FEATURE
notably, the Beckhams. “It’s not about having an ego; it’s about understanding your clients and giving them what they want in their home. You’re providing a service and we never forget that.” Kelly’s perfectionism has undoubtedly stood her in good stead as her loyal clients come back to her time and time again. “When people employ us, they employ us for life,” she states, simply. Kelly also singles out her mum for having had a profound influence upon her career. Stephanie Hoppen is a leading figure in British interiors and, like her daughter, has written countless books on the subject, as well as being an influential artist with her eponymous gallery situated on Walton Street (not far from her son, and Kelly’s brother’s, Chelsea studio). Drawn from creative stock, it was hardly surprising that Kelly jumped at the chance of designing a friend’s kitchen at the tender age of 16 and, from that, quickly developed her brand. Like her family, Kelly has strong ties to the Royal Borough with her house and design studio situated in Notting Hill. What is it about the area that you love so much? “It’s where I grew up. I was incredibly fortunate to be brought up living in such beautiful homes. Friends always joke that I start to get hives when I leave the Royal Borough but it’s true. When I drive back from the country and into Notting Hill I get a buzz.” While the designer divides her time between her town and country houses, it’s apparent that this self-confessed “city kitty’s” home is right here in the borough. With her award-winning brand and tough persona, Kelly Hoppen is a fitting figure to give advice to young entrepreneurs, which is why she was chosen as one of the judges for the BBC show, Dragons’ Den. While the designer initially had reservations about going on the show, she has since taken to it like a duck to water. “When I was first asked to do the show I thought there was absolutely no way I’d have time to do it but then after my screen test, they called up and said you have to do it, and I’m really glad I did. I’m in it to support young entrepreneurs and that’s what gives me a kick.” Kelly’s only regret so far is not having taken greater risks and invested in more projects but she tells me that she’s now learnt her lesson and plans on putting her money into everything she likes and deems worthy in the next series. Asked what sort of advice she gives to novices, she replies: “Follow your dream, be enthusiastic, be focused, be positive, believe in what you’re doing but do your research; never go out there blind.” And yet, Kelly doesn’t suffer fools gladly, shown by the way she manages her own business. “I make sure that everyone on my team knows I run a tight ship. I’m very tough in the office and I sign off every single expense that goes through, down to the new office fridge. As long as I feel
content that we’re running a successful business, then I can design.” While the austere businesswoman admits to being somewhat of a control freak when it comes to work, this is evidence of her commitment and proof of her achievements. The 54 year-old designer shows no sign of slowing down. Juggling work and motherhood, Kelly also hopes one day to design a film set and write an autobiography. I ask Kelly if there’s anything about her job she’d change. “Nothing. I don’t hate anything about it. There you go. That’s your ending. Good ending.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Ms Hoppen. kellyhoppeninteriors.com
Photography: Mel Yates
Photography: Mel Yates
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