Style of the city Magazine Summer 2021

1

2

EDITOR’S LETTER

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rosie Harris

EDITORIAL & COMMUNICATIONS

Angharad Thomas Caitlin Sloman

DESIGNER & ART DIRECTOR

Catherine Smith

FASHION DIRECTOR

Karine Laudort

PHOTOGRAPHY

Justin Harris

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauren Green Luca Malacrino Polly James Saul David Stephen Truelove Sophie & Hannah Pycroft Yvonne Jones Style of the City Magazine, Castle Court, 6 Cathedral Road, Cardiff.

CF11 9LJ.

Call: 02920 647640 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

info@marcarmedia.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

rosie@marcarmedia.com

Creativity is crucial now more than ever

Creativity is the pinnacle of escapism; it can lift us in our darkest moments, boast morale and offer light relief, that’s why saving our arts communities is something I’m so passionate about.

For creatives, such as ourselves, this last year has been a real time of reflection.

For some, it has been a daunting prospect on whether their lifelong training will have relevance in these new times.

These communities have seen drastic changes, there was even a time when ad campaigns championing re-training in new skills for different careers became all the range, I will save my opinion on that.

We welcome you then to our Summer edition, for this issue I wanted to take a closer look at those that have followed their own talents and made a real impact staying true to their creative selves. We wanted to shine a light on those within the community who either via music, dance or film, inspire and uplift us.

On a sunny Friday morning, we ventured to the beautiful Cosmeston Lakes, where our fantastic photographer Justin Harris and team captured the real essence of creativity in its rawest form.

You can read the full interviews (p13) We have filled this edition with all the things you enjoy including our brand new extended ‘Shop Local Initiative’ (P8). Here you will find some of the best of what our local brands have to offer. Supporting and shopping local makes a real difference, and there are some gorgeous items to choose from.

With weddings back at the forefront, we have some fantastic wedding venues for you to choose from (P80) We are so pleased to be back delivering on-trend local FREE media straight to you, finally enjoying a cup of tea or something stronger in the garden or with loved ones at the many restaurants and bars that have finally opened back up. For a real social experience, we highly recommend ‘Bay Vibes.’ Take a look at some of the recent pics in our Social Butterflies section (P74) Thanks for picking us up x

We dedicate this issue to the memory of Nadia Pearce.

Rosie Harris

FOUNDER (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF)

www.styleofthecitymag.co.uk

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Style of the city Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine.

Instagram @styleofthecitymag Twitter @SOTCMag Facebook.com/styleofthecitymag

3

Download the app now in the App Store or on Google Play

CONTENTS

Features P10

SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE We highlight the best of what local businesses have to offer

P11

OUR COVER STARS Talk to Style of the City on ‘saving the arts’ post pandemic

P46

POLLY’S BABY BLOG Our parenting columnist, Polly James, shares her experience on celebrating milestones during lockdown

P72

SAM & SUE The power couple that broke a Guinness World Record

P80

WEDDING GUIDE From engagement rings to the magical venue, we have you covered for your perfect day

Health & Wellness P52

NUFFIELD HEALTH On sponsoring The Dance Centre, who are representing Team Wales at Dance World Cup 2021

P56

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS Our Health & Fitness columnist, Lauren Green, shares her advice on creating a daily routine

P59

HOLMES DENTAL CARE Get rid of your dental anxiety and experience high-quality private dentistry at Holmes Dental Care in Cardiff

P60

WHEN THE BRAIN FEELS THE STRAIN Mindset coach Stephen Truelove shares his advice on neuro-cognitive issues

Leisure & Lifestyle

Fashion & Beauty

P38

CASTLE FINE ART Add Alfie Bowen’s masterpieces to your collection

P68

WHAT’S ON Get back to normality this Summer. Here’s a selection of our favourite events coming to Cardiff & The Vale

P24

FASHION Our Summer must-haves

P28

MARIAN KWEI A closer look at the Celebrity Stylist and Fashion Digital Editor

P30

THE SPECTRUM SISTERS Sophie & Hannah Pycroft share their out of lockdown essential beauty products

P71

P32

IJAN DAVIES-EMRUS We take a closer look at the founder of one of Cardiff’s leading salons

CLOCKWISE Work at new stylish offices in Cardiff City Centre

P79

COOKING BY DEI Shelma Dei shares her stylish recipes

4

5

6

VOLVO CARDIFF

KALISHA GREENAWAY Service Manager at Volvo Cars Cardiff

ACCELERATING

P

through the glass ceiling

roductivity in the workplace is improved when gender equality is supported within that business. Inclusive teams make better business decisions 87 per cent of the time and a study cited by The i Paper from The Pipeline also ‘found that there is a sharp difference in the net profit margins of companies that have diverse gender leaderships compared to those that don’t’.

Businesses can be harmed by not having enough women making important decisions.

At Volvo Cars Cardiff, we are family owned and run, with inclusivity at the core of our business. The automotive industry is historically male dominated, and we want to showcase those who have broken the mould and succeeded. Kalisha Greenaway is Service Manager at our dealership; we sat down to talk to Kalisha about her experiences in the industry and what challenges and obstacles she has had to overcome in her career so far.

Q: How long have you worked at Volvo Cars Cardiff?

Almost 11 and a half years (within both Ford and Volvo)

representing the brand.

career along the way.

Q: Why did you join Volvo Cars Cardiff?

I have previously worked in the motor trade but felt I needed a fresh start somewhere new. Volvo Cars Cardiff felt inviting and a good place to start my career path.

Q: Have you encountered pervasive stereotypes, and lack of mentoring because you are a female and if so how have you combatted these societal behaviours to succeed?

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Volvo Cars Cardiff?

The bond I have with my team, the family feel. In addition, the opportunities I have gained throughout my time here.

Q: What would you say/advice to other women looking to break into a historically male dominated industry?

Give it a try. It may be for some and not for others, but the industry needs the female touch and change these stereotypes and how people see the motor industry.

Q: For those women who may be put off by the industry, what advice would you give to those?

Go for it! The world is changing and we need to break down the barriers and see more equality within all industries. You can be a part of that and potentially have a great

Q: What daily duties does your role hold?

Running the Volvo service department, looking after a team of 12 staff members.

Providing a good customer service whilst

7

Yes, being one of the first females to join the Volvo team some time ago now, it was challenging and not all customers warmed to me at first as they were used to seeing a male. Especially being in the Service department with the technical side of things. I invited customers in, showed them that I was there to help, and was determined to gain their trust whilst providing a good customer service. I used my skills and knowledge to do this and over time, customers become fond of to me and often now ask for me specifically. My line manager (Nerys Jenkins) is also a female whom has been in the trade for a long time, which is a rare thing. I have learned a lot from her over the years and could see her own success, so I knew that I could have the same if I worked hard and could face any challenges that I was presented with.

THE SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE Kiti Cymru

Kiti Cymru is a multi-award-winning boutique set in the heart of Pontcanna. A fiercely independent boutique with a unique edit of collections, selling the very best from global fashion houses such as Ganni, Anine Bing, Faithfull and many more.

www.kiticymru.com

Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones Jewellery is located in the beautiful town of Cowbridge. Amanda is passionate about creating a magical and personal shopping experience for her customers.

She has used her 20 years experience to build a relationship with many leading stockists here in the UK and Europe, such as Uno de 50, Anna Beck, Chlobo, SVP rings and many more.

www.amandajonesjewellery.co.uk

The

SHOP LOCAL Initiative

Now more than ever, local businesses need our help. In every issue, we at Style of the City will highlight the best of what our local brands have to offer in our Shop Local Initiative.

Propper Platters

Proper Platters is artistic grazing at its finest. Proper Platters has grown from small private events into huge jaw dropping grazing tables for parties and corporate events for brands such as Golly Slater Wales, Land Rover and Hugh James.

Platters start from £25.00.

www.properplatters.co.uk

The Elephant’s Ear

Situated in the heart of the Lakeside community, The Elephants Ear is an independent plant shop specialising in indoor, tropical, and outdoor plants, cacti, and succulents.

They offer plants that range from easy care to rare finds, so you’ll find the perfect plant for your Urban Jungle.

www.theelephantsear.com

8

SPONSORED Academy Platform in Cardiff Bay

Academy@Platform is part of a family-owned group of speciality coffee shops with a euro cafe bar twist, situated in the grounds of the renovated Platform offices and next to the exit of Cardiff Bay railway station. Academy@Platform is the perfect place to start your day with an early morning coffee and breakfast, meet with colleagues for a working lunch or catch up with friends after work for a beer and cocktails. Whether you need a caffeine fix or you want to indulge in our cocktails, fine wines or our beers the choice is yours! Spend your weekend evenings relaxing with a tailored range of speciality drinks.

www.academycoffee.co.uk/academy-platform

Aspirations UK

Aspirations UK, in Barry, is the official stockist of Frenchic Chalk paint and sells furniture, home accessories, gifts and industrial items. They also offer a Commission Service, which includes upcycling furniture, front doors and kitchens.

The business encourages people to upcycle instead of buying new and the process helps reduce quality furniture ending up in landfills.

Pictured: The green chest of drawers has been upcycled using Victory Lane from the Al Fresco range and Browning wax has been put over the top to give it more depth.

Upcycled chest of drawers £265.00 www.aspirationsbarry.co.uk

Blossom & Nectar

Blossom and Nectar is an independent retailer that focuses on nature, sustainability and supporting trade industries without harming our environment. They sell a collection of carefully curated artizans and their own branded items too, such as honey, gin, candles, soaps and bath salts. The sustainable brand uses no single use materials or plastic; everything is recycled, recyclable or both. Each product is chemical free, organic where possible and always cruelty free.

www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

Anastasiou Designs

Anastasiou Designs creates contemporary wood-turned homeware, a traditional technique with a modern design language. The shapes are inspired by Scandinavian design but with a contemporary spin.

Everyday products that celebrate nature and pay respect to the wood’s natural form and qualities.

Pictured: These dried flower vases can be purchased individually or as a set of three. The sets are made from the same species of local and sustainably sourced welsh wood in varying heights. Teardrop shaped, unique and all one of a kind. These vases are only suitable for dried flower use.

Single from £20.00 Set from £75.00 www.anastasioudesigns.com 9

THE SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE Tiafi Jewellery

Renowned designer, Emma-Kate Francis and her husband Dylan, have recently launched new business Tiafi Jewellery with a unique concept behind the brand. Each piece is individually stunning, but did you know that all the jewellery pieces connect together?

The indented charm on the ‘You’ Star Bracelet (pictured) connects with the raised charm on the ‘Me’ Star Bracelet, Necklace, Earrings and Signet Rings. All pieces are available in sterling silver and 18ct Gold.

Charm Bracelets from £49, Necklaces from £59, Stud Earring from £45 and Signet Rings from £75 www.tiafi.com

Empowered Women Fitness

Want to do work out at home without breaking the bank on weights and equipment? Empowered Women Fitness, highquality fabric, resistance bands provide challenging resistance to suit your needs, enabling you to do a leg day wherever you go. If you have weights, these products are also useful for activating your glutes before weight training or adding an extra challenge to your session.

Fabric Resistance Bands £15.00 www.empoweredwomenfitness.co.uk

Rosemary’s Holistic Beauty Corner

In need of some escapism from your daily stress?

Rosemary’s Holistic Beauty Corner is owned by an independent holistic and beauty therapist, who has over 9 years experience in the industry. It’s based in VV Beauty Boutique Salon and offers mobile pampering in around South Wales.

Rosemary’s Holistic Beauty Corner now offers spa party events and retailing its own specially blended skin care range, which will be ready for Summer 2021.

www.rosemarysholisticbeautycorner.co.uk

Doctor Bobs Balloons

Doctor Bobs Balloons has a variety of exciting and original must-have balloon designs tailored for all occasions from centrepieces, organic arrangements, home deliveries, artful arches and glistening garlands; the possibilities are endless.

Check out their website and Instagram for all their eyecatching ‘Balloon Bouquet’ ideas and vast range of balloons.

You can now also visit them in store; opening times are available on the website.

www.doctorbobsballoonsunlimited.com

10

SPONSORED Wing Stack

The perfect ‘wing’ destination in Cardiff. Wing Stack offers mouth-watering, tasty meat and vegan options, such as their signature wings. You’ll find an array of wings, burgers and ‘tings’ which are full of flavour.

Every single dish has its own signature style, from popular classics to indulgent favourites, there’s something for everyone’s taste.

@wingstackuk

House of Indy

The latest toddler tie dye t-shirt brand. House of Indy is a new small business, selling one-of-a-kind designs. Every single t-shirt from the House of Indy collection is unique; each garment is dyed by hand, right here in the UK.

Purple Spiral Bolt T-Shirt £15.99 www.houseofindy.co.uk

Want to see your business in our next issue?

Studio Muse Pontcanna

Curated with a conscious eye and a touch of lux, this beautiful store, located in the heart of Pontcanna, is dedicated to self-care within the genres of beauty, skin, bath, fragrance and fresh flowers. Studio Muse is renowned in Cardiff its luxurious products and blooming spectacular floral displays. The Pontcanna store offers purely vegan and local British products, from bespoke face creams to hand-made candles.

