TALKING ABOUT WHAT’S NOT HAPPENING; INSTEAD, WE OFFER THE SOLUTION” Who do you consider to be history’s best British black talent?

That’s a hard one. Again, I wouldn’t pick out one such person. But what I would say is that in doing the research when I was setting up The British Blacklist, British African Caribbean talent has been on these shores for a very, very long time. We’ve been making films, creating TV shows, putting on theatrical tales, acting, directing, writing longer than history acknowledges. We have such a strong legacy within the arts world.

Do you think there is enough ethnic diversity in film and media? Has it improved?

It appears to slowly be improving. Media by way of journalism is slow to catch up in comparison to all the movement happening in regards to film and TV. A lot more effort needs to be invested into diversifying talent in positions of power: people running studios; people directing; writing stories that actually make it on to screens; people being able to make decisions and allow diverse stories to be shared.

The issue of race is incredibly important but also incredibly sensitive. How do you suggest we, as members of society, improve awareness and understanding of this delicate issue?

It’s only sensitive because people don’t like hearing the truth or even consider that their actions could be considered prejudiced or racist. It’s not a delicate issue. It’s a real issue and how you deal with something that is real is not shy away from it. Don’t pretend everything’s okay and the status quo is equal. If you’re faced with an injustice speak up.

But speak up with purpose. Because if you don’t have a solution, or are able to offer a solution, then you’ll get accused of just whining. Be pro-active. Don’t beg, either. If you ask, if you try to make someone aware and they fail to move, take action. Be that by physical protest.

Or go off and start something yourself.

What’s next for The British Blacklist?

A lot! Sorry, that’s all I can say for now…

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Chestertons

POLO IN THE PARK 3RD, 4TH & 5TH JUNE 2016

South West London’s greatest sporting tournament is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever

YES, LADIES, IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN...

Finally Chestertons’ annual Polo in the Park returns to Fulham’s Hurlingham Park on 3-5 June. Now in its eighth year, the spectacular three-day sporting event will be marking the start of the capital’s 2016 social summer season.

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“ONE OF EUROPE’S LARGEST & MOST POPULAR POLO TOURNAMENTS” Chestertons’ Polo in the Park has established itself as one as South West London’s most anticipated and sought after events, where this year Team England will return to the hallowed turf to take on a rival country in a thrilling international match.

As one of Europe’s largest and most popular polo tournaments, the June series will be receiving a unique twist, with games set to have their rules simplified so that newcomers can follow the fast and furious matches as easily as polo enthusiasts. Over the course of three days, teams representing six cities from around the world will be taking part in the greatly contested event.

For those seeking a day full of pitch-side excitement there is a myriad of decadent bars, including the famous Champagne Lanson Garden and Mahiki Bar. Does it really get better than watching the polo while enjoying fabulous music and quaffing a refreshing cocktail?

For shopaholics it does: there is an on-site shopping village dedicated to selling exquisite luxury pieces, as well as an impressive food quarter that is sure to satisfy the fussiest of epicureans.

Friday 3 June will open 2016’s Chestertons Polo in the Park tournament, and that evening’s England International match is the perfect way for corporates and their guests to wind down after work. Welcome summer’s balmy nights for only £10 when you buy a post-5pm ticket to the game that is an absolute favourite of the polo elite.

Saturday’s event, which is traditionally known as ‘Ladies Day presented by Little Miracles Drinks’, is one of the most sociable dates in the West London calendar. Ladies Day presented by Little Miracles Drinks is for the style savvy champagne connoisseurs, as fashionable guests fill up the gardens and bars in this season’s hottest looks.

“DRESS TO IMPRESS AND GET OUT THOSE HEELS” The celebrations continue on Sunday 4 June, when it’s time to really dress to impress and get those heels out onto the grass.

Round off the weekend’s amazing polo matches with a large glass of bubbles and toast to what is sure to be another incredibly successful series of Chestertons Polo in the Park.

As to be expected, tickets are predicted to sell out fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.

polointheparklondon.com

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PARTY STARTERS CHROMATIC, one of the UK’s best live bands, sets the record straight on what it takes to give a good show

Words by Stephanie King

The social season is upon us, and with temperatures on the rise, that’s not the only thing that’s heating up. CHROMATIC, the live music act born from a shared love of giving truly fantastic performances, has been burning up dance floors with its high energy shows and irresistibly catchy rhythms. Comprising Anna Jaichner (vocals), Dhil Toofany (guitar and vocals), Jason Slope (bass guitar), Ricardo Bonito (drums and vocals) and Tom Stilgoe (sound engineer), these five dedicated musicians have been touring the UK and internationally ‘for years.’ Enjoying amazing responses during their shows – which have included London’s 2012 Olympic Games, Ronnie Scotts, and Royal Albert Hall – these talented party starters continue to cement their place as one of the UK’s best live bands. Even better, CHROMATIC are available to hire for private functions and corporate events.

We find out what their secret is to keeping the dance floor pumping all night long.

How did CHROMATIC begin?

CHROMATIC started as a collective effort to create the best party band ever! We are all experienced professionals and have been working together on different projects for a number of years. But because we were often covering for the original members [involved in these projects] we couldn’t pursue our own vision of what we felt such entertainment should be. And so CHROMATIC was created.

How would you describe your sound?

In a few words our sound is based on modern dance music with a club classic twist, arranged to flow and blend together with mashups and medleys that mix in a similar fashion as a DJ set.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Individually we all like different music: from RnB to electronic music, from motown to heavy rock.

But when it comes to CHROMATIC our biggest influences are Calvin Harris, Sigma, Bruno Mars, and all of the dance floor fillers from the 90s!

