CARDIFF LIVES
“Pontcanna is such a special place full of independent diverse businesses” your dream dinner party? This is such a hard one as there are so many amazing people I would want to attend. I’d probably say..Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, Maya Angelou, Eva Peron, Victoria Beckham and my girls, of course.
Mia Kowser The owner of Barney & Beau talks Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, and why she loves Pontcanna Hi Mia! Tell us a bit about yourself… I own and run Barney & Beau, a kids’ lifestyle store in Pontcanna which is named after my youngest two sons Barnaby and Beaumont. I’m also a mum of four, entrepreneur, feminist and supporter of women in business. You’re pretty busy then! If you do get any free time, how do you like to spend it? Free time is so limited due to my commitments as a mummy and the business but if I do get any ‘me’ time it’s spent either at yoga or dinner with friends. Where is your favourite place in Cardiff? Probably Pontcanna – it’s where my store is located so I spend most of my time there. It’s such a special place full of independent, diverse businesses including some
of the best bars and restaurants in Cardiff as well as the coolest little boutiques. It’s Cardiff’s own Notting Hill! What has been the highlight of your career so far? I’d have to say this year. Building my brand and gaining recognition so early on has been unreal. Recently we received an award for Best UK Kids Boutique at Trouva’s Independent Retailer Awards, which was amazing and seeing our brand featured in Tatler magazine was pretty special too. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you? According to my older two children I’m constantly embarrassing, although I used to think I was quite cool! Who would you invite to
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When did you last cry, and why? During the first year of the business I used to have a running joke about nipping into the back room for a cry. It was so tough starting the business after having two babies so close together. I lacked confidence and doubted myself constantly. Things are so much better now so I reserve my tears for happy moments with my fabulous four. Who would play you in a film about your life? This is really tough as I would want someone fabulous of course! I would love someone like Salma Hayek as she can play funny and you’d definitely have to be able to portray comedy for my life. What job would you be terrible at? Anything that requires patience and a slow pace. I’ve been told I have massive amounts of patience when it comes to the children but I think in a work scenario not so much. Oh, and definitely nothing with spider..eeuuurgh not for me! Who’s your celebrity crush? David Beckham. What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Barbra Streisand and too much chocolate. Which piece of music would you put on at the end of a trying day? That would definitely depend on the type of trying day but
normally something uplifting and inspiring. Beyoncé’s Run the World is always a good go to. What’s your favourite piece of clothing? My shoes. I hate to be predictable but the Christian Laboutin red soles will always have my love. What’s your earliest childhood memory? Dancing in my first dance show and being pushed to the back. I don’t know if it’s a memory or I just remember being told, but apparently I put my elbows in the air and pushed my way to the front with a big smile. I was two. What are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop in Cardiff? I love The Alchemist, and generally the bars at that end of town. But you absolutely cannot beat Pontcanna and I particularly can’t wait to try out Tommy Heaney’s new place. Tell us about a secret/ underrated Cardiff spot we might not be aware of… I would have to say Pontcanna Mews. It’s a very cool and stylish little mews with a selection of independent businesses including us, and also Canna Deli for a delicious brunch/lunch, Kiti for the most amazingly beautiful clothing and our newest addition is Secret Spin, a boutique spin studio launching soon. We’d better let you get on…. What are you doing as soon as you’ve done this? It’s a rare day off today so I’m off to take a walk around Roath Lake with my youngest Beau. n
For more: www.barneyandbeau.com