To get your business noticed in our next Shop Local Initiative, email info@marcarmedia.com

www.studiomusepontcanna.co.uk

11

12

INTERVIEWS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Justin Harris @justinharrisphotography STYLIST: Jade Nadia @jnl.styling MAKEUP ARTIST: Clarise Stark @makeupbyclarise HAIR: Mwah, Cardiff CLOTHING: Black PR @blackprgroup Dati @daticlothing

13

INTERVIEWS

LEANNE & SARA PEARCE The Cardiff sisters who left a historic mark on the UK’s music scene

Leanne and Sara Pearce, who are known as DJ Precious and Tiger S, are sisters from Cardiff who gained fame in the early 2000s.

Leanne became the first black female DJ on BBC Radio Wales and a previous member of Ladies First, who hit No.5 in the UK Dance Singles Chart with their single “I Can’t Wait”. Whilst Sara was a part of the British UK garage and hip-hop collective, So Solid Crew, which gained huge success and credited as being pioneers in the UK music scene. We sit down with the sisters who share their rollercoaster of a journey, childhood memories of growing up in Butetown and what they are up to now in their careers.

When did you realise that you both had a passion for music, and how did your

childhood reflect this?

Leanne: When I was 8 years old my school put my poem forward for a competition, which I won and ended up being published.

I then started writing poetry and realised if I can write poems, I can write songs.

We’re from a musical family, our Dad was always playing the saxophone and there was always music playing in the house, from maracas to vinyl.

Sara: We used to perform together as sisters and pretend we were on ‘Top of the Pops’ and then it happened. Our parents had a huge part in our love for music, our dad used to have parties and run nightclubs, so we were constantly in that environment and surrounded by Jazz. They also took us to festivals like Glastonbury, WOMAD,

14

Elephant Fayre etc. So, we were always listening to live music.

After my older sister Nadia Pearce passed away, I wanted to be a solicitor to finish what she never could, but Leanne encouraged me to follow my own path. So, I started singing at the start of her DJ sets and that’s how my music career began.

Leanne, tell us how you started DJing?

Leanne: I was 13 when Nadia passed away and I was just wild after it, I used to joyride and all sorts. I knew a guy called Kervin Julien who was about to start up this community radio, and at the time I really wanted to be a journalist. So, he let me take care of the news department. I never thought I would be a DJ at this point. Jenny Jo was meant to be Bay FM’s DJ and I was meant to

15

Talk us through the process of how you were scouted for ‘Ladies First’?

Leanne: From Bay FM I got spotted to go on BBC Radio and had my own show for a year and a half on a Saturday night; I was the youngest black DJ on BBC Radio Wales at that time. This is when I started getting recognition from London producers. From there, Sara and I decided to go to a music conference in Miami. Out there we met DJ Matt White, he wanted us to meet his friend Jade (Polydor Records) back in London who was starting up a band called ‘Ladies First’.

From there, I was then signed to a huge music

“

WHEN PEOPLE want to tear YOU DOWN, you must be POWERFUL

“

read out the news part of it; Jenny could not make that day, so I had to play the music as well, live on air, at 14 years old. As soon as I did it, I loved it and I was addicted. The radio station definitely saved me, and it became a family affair as the years went on.

deal. I had my daughter when I was 17 years old, she was around 4 years old when I had

16

to move to London, and it was hard; I was constantly missing her.

Sara: So, I put everything on hold and became the ‘Nanny’ so that we could all be together.

Leanne: The music scene really changed, things got a lot darker. I felt that being signed meant that I was a product and my creative control and feelings were pushed aside. I was scared, I didn’t know the business like I do now. It was a very personal decision to leave the group. I still hold a lot of love for all the ladies, looking back I feel it was the right thing to do.

Sara, becoming part of the biggest garage group the UK has ever seen and being part of that movement, what did that feel like?

So, we grew up with Harvey from So Solid and he’d previously worked with Leanne and I had previously met Megaman [founder

INTERVIEWS of So Solid Crew] in Bristol. One day I got a call from him saying that Lisa was ill and wasn’t able to perform, so could I cover for her, which ended up being my first gig with them as ‘Tiger S’ at the O2 Arena.

I got there and was so nervous, I didn’t even know her parts, so I had to learn it on the way. After the performance, Megs said to me that he owed me a favour, so I asked if I could write a track with him. He came up and we wrote the chorus to ‘Ride With Us’. We recorded it a couple of weekends later; then the label said that they wanted to sign me and wanted me on the album.

It was crazy being a part of this group, the crowds use to mob us if we were all out together. When I was in it, I thought it was amazing; it was just fun for me. It happened so quick that it was a pinch-me moment, as one minute I’m pretending to be on ‘Top of

the Pops’ and the next minute I actually am.

I didn’t really get a chance to think of the severity of it and how big it actually was.

Did you realise you were making history and paving the way for future black artists, as nothing like this had happened before?

We did know, as people were trying to stop it. So, we knew we were a force to be reckoned with as people didn’t want us [So Solid Crew] to tour. When people want to tear you down, you must be powerful. There was so many of us, we were so talented, if we were to branch out, we would have taken over.

How did you grow as a person during this time Sara, and what did it teach you?

Wow, that’s a good question. It taught me to go for whatever I wanted and to believe in

17

myself. The support system we had really kept us grounded and we didn’t forget our roots or where we came from. But it definitely taught us to follow our dreams.

What’s are you both doing now?

Leanne: Currently I have a series of mixes being broadcast on BBC Radio Wales and I present my weekly drive time show on MiHouse Radio (Wednesday 5-7pm). I’m also busy in the studio recording my own solo ep with Welsh super producer Paul Lyons. My first track ‘Feel it in the Air’ will be released this summer!

Sara: I work with children at SEAPIA (Sands End Associated Projects In Action) hoping to inspire and support the next generation to follow their dreams and aspirations. I know first-hand that if you believe in yourself you can achieve all your heart desires!

18

INTERVIEWS

LEIGHTON WALL

Professional dancer, choreographer and founder of the Welsh Ballroom Community Leighton Wall is a professional dancer, choreographer and creative director based in Cardiff. He recently founded the first Welsh Ballroom Community, to celebrate Cardiff’s ballroom scene and helps to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

What inspired you to become a dancer?

What inspired me to become a dancer was my first introduction to different types of dance styles in my local youth centre, which was Butetown Youth Pavilion. They had a dance team, and they were called ‘Butetown Dancers’ who were all girls when I saw them; I think I was the only guy there. I just couldn’t stop watching them dance; I would sit there and just be mesmerised.

Apart from seeing that, I definitely would say Michael Jackson influenced me. I was obsessed with Michael Jackson when I was a kid and got to see him live at Cardiff Arms Park. Also, coming from somewhere like Butetown, it’s very multicultural. You’re always around music; people would always be singing and dancing.

What style of dance are you most passionate about and what style of dance do you think is the most fun to teach?

So I would say the style of dance I enjoy

teaching the most is Street Dance. underneath the Street Dance umbrella there is a lot of different styles, you have old school styles like popping, locking, breaking and then new school styles. I feel like Street Dance is my forte, that’s what I have trained in and that’s what I continue to train and learn new things in. I’ve trained in contemporary, ballet and other styles in the past but Street Dance is what I’ve zoned in on.

Voguing is another Street Dance style that spoke to me; it’s a beautiful form of art when you see people voguing organically.

I definitely want to specialise in that style eventually.

Can you tell us about how you started the Welsh Ballroom Community and how it has created a safe space for those in the LGBTQ+ Community?

The ballroom scene is an international community. So I started training with the Bristol Ballroom Community by an invite from a friend who runs there open training sessions, I teach weekly in Bristol so I was travelling back and forth to teach and train for awhile. I then had the idea of starting a Ballroom Community in Wales, with the support from Kyle London Tisci who is a part of The Impeccable Haus Of Tisci the Welsh

19

Ballroom Community was founded which was long overdue as there was nothing like this in Wales.

It is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ as they can be themselves, without the fear of being judged. For many, we are a chosen family, as some have previously been kicked out or disowned from there families.

The creative arts sector has been heavily affected by lockdown, what do you think needs to be done by the government to save the arts in Cardiff?

I would like the government to take us more seriously. This industry is a billion-pound business, and it should be respected as such.

The arts sector has been a saviour to many over lockdown, I don’t think it’s going anywhere. In the first lockdown, I was doing dance challenges to try and lift people’s spirits and to do something fun to give back to the community. As a sector, I feel that we’re stronger than the government think.

What’s next for you?

Continuing to develop, educate and build an authentic Welsh Ballroom Community is my main priority; it’s really important for me to continue having this safe space for the LGBTQ+ Community in Wales.

20

INTERVIEWS

LIANA STEWART Producer & Director from Cardiff

Liana Stewart is a Producer and Director from Cardiff with over 10 years experience creating documentaries for television. She recently produced the BBC documentary ‘Black & Welsh’. We find out more about this incredible Welsh creative.

What inspired you to become a director?

Spike Lee! I initially wanted to make feature films and put myself in those films as an actor just like he did. But I didn’t get into the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; I was on the reserve list for the whole summer, so I decided to study a documentary degree instead.

Have you always been interested in the creative industry?

I’ve always been interested in the creative industry, from wanting to be Whitney Houston as a kid (didn’t have the voice unfortunately), to a backing dancer, to studying musical theatre and acting (I was a guard in Dr Who, 10 seconds of fame) I’ve always loved being creative. I’m very much an extrovert and I think that comes from my mum who always encouraged me to be and do whatever I enjoyed.

What do you feel has been your biggest achievement, in your career, to date?

My biggest achievements happened last year, one being my short film for Channel 4’s shorts series, Take Your Knee Off My Neck, which featured my very first short form documentary called My First Time about racism and then Black and Welsh for BBC Wales which was a celebration of identity. I’d say both documentaries have my stamp as a director, which I’m extremely proud of.

Tell us more about your recent BBC documentary, Black & Welsh?

I was approached by Producer Catryn Ramasut from IeIe Productions who felt a documentary about being black and welsh was overdue. The inspiration came from the brilliant documentary Black and Scottish by Stewart Kyasimire. With the support and encouragement from Catryn, BBC Wales and the black Welsh community I was able to make a film which was a celebration of identity but also not shying away from difficult topics which are unique to the black Welsh community. I loved making it as I felt I learnt so much about black people in Wales and the experiences of those outside of Cardiff, which were so different to where I grew up in multicultural Butetown.

21

Did you find any challenges whilst breaking into this industry?

The creative industry is well known to be difficult to get in to, but I think there’s an extra layer when you are black and working class. It usually means you don’t have the financial support to do multiple work experience placements or move to the bigger cities easily. I had to work full-time hours doing work experience whilst working part time in the evenings which was very difficult but had to be done in order to gain experience. I also had to save to move to London and then had multiple jobs to survive before getting my first gig in TV, jobs included promo work, admin jobs and working in a storage unit!

What boundaries do you hope to break/ continue to break in your industry?

I hope to support young black and workingclass people whenever I can and give them the knowledge I have about the industry in order for them to navigate it and know the pitfalls. I want to make content that is current, innovative and truthful. I’m really keen on working in Wales again and creating documentaries which are forward thinking and don’t conform to stereotyping Welsh people.

Cardiff’s theatres have been closed since March 2020, leaving the arts sector as a whole tremendously impacted by COVID restrictions.

The sense of community within this sector is unlike any other, with many driven by passion for work that they genuinely love. Therefore, not only has this predominantly freelance workforce faced financial difficulty, but it has been battling to preserve an entire lifestyle and support group. We checked in with members of the community to find out what they’re up to and how the pandemic has affected their lives.

ARTS IN LOCKDOWN Cardiff ’s Creative Community

Kate Verity Kate works part time as an Arts Officer for Caerphilly County Borough Council, but the rest of her usual income as a Freelance Artist has decreased due to postponed and cancelled projects.

On theatre closures, Kate commented that there have been “quite a few discrepancies and imbalances” in Westminster government treatment of the sector.

“Why should people be allowed to sit in ‘bubbles’ inside a pub and order drinks and food to their tables, but they couldn’t sit in bubbles at cabaret style tables, distanced, within an auditorium?”

On the future of the arts, Kate commented that “the current Westminster government doesn’t see the value of the arts and theatre, and so these are the areas first cut back on when money is tight”. For more information, visit https://blackwoodminersinstitute.com/arts-development

Jon Cox For his own business, Real Audio Visual Entertainment, Jon works as a Sound Engineer/Technical Production Manager for theatrical productions, festivals and corporate events.

Although some projects have gone ahead, Jon commented that “most of [his] work is impossible to do from home, as it is event based”. Having signed a pledge to work in the local area and boost communities post-COVID, Jon received a freelancer grant from the Welsh Government.

Jon anticipates that the decrease in opportunities will remain, but has used this time to take part in technical training courses, hoping to “branch out and develop broader skills” as the industry adapts toward more live streamed events, podcasts and sound design opportunities.