“THE CROWD WAS GOING MENTAL”

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“HIGH-OCTANE PERFORMANCE THAT’S FRESH AND WITH AN EXCITING REPERTOIRE” What can we expect at a CHROMATIC gig?

You can expect a bespoke show with a highoctane performance that’s fresh and with an exciting repertoire guaranteed to have you partying in style!

What’s been your favourite performances to date?

We have been fortunate enough to perform at some amazing club nights in London, which are always a blast to do. We were asked to perform for LV Group’s Summer Festival Awards Party last year at The Brewery in London where the crowd was simply amazing – they were singing along and dancing away. That has to be one of our favourite performances!

How about the craziest party you’ve ever played at?

The craziest party we have ever played at has to be student union party in South Wales.

Although covered in a sea of foam, the crowd was going mental from the very first song of the set. I’m not sure how many people ended up on stage with us, but it was at least half of the crowd. I remember seeing one lad dressed as a tortoise and he was just dragging himself across the floor under the feet of less-thansober students jumping up and down.

“MODERN DANCE MUSIC WITH A CLUB CLASSIC TWIST” Describe your ultimate party album.

We all agreed that it was too hard to name our ultimate party album, so here are our favourite party tunes: - ‘Everybody’ by Backstreet Boys - ‘Samba De Janeiro’ by Bellini - ‘Ignition’ by R Kelly - ‘Gettin’ Jiggy wit It’ by Will Smith’ - ‘Timber’ by Pitbull

What’s next for CHROMATIC? Any exciting projects you can share with us?

We have a lot of exciting projects coming out very soon: we have our new stage costumes that look amazing and we are also working on our new video backdrop that will be fully synced with the music and ready by summer! @chromaticbanduk @chromaticbanduk

chromatic-band.co.uk 63

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

All Bar One’s Sales & Event Manager Chelsea Stewart on London’s favourite going out venue

Words by Christina Brown

T he O2 is undoubtedly London’s venue of choice

for high profile arena tours. With an impressive range of restaurants, bars, an 11-screen Cinema, and everything from an Elvis exhibition to Kisstory club nights in Indigo at the O2, there really is something for everyone. What you probably didn’t know is that the O2 holds a little gem amidst the eclectic mix of entertainment, and it comes in the form of the O2’s All Bar One. We caught up with Sales & Event Manager Chelsea Stewart to find out what’s so special about this extraordinary venue. Chelsea is a breath of fresh air.

Warm, welcoming and completely attentive. It’s easy to forget she runs private VIP events at London’s busiest All Bar One. Leaving school at 13, Chelsea’s journey started at the Prince’s Trust where she was Ambassador, Fundraiser and Team Leader – a role which threw her into the spotlight working on documentaries with Nickelodeon in Antarctica and taking part in topical debates on BBC Breakfast News.

Two years ago she joined All Bar One at the O2 with the sole intention of promoting its unique event space.

Chelsea quickly realised its potential and decided to create the All Bar One at the O2 Showcase, a networking event bringing businesses together in the very space available to hire. Genius.

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“IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THE WHOLE ROOM IS AGAINST YOU, TAKE RISKS, STAY STRONG AND DON’T BE AFRAID” Fighting a cold Chelsea sips a hot cordial as we sit in one of the bar’s exclusive rooms.

She is clearly content as she greets colleagues with a genuine smile as they walk by: ‘I ran a few Showcases at other venues and came here two years ago. It has grown so much in that time. I really strongly believe in the power of networking and I tend to power these events through LinkedIn. They now have a reputation for themselves!’

It’s a far cry from the beginning where she had to rely on favours to get the ball rolling.

Now, she has companies both large and small contacting her to be part of the four events each year. ‘This one’s naturally a bit more female focused, and I wanted go down the whole “Martinis & Manicures” route. This event’s all about wellbeing and women feeling good. It reflects my personality so much; it’s just so overindulgent. We’ve got massage angels, manicurists, there’s lots of drink, good food with really rich flavours, it’s all about discovering new experiences.’

So what’s next? Going against the usual grain of All Bar One, Chelsea’s next big project involves sport. ‘No other All Bar One shows sport, but the O2 will soon launch a Corporate Sports Lounge for the Euros and the Olympics.’ Initially the only venue to offer private hire Chelsea’s impact clearly made a statement as she explains, ‘We now have a complete sales team across the All Bar One venues promoting event space, which is really exciting!’

She’s clearly a busy woman, but Chelsea also utilises her skills and makes time to help others as a consultant for DiversityInCare, a charity that helps individuals with drug and alcohol related issues. (Read more about their great work on page 28.) Her key advice for the women she’s met with is: ‘Lend what you can afford to lose, know your worth, and expect the unexpected. Take it all in your stride. Hold your head high and don’t waste time looking back. Accept that life is hard and it will become easier. Live honest with a clean soul and stand up for what you believe in. Remember, we’re all on borrowed time, including the bad times, so have fun and work out what your purpose is. But above all live for the moment, as this moment is your life.’

Has she got any extra words of wisdom for our readers?

‘It doesn’t matter if the whole room is against you, take risks, stay strong and don’t be afraid to be shot down. Keep building those relationships, be honest, and just keep going!’

Chelsea Stewart 07922 393 832 chelsea.stewart@mbplc.com 65

Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses to compete for more than £6.58milllion in prize money.

Our eighteen Group races, eight of them in Group One, have made legends of the finest thoroughbreds.

Black Caviar, Frankel, Yeats – all are Royal Ascot winners turned household names. Anticipated and revered, these five days are made for socialising. Long seen as a spectacle of fashion and style, they are referenced the world over.

Each year the meeting is broadcast to audiences around the globe, yet to experience it in person is something altogether more special.

Tuesday 14th - Saturday 18th June 2016 ascot.co.uk