22

INTERVIEWS Francesca Pickard Francesca is a Freelance Director, Facilitator and Arts Project Manager. Taking on a wide range of roles, she has worked predominantly in youth arts for twenty years.

As part of the steering group for Youth Arts Network Cyrmu, Fran has been “really pleased” to see young people adapt to online working. However, when unessential shops amongst other businesses opened, Francesca commented that it “felt like the arts were being marginalised”, knowing plenty of theatre makers willing to take steps to share live work in a safe way.

“We need to recognise the fundamental right of all young people to have fair access to arts and cultural experiences and we need to value the impact of the arts in everyone’s lives, especially our most vulnerable and those for whom other opportunities for expression and interaction may be limited”.

For more information, visit https://yanc.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/CaerphillyYouthTheatrePage

Zak Peterffy Zak is an aspiring actor, gaining experience in the industry whilst working another job for income.

With production company Snoozedays, made up of university friends, Zak was cast in the original play Cicero before the pandemic. The group continued throughout 2020 by “grabbing [their] moment” whenever possible to rehearse with masks in an empty storage unit, before releasing the play for a month online. Zak commented optimistically, “for me this was pretty cool as I’ve always wanted to do more work with cameras!”

“I cannot tell you how good it felt when we finally wrapped! Not because ‘thank god this is over’ more for the fact of ‘we actually did it!’”

For more information, visit https://www.snoozedays.com/

Jaydan Alexander Jaydan graduated with a Fine Art degree in 2020, and aspires to transition into theatre research and development to make educational plays for schools on LGBT topics. He advocates that more correct representation of transgender identities in theatre would be a “game changer” as it “makes you feel seen”.

Current plans however, are “up in the air”, with previous opportunities to develop his skills having fallen through amidst a “definite drop” in new opportunities.

Whilst working in retail for income, Jaydan is now gaining experience as a set designer for a sitcom pilot.

Follow Jaydan on Instagram @jaydanalexanderart

23

FASHION

By Malina Vienna Dress - £390

Faithfull the Brand Flora Midi Dress - £209

BA&SH Cecile Playsuit - £155

Pink City Prints Rah Rah Dress - £170 Essential Antwerp Zanzai Kimono - £225

Veja Trainers - £120

Pink City Prints Tasmin Dress - £165

Becksondergaard Studded Molly Bag - £175

KITI CYMRU

is a multi-award winning boutique set in the heart of Pontcanna. A fiercely independent boutique with a unique edit of collections, selling the very best from global fashion houses.

Veja Trainers - £115 Essential Antwerp Zissa Pleated Kaftan - £215 Ganni Georgette Mini Dress - £125

Ganni Sleeveless Shirt - £125 Poppy Field Esmerelda Dress - £124

Essential Antwerp Zebel Maxidress - £225 Date Trainers Pony White Leather - £150

24

FASHION

ZARA Cowboy Boots £29.99

ZARA Three Piece Suit £105

H&M Beige Suit £50

MANGO Sunglasses £12.99

MILLIE CHARLES-DAVIES

CHARITY SHOP Black Blazer £5

is a fashion content creator and founder of virtual personal styling platform, Florence Style Club. Millie is known for her minimal and timeless wardrobe aesthetic, which carries her from season to season. Her top tips for building a long lasting and versatile wardrobe is to only purchase items that you can envision pairing with the rest of your wardrobe.

Buy pre-loved as much as possible.

Stick to a neutral colour palette. If in doubt, accessorise!

This is the perfect way to elevate any outfit.

If you are ever feeling uninspired with your wardrobe, look on Pinterest and pick out some of your favourite looks and try to recreate them using what you already have.

BY ROTATION Rental Platform Chanel Handbag £45

TK MAXX Black Boots £29.99

ZARA Faux Leather Dress £29.99

ZARA Backless Dress £79.99

NASTY GAL Sunglasses £7

25

FASHION

26

FASHION

27

MARIAN KWEI

Photo: Lois Goswell

MARIAN KWEI

Celebrity Stylist & Fashion Digital Editor at Large

M

arian Kwei (formerly Marian Kihogo) is a British 39-year-old London based Celebrity Personal Stylist, Creative Consultant and Digital Editor of Ghanaian heritage.

With 20 years experience, her background includes styling celebrities from the worlds of fashion, beauty, art, music, film, TV and more for events, press and editorial.

As a Digital Editor Kwei has worked as the UK Editor of now defunct high-fashion digital magazine, Dirrty Glam and Fashion Editor of former Glossy Magazine. She was also a contributing Digital Editor for print magazine, PUSH IT. In the present day she is now the co-founder and editor of luxury high fashion digital magazine, Story.

The publication tells the untold stories in Fashion, Beauty and Culture.

Kwei has worked as a Creative Consultant for brands, platforms, publications and personalities spanning varying sectors such

as Fashion, Beauty, Design, Entertainment, Hospitality and more.

Aside from her work in 2009, Kwei launched the award-winning platform, Mariankihogo.com that saw collaborations with the likes of Marc Cain, Dolce & Gabbana, St Martin’s Lane Hotel to name a few. Listed in British Vogue’s online blog directory, the blog attained the best in international press. Today she edits a new fashion, beauty and culture blog called Marian K. Magazines, digital platforms and more have hailed Kwei as a style inspiration, innovator and influence.

Marian Kwei’s Top 5 Fashion Tips 1. My Vogue tip (I once was asked by Vogue Italia for a fashion tip in a spotlight interview): “Trends are fickle but innate style should be lauded, celebrated and put on a pedestal. Life is too short to worry about ‘dos and don’ts of fashion. My constant only ‘do’ is ‘Wear what you feel!”

2. Know you: Your body type, your face shape, your body measurements. Know what you like, what you gravitate to & learn

28

what works for you. This means you will shop better, smarter & more effectively.

You will save money and develop a curated wardrobe that will work for you.

3. Immerse yourself in culture: Watch films, discover new music, feast your eyes on art, start reading new authors, indulge in design and more… This will open your eyes and develop your taste in fashion.

4. Be daring: Dare to negate convention.

Dare to try something new and to approach fashion with confidence. Pair bright colours together, clash a spotted print with a floral, try a new garment length, explore a new brand etc…

5. Enjoy yourself: The fashion industry makes fashion seem super serious but the people in the know, know that it is meant to be enjoyed. Have fun with it! Enjoy your own style experience & what you wear: This will change your outlook and invariably your life.

For more information on Marian Kwei, visit https://marian-kwei.squarespace. com and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @marian_kwei.

29

HAIR & BEAUTY

SPECTRUM

THE ART OF MAKEUP

I

t’s fair to say we can all appreciate a sharp winged liner, a pop of bright lipstick and a beautifully blended makeup look. We’re both firm believers that the application of makeup is most definitely an art form just ask any makeup artist - it’s right there in the name.

However you don’t have to be a makeup artist to have fun with makeup and hone your skills.

Sophie and Hannah Pycroft are the sisters behind the incredibly successful Spectrum Collections, the fabulous makeup brush brand taking the world by storm.

Launching their brand from their garage in Wales, Spectrum Collections has grown at an incredible rate, their brushes are loved by countless celebrities, and have been called the “World’s most Instagrammable.” In their exclusive column for Style of the City the sisters will be sharing their beauty and makeup advice as well as highlighting some of their must-have Spectrum Collections brushes.

30

When we started Spectrum we set out to create premium brushes and tools for all beauty lovers not just professionals, because makeup is for everyone so that’s one of the founding principles of our brand. With endless Instagram tutorials just a scroll away there has never been a better time to put your brushes to work and practice your skills.

Your face is your canvas and there are no rules when it comes to makeup, even better - you can just wash it off and start again.

Like anything though, good preparation is key so don’t forget to moisturise and prime your skin before you start getting creative with pigment. We both love Obagi Hydrate

BEAUTY more creative our go-to look would be an easy colour-wash eye with lashings of Dark Matter Mascara. There’s just something about wearing colour that lifts our mood, try blues and golden shadows on brown eyes, bronze and orange shades on blue eyes and purples and rose gold tones on green eyes.

as a splurge or Weleda Skin Food as a saver option, hydrated skin is happy skin and it’ll help to achieve a more flawless finish if your base is prepped.

Experiment and have fun with makeup, play with different colour palettes, tones and textures this will all help you discover your signature style. Day to day we both wear very minimal makeup, a bit of concealer, brows and mascara but when we’re feeling

You don’t need hundreds of makeup brushes to create a full makeup look. We find that using the same brush for say contour and blush works really well to achieve a healthy glow whilst softening and blending the two products together, just like mixing different paints. The same goes for makeup products, a solid lipstick can double-up as a cream blush, a top tip our mum used to share with us. Dab a little onto your cheeks and blend out with your fingers. We love Charlotte Tilbury Kidman’s Kiss for this which is a

really flattering peach toned lipstick.

Our most recent launch was with professional makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes who we collaborated with to create

31

a completely unique set of makeup brushes, all of which are inspired by paint brushes.

Katie has been a huge inspiration to us

Katie Jane Hughes Instagram @katiejanehughes within the makeup industry. Not only does she paint the faces of her celebrity clients from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Ashely Graham but the way she plays with wearable colour is genius, watching her Instagram stories will turn you into makeup artist in no time. Like us, Katie is a big champion of just having fun with makeup so pick up your brushes and go for it, because with the right tools we are all artists.

Follow the sisters: @spectrumsophie @spectrumhannah

OCEAN HAIRDRESSING

IJAN DAVIES-EMRUS There’s more to hairdressing than meets the eye

I

Germany, Poland, Marbella, Slovenia, Estonia, Austria, Norway and Finland but have also worked further afield in Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and America.

jan Davies-Emrus, founder of Ocean Hairdressing and co-founder of the hairdressing education platform HUSTL.ED, shares his day-to-day routine as one of Cardiff’s most successful stylists.

I travel to deliver cutting seminars, business seminars and motivational talks; speaking about the insights that four decades working within the industry has taught me and also about the great mentors I have been lucky to work with over the last few decades.

In my time, I have been very fortunate to collaborate and build relationships globally, all thanks to my love of all things hair. So, here is a typical few days in the life of a professional hairdresser.

I work in my salon, Ocean, every day; however, I cut hair three days a week, which allows me time to work on other projects the remaining days and mentor my team to become as successful as they dare to dream.

Nothing gives me more pleasure than helping someone to achieve their goals and realise their ambitions, it’s quite magical when you see someone with passion and talent reaching their goals after you’ve helped point them in the right direction.

Travel is a big part of working with the

A typical 24 hours when we are in full swing looks something like this…

brand Joico, which is a global haircare brand. They are a perfect fit for me and have been for the last 12 years. I work closely with my area supplier, Salon Concepts, and with the headquarters in Europe based in Eindhoven, Holland. I work mainly throughout Europe in places like Italy,

32

I get up early usually woken by our children, who are aged 5, 7 and 11, who seem to have an in-built alarm clock at 6 am-6:30 am. I am not a fan of mornings… no matter how early I go to bed. Help get the kids sorted for school and out of the house by 8:25 am, often while checking for any important overnight emails (I work globally, so time zones are often a factor).

I get into work at 9 am/9:30 am, after spending the first hour answering emails or working on projects that might be pending

before I hit the salon. If it’s a day of clients I usually see 8/10 clients a day and I’m pretty much fully booked every day for several weeks in advance. Not bad for the city’s most expensive stylist, even if I do say so myself; I must be doing something right!

weeks to get everything in place, ready to hit the ground running on arrival.

I then head straight to the prep area, where I meet the models for the first time and start casting who will be suitable for what looks we have planned for the show. Once the

If it’s not a client day, I will be focusing on training the team or one of the salon upcoming talents for a couple of hours; then it will be on meetings with suppliers or salespeople. These could be for new products or launches or something brand new for the team.

prep is done, we rehearse ready for show day, which is usually the following day.

Show days are stressful but fun all at the same time.

Time to pack up all the equipment and either get a late flight home or get to a hotel and get a few hours of sleep before getting an early flight; so, I can be back in the salon that day or be doing the school run if I’m back in time.

I often collaborate with Paul in the evenings, at the salon or from home, to participate in our live online seminars for our private education clients who have signed up to the HUSTL.ED education platform. Our aim is to educate and inspire the next generation of school leavers to consider and choose hairdressing as a truly professional, vibrant, skilful career option and not for people who are only “good with their hands”. The sky is absolutely the limit and like any profession, you will get out what you put in.

I love editorial hair photography and I usually have a few ideas I’m testing and playing around with, sometimes with professional photographers or makeup artists and sometimes with other hairdressers from all over Europe. This is fun and creative, and I love sharing and learning with other talented stylists.

At this level of hairdressing, in the UK, the work can be very London centric, so trains play a big part in what I do. I love the journey and find it’s where I can often be most productive and get some really good ideas and inspiration.

Then the whole process starts again.

I couldn’t imagine living a life without hairdressing; I love it more now than I ever have before. I’m so lucky to have worked so hard and been blessed with so many experiences, all through my love of people and hair!

Equally, I could be at an airport on my way to deliver a cutting seminar or doing a show for a product launch; these are booked months in advance and the prep work takes

For more information, follow Ijan on Instagram @ijandaviesemrusjoico_

33

34

35

HOMES & INTERIORS

LOOKING TO START A MORTGAGE?

Look no further than West Quay Estates & Lettings

W

est Quay Estates and Lettings Ltd, the premier estate and lettings agents in Barry, aim to provide a high-quality service with a personal touch and at very competitive prices. Our Lettings Team will guide you step by step through the process of letting or renting a property.

We have based ourselves at the heart of the exciting regeneration of Barry Waterfront to meet the high demand of landlords and tenants.

Every year we help people to sell or let their properties. With our expertise, we’ll get you moving too. We put all of our local knowledge and experience to good use to create a marketing plan that’s right for you – that’s what being a great estate agent is all about.

Your home is likely to be your biggest

financial asset and we never forget that.

• We have unrivalled local knowledge, and we make it our business to know the area like the back of our hand.

• We are speaking to local buyers all of the time, so we know exactly what they’re looking for.

36

• Our branch is right in the middle of the local community in the heart of Barry waterfront which means we’re available to talk face-to-face.

We’d love to Sell or Let your property, why not call us to book a free valuation Mortgages.

WEST QUAY

are pleased to introduce our in-house mortgage advisor, Martyn Shaw

Martyn specialises in helping buyers find the right mortgage for them so that they can purchase the home that fits their lifestyle and budget.

Martyn is an associate with Pure Property Finance and is totally independent acting only on behalf of and in the interests of clients. He searches the “Whole of the Mortgage Market” within the UK, ensuring you get the right mortgage for your circumstances and credit history.

What is essential when starting to apply for a mortgage?

Preparation is key, so have everything available to achieve the most accurate outcome. When preparing for an application/ conversation it is important to have an up-to-date income; ideally have your latest 3 months’ payslips and P60 available, or the last 2 years tax year calculations and overview for self-employed applicants.

It is also important to know your existing commitments and consider a realistic budget that is affordable each month. It is also a requirement that you have a deposit, based on the current climate the minimum expectation from most lenders when considering purchases is 5%.

Mortgage Advice in our Barry Office Whether you’re looking for your first home, buy to let property or looking to save money on your current mortgage, contact Martyn today for a completely free, no-obligation, initial financial review. Better still, call into our offices on Wednesdays when Martyn will be available to talk face to face and arrange an appointment to establish what it is you are looking for.

The most exciting changes to affect the mortgage market recently is the reintroduction of 95% of products for first time buyers. For a long time, mortgage

37

lenders were asking for a minimum of a 10% deposit which was preventing many people from buying their first home, as it was unrealistic. The good news for first time buyers is that the mortgage lenders attitude has now changed and there are now many lenders across the market offering 95% products. Also, rates have been gradually reducing over the last few months so now is an ideal time to secure yourself a low rate and reduced monthly payments. Products range from 2 years up to ten years so can easily decide how long you want that peace of mind for.

Contact Martyn at our Mortgage office on 01446 506070 [option 5].

CASTLE FINE ART

T

CASTLE FINE ART

ypically, this season brings with it associations of new beginnings, flowers opening to herald the end of dark and colder days, and we emerge from our winter hibernations reinvigorated by the promise of brighter times ahead. Clichés aside, never has the sense of spring awakening been keener than now. The promise of renewed acquaintances and greater personal freedom lies tantalisingly close, as does the imminent upturn in commerce thanks to businesses reopening across the UK. This issue, poignantly titled ‘Save The Arts’, has given the team at Castle Fine Art cause to sit back and reflect on how truly fortunate they have been, in weathering the storm over this past turbulent year. While they may have had to work behind closed doors or from their homes for a great deal of it, here is a group of people who recognise how fortunate they are to have opened once more – when so many haven’t, and won’t.

So it was with a great deal of excitement and renewed optimism that the team was able to open the doors to their gallery and welcome back their much-missed collectors, and friends, once more.

They have been keen to showcase all the brand new artwork that was released during lockdown, and bring this plethora of stunning new sculptures, limited editions and original artworks to their visitors.

Excitingly, they also have a brand new artist to introduce… Alfie Bowen. Take note, this is a name to remember. 2021 is already shaping up to be a year of great significance, destined to be remembered for countless years to come, for a multitude of reasons (some we’ve already touched upon above).

For Alfie, it will no doubt come to mean a great many things, inevitably tantamount to a period of great change and flux.

Alfie’s emergence onto the art scene has been nothing short of phenomenal thus far, achieving unprecedented recognition and acclaim for his fine art photography. His

38

now-established aesthetic is formulated by delivering an achingly beautiful composition designed to tell a story within a single frame. Think of Alfie’s portraiture as the visual representation of Sir David Attenborough’s much loved narrations in a solitary snapshot, and you won’t be too wide of the mark.

Alfie’s fascination with animals began in childhood, and his enduring love for his subject matter radiates from within his work; authentic, respectful and insightful.

First experimenting with photography in 2014, he saw it as a natural progression from the hours of quiet observation he had conducted at animal sanctuaries and wildlife parks across the UK. Crucially, at a time when his autism made him a target for bullying and life became unbearable, photography became Alfie’s escape, and he credits the art form with ultimately saving his life.

One of the many reasons that Alfie’s

Through An Autistic Eye – due to be published later this year. Happily, we need not wait until then to experience the animal kingdom through Alfie’s singular gaze. His debut limited editions, each hand-signed and presented in expertly-chosen framing by our in-house team, are now available to view in the gallery.

Castle Fine Art has never been more delighted to invite you to pop into the gallery the next time you’re passing, to say hello, stay for a drink and enjoy all the fantastic artwork that they haven’t been able to show you during the last few months.

photography captures people’s imaginations, and attention, is the sheer amount of time he devotes to achieving the exact shot he has envisaged for a particular subject.

Renowned conservationist, presenter and author Chris Packham had this to say: “Alfie is a special photographer — he sees his subjects rather than just looking at them, he not only responds to their form, but also to their feeling. He has a keen eye for detail, ultra-detail, not in terms of resolution, but in terms of connection and emotion. And that is a rare and magnificent success.”

Grand Arcade, St David’s Dewi Sant Cardiff. CF10 2ER E: cardiff@castlefineart.com T: 02922 130 100

Much of this new work will appear in his new book – called Wild World: Nature

39

40

INTERIOR DESIGN

Lockdown Living has inspired new design trends

T

he pandemic has changed the world we inhabit profoundly and one of these changes has manifested itself in how we organise our living space. Cue the U-turn on open plan living and a return to a myriad of rooms with discrete functions.

to give your home a once-over. Begin by decluttering as the first ritual of spring.

Despite our best efforts, stuff accumulates, and this can impede making any other improvements. Once the excess clobber has been shifted it’s easier to see your home with a fresh eye.

Those people fortunate enough to have a dining room, study or spare bedroom are now happy to leave the walls that define them intact as these separate spaces are ideal for home working.

If your home doesn’t lend itself to creating an office where you can shut the door on the mayhem of family life, then why not consider a garden room? I’d advise making this room multi-functional so that you can use it as an extra bedroom. When restrictions lift and your kids come home from uni with a group of friends they can use it as a self-contained unit provided you have installed a shower and loo.

For us at Chameleon things have been very busy recently. The emphasis now seems to have veered towards objects with gravitas rather than frivolities. So, our bespoke service creating beautiful, unique pieces, such as console tables, headboards and cushions, has proved itself to be hugely

Interior design columnist Yvonne Jones has over 30 years of experience in interior design, having trained at the Royal College of Art and is founder of ‘Chameleon Interiors’ based in Pontcanna Cardiff. Yvonne regularly works for clients in London, Monaco, Italy and Spain. Her intricate eye for detail and design has seen her stay a consistent and trusted figure. popular as people want beautiful things that they won’t see anywhere else. In response to our changed world, I am also planning on setting up an online arm of Chameleon selling covetable items such as cushions in fabulous fabrics.

The warmer weather is now more or less here, and I’d advise taking advantage of the energy boost the longer, lighter days bring

41

Look at introducing some new colours.

Green is the colour of spring and when teamed with a strong colour like navy it makes quite an impact. Strong colours are in right now and I am very fond of them.

Look too at deep orange and warm blues.

You can bring in seasonal colours with new cushions and throws in colours such as primrose yellow and cherry blossom pink to add a dash of brightness.

This year, as with any other, there are trends coming to the fore. One is for using clashing patterns; they make a powerful statement in the right setting. Fun though it is to go wild, I’d be careful with a look that will date, especially if you are planning to invest in costly fabric. My designs for Chameleon’s clients are timeless rather than responsive to fashion and these designs have longevity – so you get value of your outlay.

The important thing is to create a home you love living in; it doesn’t have to be perfect.

POSH MOPS

Out with

THE OLD and in with THE NEW Spring has sprung and it is all about getting organised

W

E ARE BACK! In the last issue, ‘The Change Makers’, we introduced ourselves and explained the ethos behind our company and how, in the 21st century, people are living such busy, stressful lives and cannot keep on top of the domestic cleaning in their homes.

This is where we come in, to help ease some of that day-to-day pressure off you all when you are trying to juggle work life, home life, mum life etc.

With the business being born from an understanding of daily pressures we all face and that old saying ‘a woman’s work is never done’, we decided to expand our

our unique business, to provide any kind of help in a domestic situation.

In this issue, we are focusing on getting you ready for the new season and helping you understand the importance of not just a clean home but an organised home. Clutter contributes to stress and tension and has such a negative impact on mental health.

business and have now introduced a ‘Right Royal’ laundry service. We have moved to a new HQ that enables us to continue growing

42

We are here to declutter your surroundings and declutter your mind. We believe an organised space is extremely beneficial for people’s emotional well-being. In fact, for most people, the simple sight of a clean and organised home can help them unwind and de-stress after an overwhelming day.

We think you are all ready for that new fresh start in your lives. Our spring cleaning

just don’t have the time yourselves, so this is why we have designed a flexible service where we charge an hourly rate for whatever help you want or need in your home. With summer months in sight, there is no better time than now to get your clothes and shoes in order; especially if you have gone a bit crazy online shopping during this lockdown.

If you read our last article, you will be familiar with our favourite shoe boxes.

We can’t recommend these enough when organising wardrobes. They are such good value for money and stack so perfectly. The real bonus is that they are clear in colour, so you can easily find that perfect pair of shoes to complete that day’s outfit choice. These shoe boxes can be purchased from Amazon and eBay. A clean and organised kitchen is also a great mood lifter. If you are thinking of changing your eating habits, ready for that summer body, it’s the perfect time to sort out your food cupboards and cleaning the fridge. You have to be organised when healthy eating, so we recommend taking a trip to places like B&M or Wilko and purchasing their fridge storage boxes and cupboard baskets.

These are simple solutions that are so effective, as everything will have its place, which will save time, save space, save waste and save money.

add on services have been extremely popular lately, with the change of the season and lockdown restrictions lifting, we have had loads of requests for oven cleans, fridge cleans, kitchen/pantry organising and our special service ‘The Wardrobe Detox’.

We understand doing these jobs yourself can be time-consuming and most of you

A good scrub of the oven is a job that can take some time and some good old fashioned elbow grease, but the results are so satisfying, and the hard graft is worth it. When you can actually see your food cooking through that perfectly clean and clear glass, it really puts a smile on your face.

We have a few tips and hacks that don’t cost the earth when cleaning an oven. Fairy liquid works fabulously on that grease, Cif Cream is a winner, and this one is one of our most recent discoveries, if you don’t have a brillo pad to hand, scrunch up some kitchen foil and use it like a scourer; it does the job just as well! For those really neglected ovens and racks, we recommend an overnight soak in baking soda and vinegar, it creates a fizzing action that helps lift off that burnt on dirt.

For more information please email poshmops@hotmail.com or call 07594170384. posh_mops

43

44

45

FAMILY & EDUCATION

POLLY’S BABY BLOG

A LOCKDOWN first birthday to remember

Our parenting columnist, Polly James, shares how she spent her daughters first birthday in lockdown I had pictured and planned what my baby’s first birthday was going to be like for years.

The decorations, the buffet, the bouncy castle, all the kids playing together. It’s an emotional milestone and occasion for any new mum.

felt as though I was going to be robbed of a real achievement and a moment I’ll never get back. But as the weeks went on and the realisation of a Zoom party was looming, I was actually starting to embrace that my little girl was born into the Coronavirus era and like all the other special lockdown babies, we would need to adapt and overcome. The resounding message throughout the entire lockdown is realising how important the little things are. I was really starting to accept the fact that Indy is part of this brave quarantine generation. The story of her virtual first birthday on Zoom will be one to tell for years more. Memorable for sure!

When I gave birth last March, it felt so far away, even though we had just gone into lockdown, I thought Covid would be a distant memory a year on. Of course, we’ll be having that huge celebration I’d always dreamt of.

As the long days passed and the weeks seem to fly by, without any warning, Indy was no longer a baby who loves cwtching into me. Suddenly, she is a toddler who can’t get enough of all your phone, keys, earrings and opening every cupboard in the kitchen, every 5 minutes.

It got to December 2020 and the Covid cases were sadly on the rise again and a second lockdown was brewing. The dream of a first birthday party was fading away. The

lockdown was very much needed. I couldn’t imagine the devastation for families without the stringent restrictions in place. At first, I

46

So yes, we had a Zoom party! We had all our loved ones on the call, and we all sang a huge, horrible, out-of-tune Happy Birthday, but it was great, and we laughed, and it was special! Everyone joined in and lapped up the

POLLY’S BABY BLOG

occasion. We made the very most of what we could do in extreme circumstances. We even did a DIY at-home cake smash photoshoot on the living room floor, which ended up being more like a cake finger poke. The Zoom call was two weeks before her actual birthday as her Dad was working away on the real day.

On her actual birthday, Indy and I hung out together. I made a conscious effort to not use my phone, just soak up the moment and be there with her. We played with her new toys, read books and even though my living room was too small for a bouncy castle, I did bring soft play to the front room, with a

new slide and ball pit. I can’t move in my own house, but it’s worth it. Throughout moments in the day, I kept thinking if I was having a big birthday party in ‘normal times’ I’d be stressed out and running around, I’d be stressed out and running around like a headless chicken- cleaning up kids sick, making sure no-one has fallen off the bouncy castle etc. I’m glad Indy and I had that time together. just the two of us. That evening, as I’m bubbled up with my Mum when my partner is away at work, we celebrated with some champagne. and cake. After all, we made it a year in exceptional circumstances,

47

and everyone is still smiling- just about! That was worthy of a cheeky glass of bubbles!

Indy starts nursery in the next few weeks and as life starts to get back to some normality, I feel my year of being a new mum in lockdown is coming to an end.

I have a toddler. That’s crazy! Being in lockdown has been so tough for all of us but, regardless, the milestones, the birthdays, here’s hoping you celebrated the best you could and at least we can certainly say it was one we can always remember - and one I’m sure we will be talking about in the years to come!

48

JESSICA DUNROD

Wales’ first black children’s author, Jessica Dunrod, shares her remarkable story Jessica Dunrod was born and raised in Cardiff and is currently studying a Masters degree in Translation, whilst being the Co-Chair of Cardiff University’s Student Race Equality Steering Group. The experience of trying to decolonise the university curriculum and providing support and equality for all students, highlighted the need to create educational children’s books on systemic racism and unconscious bias.

Her recent books are a tribute to her WelshWest Indian heritage and Wales’ multicultural society.

The main character of her book, ‘Your Hair is your Crown’, highlights a young girl called Hope who discovers that magical things happen around her when she gets her beautiful Afro hair wet and unleashes her curls.

Dunrod felt that this was important to feature these issues from her personal experiences growing up.

and then five minutes later the rain hits and it’s frizzy. I used to cry over it all the time growing up, even before straighteners were even a thing.

The moral of the story is that magic all over the world can be found here in Wales, but the only way to access that magic is to be who you are and to be proud of who you are.

So, when Hope accepts her natural hair, her

“

The moral OF THE STORY is that magic CAN BE FOUND here in Wales

“

“In primary school, I was getting bullied because of my hair and I had to leave that school. My mother complained and the school said that they couldn’t ask the bullies to leave, so I was the one who had to leave.

The head of the school resigned form that primary school because she was disgusted by the results and that she wasn’t allowed to help us.

So, I feel this is a healing book for any girl who tried to burn their hair, straighten it

Dunrod hopes to also expand the Welsh language to different cultures by making her books multilingual. Currently, the books can be translated from English to Welsh, German and Spanish, which will also help children to learn different languages whilst reading.

world is full of colour and magic.”

Her second children’s book, ‘Outstanding’, aims to inspire children to have a career in any field they choose, whether that may be an engineer or even a judge. This book is for every child and is aimed to empower the next generation of world leaders. She hopes that her books will educate children on diversity, privilege and advantages within society.

“I believe that through education, along with positive and progressive role models small changes can be made to provide long term results for a more inclusive society.”

49

“I wanted to make a point about how we always accept German and French words as part of the English language, but when it comes to Celtic and Welsh words we don’t.

I purposely left the word ‘cwtch’ in every translated version. Hopefully, if it works, other cultures will adopt the word ‘cwtch’ and know that it’s a Celtic world and use it in their everyday vocabulary; just as we use words like déjà vu.”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the word, ‘cwtch’ is the Welsh word for cuddle or hug. Throughout the book, children are tasked to see if they can find the word ‘cwtch’ and explained the meaning and significance of the Welsh language.

To order your copies, please visit www. lilytranslates.co.uk

50

TURTLE TOTS

Get your children swimming safely this summer with Turtle Tots Cardiff Meet Colum Tiffney, the owner of the Multi Award Winning Baby/Toddler swimming school drowning. Unfortunately, today some parents simply slap on arm bands & focus on their tan whilst having their heads buried in their phones. Arm bands among other floatation devices are a huge pet peeve of mine. They do not provide any particular benefit except giving a false sense of security. Swimming is an essential life skill & I’m happy to say the only floatation devices we use in our classes are called “parents”.

Born & bred from Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland, I’ve always been a swimmer; competing up until graduating from University in Aberystwyth. Alongside full-time employment, I completed Swim Teaching/Coaching Qualifications; before long, I had qualifications from 3 different governing bodies (2 more than necessary).

However, whilst working in a great job (in a 5* Hotel), I decided to pack it in and move to Cardiff.

Not long after I was head hunted by Turtle Tots to start and run a franchise. Funny thing about the start-up process was that I didn’t require much training, having multiple teaching qualifications already.

Whilst teaching babies was not something I’d previously considered, I quickly learned there’s so much more to babies than we think. Turtle Tots philosophy made it an easy decision to join, after all, starting a swim school had always been a lifelong dream of mine. I was also among the very first in the UK to complete a new Baby Swimming Diploma qualification. It helped me better understand more about how babies communicate in the preverbal period, and their early brain development.

Turtle Tots Cardiff is now a Multi Award

Winning Baby/Toddler swimming school, who’s main goal is to show children that the pool is a safe & fun place, whilst promoting water safety at its core. Lessons are truly child-centred, each child is nurtured, and activities are adapted to meet individual’s needs. At the end of our baby programme, we’ll have taught you all the separate techniques and practices necessary for independent swimming.

Our lessons are designed around the latest baby neuroscience available and truly make for a memorable experience for all. We teach from birth right up to 5 years but suggest waiting until the little one is 3 months old.

Throughout my life, I always get frustrated when I read articles about a child/adult

51

Parents in the pool with the child creates a special bond. What better way to learn than together with your child? Parents show their children everything in life, so why stop at swim lessons? I often say I’m not teaching the child but teaching the parents. I pride myself on being the only swim school in Cardiff to allow both parents in the water.

I try to incorporate as much humour in my lessons as possible. I want everyone enjoying themselves & truly to embody the Turtle Tots slogan “Bring on the Smiles”.

To find out more about Turtle Tots Cardiff, check out our Website, Email: colum. tiffney@turtletots.com or WhatsApp me on 07927 121233.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook/Instagram for daily content!

DREAMS & WISHES

TONY CURTIS MBE

The man behind the Dreams & Wishes Charity Tony Curtis MBE has been raising money for charities close to his heart since the age of 21. Before setting up Dreams & Wishes, he created a theatre event called Wings to Fly, which educates children about drug use and continues to run today. He shares his journey with Style of the City.

Every Christmas, for the last 35 years, we have visited hospitals in South Wales to deliver thousands of gifts to sick children, Doctors, Nurses and patients along with Father Christmas, The Queens Dragoon Guards, Welsh Guards in full ceremonial reds and a team of volunteers.

During the years we have made many life-long memories for seriously ill children and their families including visiting Their Royal Highnesses at their home in Wales, Highgrove and Kensington Palace where they have spent long periods of time with the families and the seriously ill children, also tours of No 10 Downing Street and The House of Commons. During these trips, we have a professional photographer with us that takes photographs and video recordings of the day and then donates them to the children and their family.

Dreams and Wishes create special memories for seriously ill children and their families

“

During our most difficult times Dreams and Wishes gave us our happiest memories.

From Ray

“

Ten years ago, I decided to set up the charity Dreams and Wishes. The charity aims to help any child with a serious illness by granting their dream or wish. One of the ways in which I wanted this charity to be different was that I wanted it to be volunteer led, with no paid members of staff, no paid fundraisers and no expenses paid to anyone and in the last ten years, we have achieved this.

and also help by granting wishes such as iPads, Xbox, PlayStations, garden play equipment, hot tub, a helicopter ride and many more. Every year we have wonderful family events, we have a Summer party, Halloween party and Xmas party all at Cardiff Castle. The children and their families get together to enjoy time away from treatments. We take two full coaches on

52

day trips to places like Harry Potter Studios, Peppa Pig World, West Midland Safari Park and Legoland etc where the children and their families receive VIP treatment and enjoy a magical day out.

COVID 19 has meant that it has been a very difficult year for everyone, especially seriously ill children, and their families, we have continued to grant wishes throughout Covid and also help hospitals. We have worked hard to continue creating special memories for children and families.

The families tell us that what we do makes a huge difference and help them to spend time as a family doing normal things in a time when they are all suffering. I think one of the most precious things you can see is a lovely smile on the face of a child who is seriously ill and their parents smiling with them.

At Dreams and Wishes, our hashtag is #smilesonfaces and that is what we try to do every day.

53

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Some of the Junior Squad

NUFFIELD HEALTH sponsors The Dance Centre, representing Team Wales

N

uffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals is sponsoring the junior and senior 2021 Elite Squad jackets which Team Wales intend wearing for the upcoming Dance World Cup finals in July. A member of the physiotherapy staff at the leading independent hospital, whose daughter and niece are part of the junior squad of Cardiff’s Dance Centre, brought the spotlight to bear on the impressive Team Wales representation.

The 2021 Dance World Cup (DWC) is due to involve 62 countries and 120,000 competitors. Last year it was postponed and this year qualification was via video entry. The Dance Centre has achieved finalist status in 10 categories, involving 25 Welsh dancers. The finals are timetabled

Established in 2008, The Performance Centres in Cardiff are home to both The Dance Centre and The Stage Centre for Performing Arts, with classes from age 3 to 21 plus some adult dance fitness courses.

The Elite Junior (approximately 7-12 years of age) and Senior Squads (up to 18) are selected on the basis of outstanding ability and passion for dance. The three main dance disciplines required are ballet, tap and modern and many of the dancers also do weekly contemporary and street dance classes, with some also training in musical theatre.

Seren Davies and Jessica Veale in training and in the 2019 Kit as the Senior Duo in Tap and Show Dance into dance categories live-streamed and performed in front of professional judges and there are pro-workshops for the dancers throughout the week.

54

Artistic Director, Christina Michelle Richards said, “Nuffield Health’s support for us for this international event means so much to the Squads, especially in this unprecedented time. It underlines the students’ worth, talent, hard-work and determination to succeed and thrive in what they love, despite the pandemic. For us, it

NUFFIELD HEALTH

In Braga, Portugal in 2019 with the Senior Duo: Left to right: Emma Greene, Tutor and Choreographer, Seren Davies, Jessica Veale with Christina Michelle Richards, Artistic Director and all of our hard work in the training room, with people from all over the World.

DWC 2021 can’t come soon enough!”

After a Summer term online, covid policies and procedures were instituted when face to face classes recommenced in the Autumn to keep the dancers safe. The students adapted and were very supportive of each other. Choreography had to give way to social distancing and this presented its own challenges and limitations to what the dancers could do. For the Spring term they have been online again which is disadvantageous; for over a year they haven’t competed in public and rarely been together in person.

Jessica Veale and Seren Davies in costume waiting to go on stage at the 2019 Finals also provides recognition as a Company and to the value of our commitment to our students’ training and wellbeing. Both physical and mental wellbeing and how the Arts can really support this, is something we feel very passionate about at the Centres. I do a lot of work with the Arts in Mental Health for young adults. Nuffield Health coming on board as a sponsor is a really wonderful acknowledgement linking these two important areas.”

Jessica Veale, Senior Squad and Senior Duo, commented, “Having the chance to represent Wales in 2019 was such an amazing experience, I enjoyed every moment. To make the final again in 2020 was wonderful but obviously COVID meant the final was postponed. We were devastated. I feel so lucky and proud to be given the opportunity to do it this year. I can’t wait to share my passion for Dance

55

The Performance Centres, based in Bute Street, are focused on training and creating all- round performers, supported through formal accredited examinations. With strong industry links and a professional team of exceptional tutors, students are encouraged in the direction to which they are most suited. Those who are most able are supported to pursue a Conservatoire Higher Ed training when they leave.

Christina Michelle Richards added, “Our most recent success story is Jac Yarrow who was with us from the age of 10 years old at Stage and Dance. On gaining his degree place, Jac was sponsored and mentored by us through his Arts Ed training when he left and then he was cast as Joseph in the 2019 revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the London Palladium. He is due back there this Summer, fingers crossed. He was nominated for an Olivier Award as Best Actor in 2020 and most recently was seen on BBC1 in ‘Musicals: The Greatest Show’. Jac is now a Patron of the Centres”.

Hospital Director, Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals, Rob Thomas said, “As part of the UK’s largest Healthcare Charity, we strongly embrace our local community responsibility and we are proud to support our friends in Team Wales at the Dance World Cup. The resilience that the dance students have shown and their determination to continue to compete at the highest level are both absolutely admirable.

Both physical and mental health in the current climate is so important. Giving youngsters something to strive for such as the DWC is a real life-line when so much else has been put on hold. Nuffield Health is delighted to be part of the Team Wales sponsorship line-up and wishes them all the very best for the July Dance World Cup and beyond.”

HEALTH & FITNESS

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS is found in your daily routine Our Health & Fitness Columnist Lauren Green is here to guide you through I often receive messages from women telling me that they want to change their lives- they want to improve their fitness, build strength, gain muscle or lose weight.

But how do we change our lives? How do we succeed in the goals that we set ourselves?

The answer is found in your daily routine.

• What are your goals?

• Does your daily routine help towards achieving these goals?

• Write your goals down, make a plan, and get to work on these goals little by little every

day and watch the magic begin to happen.

My daily routine:

I wake up at around 6:30am every morning.

I make myself a cup of black coffee.

I sit and take time to myself; I remind myself of what I am grateful for and I set my intensions for the day.

I take a hot shower and I put on my gymwear.

I get my little girl ready and drop her off to school.

I put on a good playlist and get ready to workout.

10am every morning is when I workout, I workout online with hundreds of other women every single day.

The beauty of online workouts is that you can workout at anytime, anywhere, at the click of a button, online workouts have literally changed my life.

10am is my favourite time of each day, moving my body, interacting with other women, releasing endorphins, celebrating my good health with fitness, improves my mood, improves my productivity and improves my sleep.

Once my workout is done, I fuel my body with healthy and nutritious food. I have recently found this little gem @social_eats_ cardiff which works hand in hand with fitness and nutrition. Social Eats offers oats, protein smoothies, buddha bowls, they cater for all dietry requirements including gluten free options.

The shop also offers Clifton coffee and speciality teas, has a calm and relaxed atmosphere with chatty friendly staff. If you live in the Cardiff area and are looking for a fresh new place to grab breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee or cake, I suggest you get down there, you won’t regret it. www.socialeats. co.uk Every day I try to get over 10,000 steps in, I

56

I am loving this new local sportswear brand @csportswearuk C-Sportswear is a new brand that started with wanting to get advice, to improve physical and mental well-being through all the challenges presented to us in our lives.

It believes that an essential part of our wellbeing is to be active.

C-sportswear is part of that journey to help you feel confident and comfortable moving forward. It is an innovative sportswear brand designed to inspire you with creative, seamless, comfortable solutions which support your journey and all your activity needs.

If you would like to receive 10% order on your next discount from www.c-sportswear. com feel free to use my code LAUREN10 at the checkout.

How gorgeous are these custom-made vanilla sugar biscuits are from BÆKD, you can place your order on Instagram via @__baekd__ or through Facebook. They are so unique, and they taste even better than they look. love going out for long walks, it’s one of my favourite things to do.

Other ways I get my steps in are by walking instead of driving when possible, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, even the housework adds to my daily steps.

Throughout my day I constantly check in with my members, as well as our live workouts every day, I am also online and available to assist them with any health and fitness advice that they may need.

Every month I run challenges for my team

to keep us all busy and motivated, April I put my members through an ab challenge which focussed on improving core strength and reducing bodyfat. For the month of May we have a build and burn challenge, which I have designed a training programme to build confidence, strength, fitness, and muscle and burn calories.

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to your success in found in your daily routine” www.empoweredwomenfitness.co.uk

57

58

HOLMES DENTAL CARE

A brand new smile to change your life, with dental implants at Holmes Dental Care

H

olmes Dental Care is a forward-thinking, family-friendly dental practice providing highquality private dentistry in Cardiff. In our quest to provide you with the brightest, healthiest smile possible, we invest heavily in state-of-the-art equipment such as digital scanners and dental microscopes and place a great deal of importance on prevention.

Our beautiful surgery in Whitchurch offers our patients a welcoming, modern and relaxed environment in which to achieve a natural, radiantly healthy smile supported by an accomplished and friendly team.

Here at Holmes Dental Care, we’re committed to making you and your family feel as welcome as possible and have a dedicated team of clinicians and specialists who are passionate about providing all our patients with excellent standards of general, specialist and cosmetic dental care. We welcome patients who may otherwise be too nervous to visit the dentist, as we take a special interest in helping those who suffer from dental anxiety receive the dental care they deserve.

Start your journey towards a new smile Dental implant treatment can bring back quality of life, comfort and aesthetics.

This has a positive impact on your selfconfidence and overall mental health – with teeth that look, feel and function like your natural ones.

attaining his Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons in 2007 having worked in multiple oral and maxillofacial surgery departments across South Wales. He achieved a distinction in his MSc in Dental Implantology from the University of Bristol in 2012 and is an accredited clinical mentor for Straumann and Neoss implant systems helping to educate dentists entering the field of dental implantology.

Contact details Clinic address: Holmes Dental Care, 7 Bishop’s Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1LT.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a very small but strong post made of biocompatible metals, or ceramics, which is inserted into the jawbone in place of the missing tooth root.

Such an implant acts as a support for the tooth and is surgically inserted under local anaesthetic on an outpatient basis.

Improve your ability to eat, speak and laugh Indulge in the comfort of former times when you bite with confidence into that apple and laugh again with ease. Feel confident and carefree once again while interacting with people – whether it’s a business discussion, chatting freely with friends and family, or simply enjoying the pleasure of a kiss.

• They maintain your smile.

• They preserve your facial structure.

• Your teeth don’t have to be ground down.

About Dr Holmes Dr Holmes qualified from King’s College London School of Dentistry with Merit in Clinical Dentistry in 2004 before then

Telephone number for new patients 029 2263 8583 and for existing patients 02920 617703 E-mail addresses: a) general enquiries: info@holmesdentalcare.co.uk b) Treatment co-ordinator: lowri@holmesdentalcare.co.uk Website: www.holmesdentalcare.co.uk Facebook: @HolmesDentalCareCardiff Instagram: holmes_dental_care

CURRENT OFFERS • Free virtual consultation • Free digital scan with our implant consultation (worth £75)

Why dental implants are the best solution?

• They merge with your body.

59

WELLNESS

Stephen Truelove is a Mindset Coach and Emotional Support Therapist with over 20 years experience, co-author of The Therapy of Cooking with Cardiff restaurateur Giovanni Malacrino and author of A Journey of Discovery and Self-Learning.

Having experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows of life, Stephen developed the Love Life Love You process, Breaking Limitations, and now helps people tackle anxiety, depression and other obstacles to become the best possible version of themselves.

When the

BRAIN feels the strain

A

By Mindset Coach Stephen Truelove

s this is the Arts issue, let’s start with a bit of creative writing: You open your eyes to find yourself in a plain square room with a bed, a couple of nondescript bits of furniture and a table with a glass of water on it. There are no pictures on the wall and a window too high to see out. You have no idea when or how you got here. Someone in a blue uniform comes in and puts down a plate of food. They say something in a language you don’t understand. Perhaps you’re in a foreign hotel somewhere. You

fall asleep. When you wake up the food has gone.

You creep into the corridor to see if you recognise the place at all. There’s some writing on the door, but it’s in an alphabet you don’t know. Maybe you’ve been drugged and taken to Siberia. Along the corridor are lots of doors, all the same, each with something written on them in this strange language. Some are closed, but others are open, all exactly like the room you woke up in. Perhaps it’s a prison. But each has a television high up on the wall, some of them flickering and screaming, again in some foreign language. Do Siberian prisons

60

have televisions?

The corridors are all the same, but you try to find your way back and lie down again. A long time later, someone bursts in shouting and trying to drag you off somewhere. Are they going to torture you? Would it be futile to resist? Should you make a run for it? An accomplice appears and comes at you with a hypodermic while the other one holds you down. Everything goes blank.

What does the brain do?

Everything, really. The brain is the powerhouse in charge of all that we say and do, all that we are, so it’s naturally very

disturbing if the gears start to slip. Dizzy spells, memory lapses, problems finding the right word, all may be signs that something is amiss. Or they may not. And too often people are afraid to find out, for fear of being written off with “dementia” – a catch-all term covering a multitude of conditions and often bearing a stigma brought on by fear. I will call them all brain strain to avoid prejudgment or fear.

We need to look after our brains.

Not just in rugby - in all walks of life.

- Shane Williams

My memory is me. - Johnny Five

What causes brain injury?

Anything from road accidents to Alzheimer’s, from chromosome problems or lack of oxygen at birth to constant head trauma in rugby or boxing, from tumours and strokes to motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s. Even alcohol. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age. It can sometimes be cured, often stabilised or at least slowed - and even when it can’t, much can be done to help the person living with it and their family.

I can’t remember names - Is my brain going?

If a stranger turns up with tea and cake or with a gun pointed at your head, your brain will make a bigger note of what they’re carrying than their name tag - particularly the one with the gun. Whether Dai had the cake and Dewi the gun is not the main issue - though if Dai was dark and Dewi blond, a young brain might jump to some mistaken conclusions about hair colour that will hopefully be corrected as life goes on. But the brain’s first priority is to ensure that life does go on.

Try this: How many animals did Moses take on the ark? Most of us will answer straight away, “Two of each” - we can see them marching up the gangplank. Yet if we’re asked who took the animals on the ark we would all say Noah. The brain has a category for Old Testament heroes, but prioritises the story over the name. Names with the same main vowel - and in this case a common connection with water (Moses and the Red Sea, Noah and the Flood) - are even more easily confused.

Remembering names is a great social skill, but notoriously difficult, because names are really just labels providing little real information. So unless you suddenly can’t remember anyone’s name, including close family, it’s likely not serious. If you can’t remember names of ordinary things like cups and chairs, it may be worth having a chat with your doctor or doing a few tests.

Now, without looking back, who was it with the gun? Was it Dai or was it Dewi? Was he dark or was he blond? Was it Bill or was it Ben? Anxiety Many people with neuro-cognitive issues are in a state of high vigilance. Fear, confusion, frustration, to name but a few. They are constantly in the fight, flight or freeze state, trying to make sense of things that were once straightforward but now seem hopelessly difficult. Plus a sense of worry and loss over

things gone for ever – black holes in the past as if after a general anaesthetic – and the fear that others may follow, that everything may disappear.

Sundowning – a common feature of brain strain We are a diurnal species. No one wants to be alone on the hillside when night falls, without kit or compass and no one to show us the way to go home. The brain’s first duty is to keep us alive and safe, and the twilight hour - between the dog and the wolf, as the French call it - is a dangerous time. Even in our artificially illuminated societies, there is something about getting home to our cave and our people at the end of the day.

People with brain strain may get quite agitated at this time, saying they have to pick up the children, get home to mother or whatever. The evening rituals call and they are restless and anxious. Put yourself in their position – night is falling, you’re a parent and you can’t find the children, you’re a young child and mother has gone missing.

This is big stuff. It’s no use arguing, even if the kids are grown and gone and mother long dead. The fear is real and if it is ignored or mishandled the resulting distress can lead to unnecessary restraint or even sedation.

So how can we help?

Specific treatment is a matter for the medics, but reducing anxiety makes a huge difference to everyone – including the professionals.

No one heals well or feels well if they are hampered by unnecessary worries and fears.

Only when anxiety is calmed can we start to

61

come to terms with our situation and become the best we can.

As always, the first step is to get rid of barriers that are obstructing rather than helping. Hypnotherapy, breathing techniques and other relaxation methods can lessen anxiety and improve confidence and concentration, memory, social skills and overall quality of life.

Familiarity breeds contentment Have you ever woken in the dark after a particularly vivid dream, or on the first night of a stay away from home, and momentarily not known where you were? How would it be if nothing ever looked familiar anywhere?

Even for an able-minded person, that Kafkaesque prison-room at the beginning would be a shock. How much more so for the person whose brain has taken a pasting and whose recognition of language is temporarily or permanently shot? How different that room might feel if the bed cover was one from home and the food was your favourite soup in your own special mug, if you could hear a blackbird singing outside the window or some old familiar song playing, something deeply embedded in the mind.

To function at its best, the brain needs to take some things for granted. You won’t get far with advanced calculus if the house is on fire. A child won’t sleep easily if there’s a monster in the wardrobe. Familiar, nonthreatening surroundings can reduce anxiety enough for the brain to start trying to put things together again.

WELLNESS Avoid shiny floors, glass doors and large mirrors. Equipment should be familiar - no fancy super-hygienic taps that no one knows how to use – and have visual landmarks and pictures, not just written signs. Also avoid unnecessary background noise. Studies show that the only benefit of television is in watching with a familiar person, never as a substitute for company. As with every other activity, from walking to shelling peas, it’s the sharing that counts.

Make sure, too, that dehydration is not an issue and test for diabetes once in a while – an uncontrolled diabetic hypo can be an alarming experience in its own right.

Children and Animals Animals and young children seem to connect in a way that adults - perhaps through our own anxieties – often do not. They accept people as they are and do not judge. The unconditional love of a companion animal can bring a deep sense of security as well as the joy and fulfilment of caring for another. Whether words make sense is less important than a reassuring tone. This is as true for traumatised adults as for children and animals.

doing it is interested and friendly, not rushed and anxious.

However able or disabled we may be, we all value our independence. Resist saving time by doing things the person can do for themselves, however slowly. And where help is needed, make sure it is personal and engaged.

Safety is also important, but not at the expense of excitement and quality of life. Use available gadgets to encourage independence, not to spy or control, and never as a substitute for human interaction.

Effective communication Words may be muddled, but feeling is generally clear. Even in an unknown language, you can generally tell if the speaker is angry or friendly, trying to sell you something or about to thump you.

Use these skills. We all have them.

Use clear, simple speech, avoiding ifs and buts and negatives. If you say, “Go along the street, not by the river” the river will almost certainly be the chosen route. And pay attention to what the other person is trying to tell you, whether in words or otherwise.

The great outdoors We have moving parts and have evolved to use them. Physical activity promotes health and reduces frustration and aggression.

Any deliberate movement exercises the brain. Sitting up is better than lying down, walking is better than sitting - an enjoyable and healthy activity not to be discouraged as “wandering”. Getting out into the natural world has major physical and mental health benefits.

Who cares for the carer?

Carers may also be hampered by unconscious barriers. We don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed of a toddler staggering about and falling over. We don’t hide them away because they muddle their words or make a mess with their food – we have highchairs so they can join us at table.

So why do we feel differently about an adult? Is it their behaviour or our own fears?

Is this a barrier that could be removed, to the benefit of everyone?

Personalise, don’t generalise Match the activities to the person and encourage them to contribute. Singing, dancing, anything with rhythm can help with connection, balance and well-being. Music is in a different part of the brain from speech and can trigger powerful memories. It’s quite magical when someone who hasn’t spoken for years suddenly starts “singing along”.

Even when physical activity is difficult, there is enjoyment in the senses. Plants in the room, a bird feeder outside the window (make sure they can actually see outside from their usual chair), aromatherapy, even just having their hair brushed if the person

Expectations Afraid our loved one may never recover, frustrated that we can’t make them better, feelings like this can hamper our ability to accept reality and enjoy each day as it comes. There may be resentment, too, at the time it all takes.

Carer: “I get no time to myself.”

Caree: “We never have any time together.”

After all the washing, dressing and pill giving, the caregiver just wants a break, while the caree is ready for some quality time with their precious other. Time spent on necessary care is not the same as real time together.

62

How many carers feed the other person and eat alone afterwards? Eating together is comforting and keeps bonds close – a pleasure, not a chore. If there are more chores than together time, try to get some help or take a break – not necessarily alone, but with chores done by others so it becomes a holiday.

Breaking Limitations: Paul’s story Shane Williams’ schoolfriend, enthusiastic amateur footballer Paul Pugh, was attacked by drunken thugs and in a coma for months.

Doctors feared he would never have any kind of independence again. For Paul, understandably, there was fear, depression and immense anger – all sapping precious energy he needed if he was to prove them wrong.

In this situation, two things are key: the skill of the doctors and the will of the patient. My concern was the latter, and with much effort on both sides – and lots of hypnotherapy – Paul gradually overcame the limitations preventing him living the best life he could in the changed circumstances. He now lives independently, free of anger or bitterness and working to save young lives from violence and despair.

Whatever the situation, whatever the prognosis, something can always be done. © Stephen Truelove 2021

Love Life Love You Steve is available to work online and at various locations. Please visit www.lovelifeloveyou.co.uk Telephone: 07790003075 Email: info@lovelifeloveyou.co.uk youtube.com/c/LovelifeloveyouUK Twitter: @stephentruelov1 Registered with the GHR, CNHC and DBS.

63

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

THE BEWTI CONCIERGE

THE

BEWTI CONCIERGE L

Slotting self-care into your schedule has never been so easy

and place that suits you. Our community consists of skilled and friendly first rated pamper professionals who are fully invested in making you feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world from the comfort of your own space.

ife gets unpredictable and it’s often busier than expected so getting to your fav beauty salon for a fresh haircut or your mandatory manicure these days is not always easy.

We’re on a mission to make sure you can show up in life as the best version of yourself and we know that you need to feel at your absolute prime to be able to do that! The world needs you at your finest so you can confidently catwalk the paths in life you were destined for. We’ve developed a solution that supports your journey by getting you ready to shine whilst saving your precious time.

Our platform is beauty’s answer to convenience. We wanted to design a solution that allowed busy women to fit their beauty treatments around their schedule instead

We value talent and trust when it comes to our team members so we only partner with specialists who are the cream of the crop.

You can rely on every professional who walks through your door to be qualified, quality-assured, and dressed with a smile.

Jade Pointon, Founder of The Bewti Concierge of the other way around. We bring you bespoke hairstylists and beauty therapists, to personally accommodate you at a time

64

About us You probably have a favourite salon where you get your 5* bikini wax, the latest on trend haircut, or your monthly mani & pedi, but sometimes it can feel impossible to fit your grooming routine into a busy lifestyle At The Bewti Concierge, we wanted to create a platform where busy women could

who adore their job but you’re looking to earn some income on the side then this is a flexible option that will suit you too.

Enjoy the freedom of freelancing by choosing your own hours and setting your own prices. Instead of taking a commission, we have a set subscription fee so that you can charge whatever you believe you’re worth according to your level of experience.

The best part is you get to reap the rewards for all your hard work!

Let’s join forces to uplift each other so that our lives look just as beautiful as our clients at the end of their appointment.

What it takes to be a Pro The Bewti Concierge team is an alliance of experts. If you’re a specialist in your field who is known for their friendly attitude and high standards of customer service, then you might just be a match for our community.

the first-class service providers we have on offer. With authentic personal profiles and an honest rating system, you are guaranteed to connect with a professional who is aligned with what you’re after and will treat you to the luxury of beauty bookings delivered to your door.

Never leave the house looking any less than perfect again with our pamper pros at your service!

L’Oreal Colour Trophy Award 2018

Become a Pro We’re all about shifting the focus in the beauty industry from competition to Collaboration. If you’re tired of working through your lunch breaks and making a profit for someone else’s business then this is your opportunity to grow your own client base.

Otherwise, if you’re one of the lucky ones

fit all their beauty treatments around their schedule and not the other way round.

We have teamed up with the best, friendly and most talented freelancers in your chosen area to deliver professional hair and beauty treatments. Each member of our team has been carefully vetted to ensure they have the right qualifications in their chosen field and are fully insured for quality and assurance.

Book a Pro You should be treated like the celebrity you are, whether you’re famous yet or not. Life’s spotlight is on you and we want to make sure you feel ready to show up for the possibility that awaits you in every new day.

Our platform has been created to simplify your schedule. No more squeezing in that beauty appointment when you can. Indulge in an affordable, elite, and relaxing experience wherever and whenever suits you best. We come to you, all you have to do is book an appointment with one or more of

65

We’re looking for professionals who love to make people look and feel amazing, so if this is where your passion and talent is at, then we need YOU on board. Our platform is designed to empower and uplift you which is why we don’t charge a commission per booking. We believe the fairest way to collaborate is offering our platform for a one off monthly subscription.

If this sounds like the kind of community, you would love to be a part of then click on the application form and make sure you have your qualifications on hand. Our signup also features an insurance policy before we can officially verify you on our platform. We have put this process in place to ensure our clients can feel confident that all your accreditations are correct and up to date when booking a service with you.

Once this process has been completed, we would be delighted to welcome you as part of The Bewti team!

For more information, visit www.thebewticoncierge.com or follow them on Instagram @thebewticoncierge.

LUCA MALACRINO Photo: www.yolandakingdon.co.uk

Luca Malacrino is a Welsh actor, living in Los Angeles. He has worked on over 30 projects, including works such as Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, Coronation Street, Distant Vision with the Godfather’s Francis Ford Coppola, and his first self-produced movie, Elephants is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.

66

biggest role models, my grandfather, Domenico Malacrino passed away as a result of COVID. Even worse, I, just like many, was unable to attend his funeral. It crushed me. I felt lost and so guilty for not being there to support my family in person.

The one thing that truly helped me was my art. Through specific song lyrics, scripts, and movies, I realized that there will be moments of joy like marriage and bringing new life into this world, as well as divorce and death - and there is nothing we can do about it. ‘Life Happens’ and all we CAN do is celebrate the positive moments even harder while reflecting and growing from the darker periods.

Dmitri Vrubel’s painting of the Soviet Union’s Leonid Brezhnev and East Germany’s Erich Honecker kissing — “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love”

Hello friends!

It has been a while since we chatted. I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and well during this MENTAL time. I kept putting off writing this article out of fear of messing up such an important topic… here goes nothing.

In order to talk about saving art, I feel we need to first understand ‘what it is’ and ‘how it affects our life’. Firstly, on a more scientific note, art in any form, whether while creating or observing, reduces the stress hormone called cortisol. It also releases the feel-good hormones called endorphins which helps us combat stress and pain.

It is a way of expression, a way of joy, a way of making people understand and FEEL things which can’t be done verbally. It can turn a bad day into a good one, or even a good one into a great one. It can inspire us to create, give, or simply breathe. After all, it has been embedded into our culture since 70,000 BC. That’s right… The Late Stone Age.

There are so many small ways we can support the arts on a daily basis and here is an image showing the various ways.

I promise you will FEEL something in return. It will prompt conversation, help build stronger relationships, or at the very least put a smile on your face during this MENTAL period.

The problem we all live with — Norman Rockwell

Art may have the ability to cheer us up, to entertain us, but it also has the power to effect real change in the world. Whether it be the continuous battle for equal rights, putting an end to racism, or the most current issue - COVID-19, you will find paintings, movies and songs that have allowed society to connect, unite, and even change their own perceptions about these topics.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this column and Style of the City magazine for focusing on such important topics that need to be talked about .

Be safe, Luca Malacrino Photo: www.yolandakingdon.co.uk

Let me ask you a question. During COVID, how much harder would it have been without art? Without movies, songs, paintings, TV shows, etc? I can tell you right now without my music, family photos, and nightly episode of The Office, I would have lost my mind.

And just because you may be reading this and see yourself more as a ‘Business Person’, don’t think this doesn’t involve you, too! I am sure you have used graphic designers to create marketing assets, or a photographer to capture your business’ essence? Where do you think these artists drew inspiration from? I can promise you it’s not from looking at spreadsheets... haha.

So you are probably asking yourself how you can ‘save the arts’? Don’t worry, I am not going to ask you to write a large cheque to your local art school. (I mean you can if you like…)

On a personal note, this year one of my

Do Women Have To Be Naked To Get Into the Met. Museum? — Guerrilla Girls -

67

Follow Luca’s journey at @glucamalacrino

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON in Cardiff

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease and our favourite business start to open back up, Cardiff has many exciting events happening in the next few months.

The days are becoming warmer, so what better way to spend your evenings and weekends than enjoying our fantastic city. Cardiff is home to some amazing events this spring and summer; whether you want to indulge in delicious cuisine at the Hays or enjoy some family time down the Bay, there’s something for everyone.

We’ve rounded up the best events for you to enjoy over the upcoming months.

68

Something to get you dancing BABYLON CARDIFF: SUMMER LOVE 10th July (Jacob’s Roof Garden)

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE 14th August (Cardiff Castle)

COLOUR CLASH 10th July (Tredegar Park, Newport)

90’S FESTIVAL COMES TO CARDIFF 29th August (VSA Warehouse)

Something for your tastebuds CORPORATION YARD Thursday-Sundays (Canton, Cardiff) BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN 6th June, 4th July, 1st August (Holm House Hotel) SAUSAGE AND CIDER FEST 12th June (Portland House) DEPOT STREET FOOD 19th June (Depot, Cardiff)

Something for the whole family WHITE WATER RAFTING – OPEN NOW (Cardiff International White Water) JURRASTIC PARK (PG) AT FILM & FOOD FEST CARDIFF 20th June (Bute Park, Cardiff) AQUA PARK CARDIFF RE-OPENS 26th June (Cardiff Bay Barrage) THE WELSH KIKI BALL 29th August (Wales Millennium Centre)

69

WELSH WONDER WOMAN

Welsh

WONDER WOMAN

J

Jane Baker

ane Baker is an award-winning entrepreneur, multiple #1 bestselling author, philanthropist, multiple business owner, investor, high ticket sales expert, speaker and media personality. She shares her journey of success with Style of the City Magazine.

What is your fondest memory of growing up in Wales?

I was born and raised in Pontypridd, so definitely the Six Nations Rugby. It’s the one time of year where there’s a real buzz in Wales. My grandfather was a huge rugby fan, which definitely rubbed off on me. You can’t beat Wales on a Six Nations weekend, there’s nowhere else like it!

How did you begin your first business?

I left school just before my 16th birthday, without any qualifications and went to work for a call centre; but ended up quitting after eight weeks. After that, I drifted through life for two years. After our daughter was stillborn, I decided to do something with my life. I always felt destined for something bigger but never knew what I wanted to achieve.

When planning my wedding, I decided to use the money we would have spent on that day to start an event business. We didn’t have much money at the time; I started my business with less than £400. However, within three months, I had landed my first six-figure contract.

Fast forward to today, despite having no formal qualifications, I’m a best-selling author, eight-figure serial entrepreneur and have set up a foundation, and I’m only 31.

How do you maintain balance as a successful business owner, wife and mother?

When I started my first business, I worked 7 days a week, never taking time off.

When I walked away from it, freedom was the biggest goal for me. Now, I work three to four days a week. I don’t try and do everything myself. Each business is overseen by a right-hand person, which frees up a lot of my time.

Do you believe your attitude plays a role in your success?

Totally! So many talk themselves out of something if they’re unsure of the how,

70

whereas I’ll dive in. I started my first business on a whim; 90 minutes later I had a business, website and social media pages.

I don’t wait for proof I can do something; I just decide I’m going to do it. I’ve never let failure or fear of it stop me.

What are you working on currently?

We’re currently growing all the businesses and setting up new bases in Monaco & Dubai; we’re expanding our portfolio to include luxury home installations services.

I’m also busy writing my third book.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a business now?

Just do it! I’ve worked with numerous clients during the pandemic, helping them either start or pivot their business. One lady went from having her business wiped out to doing six figures; others had been furloughed and started businesses that grew so much they were able to give up their job.

Where can people connect with you? @IAmJaneBaker on all social media or at: www.iamjanebaker.com www.limitlessluxurybrokerage.com www.bakerwilkinsfoundation.org

CLOCKWISE CARDIFF

YOUR HOME

F

for Work

or many, work and life have become less of a balance and more of a blur in these recent months. With people working from home, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see

where being at work ends and being at home begins. This in turn is having a detrimental effect not just on our productivity, but also our wellness.

own home for work, Clockwise can arrange a dedicated desk. A space to call their own and connect with others. space to come to whenever their business demands.

Clockwise offices in Cardiff are dedicated to creating a safe space for businesses to turn to for a more constructive option than the kitchen table. Covid secure with the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness, the light and contemporary space promotes a comfortable and supportive work environment. Clockwise creates space for socially distanced collaboration, but also the vital boundaries that business, and our lives, demands and deserves.

Above all, Clockwise champions the wellness of all of their members. By providing an outlet away from personal commitments, it is a place where productivity can flourish and healthy boundaries are maintained. Clockwise looks to always provide support to businesses and their people.

Private offices at Clockwise are designed for focus and productivity. Businesses can settle in and get to work, safe in the knowledge that they are supported by their own service team who are ready to make their time at Clockwise as seamless as possible.

With memberships to suit everyone; from ‘solopreneurs’ to large tech firms; Clockwise can support all business types. Offering hot desking, dedicated space and private offices all on monthly rolling contracts, the flexibility that Clockwise can offer makes returning to the office a breeze. The all-inclusive packages at Clockwise mean members don’t have to give a second thought to utility bills, Wifi set ups, cleaning and maintenance contracts, and most importantly security who are on site 24/7.

For the lone worker who wants a quiet space and a good coffee, members can make themselves comfortable in the Club Lounge.

A newly refurbished space, perfect for working independently or collaboration and used to host events and conferences - when government guidelines allow Without the need for an office but a desire for a professional environment and their

71

To learn more about working your way at Clockwise visit: workclockwise.co.uk

SAM TAYLOR & SUE TAYLOR-FRANKLIN

SAM & SUE

S

The Power Couple That Broke a Guinness World Record

am Taylor and her wife, Sue Taylor-Franklin, recently broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time pulling an Airbus A320 more than 20 metres, at an astonishing 37.63 seconds. We at Style of the City sat down with these incredible women to discuss their lifting journey, mental health and what’s next for them both.

Sam & Sue met each other online and bonded over their love of the gym, as they both found their inner strength from working out. After leaving her previous relationship and battling mental health, Sam found refuge from her daily workouts.

“The gym was somewhere for me to go as I knew no one there. I would go at 1 am so no one would see me. The gym became my reason for going out that day. I was training every day; I had no clue what I was doing. I would watch YouTube workouts throughout the day and then repeat them at the gym that night. So, I’m very much self-taught. I started coming off my anti-depressants and

SueTaylor-Franklin used the gym to help her recover from the death of her best friend

the gym became a substitute for them, and I started feeling so much better. I felt that if this would work for me, then it would work for other people. So, I looked into becoming qualified as a personal trainer.”

Sue had just begun her fitness journey when she met Sam, at the gym.

72

“I began chatting to Sam in 2015. Around that time, I had lost my best friend Nita which made me even more determined to carry on my journey, but I think her death made me realise how unhappy I was in my life. She was only 48 when she died and made me realise hang on I’m only 45, going on 46, and I want something more. So, I decided I was going to become me. I started talking to Sam over Facebook, based on our mutual love of life and to become something for ourselves.”

Sam was the first to start her journey as a powerlifter. After battling her nerves, she did her first competition after her 40th birthday; she then encouraged Sue to compete in her 50’s. They have since started competing together, with over 10 competitions between them.

“My first competition, I was a nervous wreck because you make that assumption that everyone is better than you and think to yourself ‘why do I have the right to be here?’. But I’ve learnt now that a lot of the people who were there, it was their first time too.”

“

Take each day as it comes.

Always have a plan for tomorrow, however small it may be and set small goals for your day-to-day life.

Sue only started professionally lifting at 50

“

“After seeing Sam do her first competition, I thought to myself oh my god, I want a bit of that, but I was thinking am I too old? as I’m 50. So, I put a poll on Facebook saying am I too old or should I do this, and the results were 100% yes, do it. So, within six weeks I did one, which we did together, and it has just gone from there.”

Sam and Sue broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time pulling an Airbus A320 more than 20 metres on St David’s Day. However, the process was not a simple task.

“It took a lot of organisation and planning with insurance, location etc. We put it on the backburner, but randomly we got a call from Guinness World Record’s saying that

“

You need to put yourself out there.

Don’t care about what people think.

they were interested in us doing something together, like pulling a plane. I said yes right away, I didn’t even ask Sam because I knew she wanted to do it.”

Fast forward to the big day, both were nervous but excited for the challenge ahead.

“When pulling the plane, we could see Ollie [their son] being really excited. We didn’t realise the plane had stopped [as they had reached the finished line]. They put the brakes on the plane to stop us from going further.

“We wanted to do it again, but obviously you’re not allowed to. I don’t think the enormity of what we’ve actually done has sunk in yet.”

Prior to achieving their Guinness World Record, Sam previously gained second place as Europe’s Strongest Woman in

SAM TAYLOR 2019, qualifying for the Official Strongman Games World’s Strongest Woman in Florida.

Also, she holds the record for two years running for the 90kg squats, benches and deadlifts for Wales. Whilst Sue has two British deadlifting records and nine mixed powerlifting records. Sue has also gained a Silver Dollar World Record and now has the title of World Overall Strongest Deadlift Master.

Sam and Sue have many more exciting competitions later this year. They both will be competing in ‘Wales’ Strongest Women’ this summer, and Sam has been invited to compete in the ‘Pro Show’ in Edinburgh.

We can’t wait to see what these incredible women achieve next.

As long as my wife and son are happy and proud of me, that’s all I care about.

“

SUE TAYLOR-FRANKLIN

Sam praises the gym for helping her get through darker times

73

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

‘THE SHISHA PROJECT’

Picture the perfect 90’s & 00’s soundtrack at Cardiff’s most exclusive shisha lounge, combined with a world class mocktail menu. Introducing ‘The Shisha Project’ by Old is Gold Every Thursday at the Conspiracy Lounge. Expect the finest DJs in the city on rotation as well as regular celebrity appearances. The Shisha project is the weekly Thursday hangout.

74

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

BAY VIBES AT LO LOUNGE

Bay Vibes is the socially distanced outdoor session for you and your bubble to finally be able to meet and drink again in the new scenic Lo Lounge, in Cardiff Bay. Expect social distanced tables, mouth-watering cocktails, great food, giant games, sunsets, scenic views and perfect playlists.

75

76

JORDAN REED

JORDAN REED

on becoming Cardiff ’s most well-known promoter

F

rom humble beginnings, Jordan Reed grew up in the Tiger Bay area of Cardiff and began his working life selling mobile phones, gas and electricity and home insurance. Jordan always knew he had a passion for events and would offer to deliver flyers for events in Cardiff for free, just to be involved.

he used his newly found spare time to create and build new and exciting concepts, such as Old Is Gold, which began with Jordan playing his favourite 90’s & 00’s anthems every Thursday after the NHS clap on Facebook and Instagram, which grew in popularity every week. People from all over the country tuned in to be uplifted and were brought together with their love for music.

At the age of 21, he got his first taste of the promotion life and started running his own weekly workers pool party on the small island of Crete; that’s where he learned the ropes and found his love for events.

Fast forward a few years to 2010; Jordan accepted his first big role in the newly built Glam night club on Greyfriars rd., where he flourished for 7 years building some of the biggest and most influential events in Cardiff. Names such as Pete Tong, Laid Back Luke, Tyga, Kid Ink, Tinie Tempa and Kano were just a few of the big names he was fortunate enough to work with. He has also worked with huge brands such as Radio 1, Kiss FM and Ministry of Sound.

With the belief that nightclubs would be one of the last businesses to reopen, Jordan put his mind to creating an alternative to his usual packed dance floors and thus Butterfly Brunch was born! ‘A brunch for social butterflies’ an event for the socialites of the city to enjoy brunch, bubbles and good company, in a safe and socially distanced setting. This was the idea behind the event to allow people some level of socialisation, in the midst of a pandemic.

Not only a star promoter, but Jordan also found himself in high demand as a DJ, having supported Craig David, Sean Paul, Trey Songz & French Montana, to name a few. After moving on from Glam Nightclub, Jordan took his skills overseas, hosting club

nights and pool parties in Dubai, Ibiza, Marbella’s hottest venues and quickly building a reputation for himself with celebrities, sports stars, influencers and artists amongst his list of clienteles. People knew they would get looked after and have an amazing time if Jordan was behind throwing an event.

During the recent pandemic, which sadly saw the hospitality industry grind to a halt, Jordan’s events got put on pause. However,

77

Since the reopening of hospitality, Jordan’s visions for these event concepts have been brought to life and you can join him at either the Butterfly Brunch or Old Is Gold during various dates throughout the year.

Butterfly Brunch Summer Series at Holm House: Sunday, June 6th, July 4th & August 1st.

Old Is Gold every Sunday at Lo Lounge and every Thursday at The Conspiracy Lounge.

Bay Vibes every Saturday at Lo Lounge.

BOOK / REVIEWS

LITERARY LIFE

Monmouth-born Saul David is a historian, novelist and broadcaster.

His many critically acclaimed history books include The Indian Mutiny (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu (a Waterstone’s Military History Book of the Year) and Operation Thunderbolt (an Amazon History Book of the Year.)

Talking bestsellers, blockbusters and the books that inspired him to become a writer B y S A U L DAV I D

MY NEWS

My most recent book Crucible of Hell: Okinawa – The Last Great Battle of the Second World War (William Collins, £9.99) is out in paperback on 2 April 2021 and has been shortlisted for the British Army Military Book of the Year (#BAMBY). It will be followed in September by the publication of my authorized history of the SBS (Britain’s maritime special forces) in World War II, SBS: Silent Warriors. An accompanying TV documentary series is under negotiation and a big name British film star (I can’t say who yet) has agreed to executive produce and narrate.

BOOK OF THE MOMENT

IN THE NEWS

The novel that inspired the successful Netflix miniseries, The Queen’s Gambit (Weidenfeld, £8.99) by American Walter Tevis, exploring the fictional life of the female chess prodigy Beth Harmon (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), is to be adapted for the stage after the rights were acquired by the Broadway entertainment company Level Forward. The Netflix adaption was one of the streamer’s more successful offerings last year, with 62 million downloads. Sales of the book, first published in 1983, have soared as a result.

Kazuo Ishiguro’s first book since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature and a knighthood, among other awards, is Klara and the Sun (Faber, £20), hailed by the Guardian’s reviewer as a ‘another masterpiece’.

Exploring what it means to be not-quite-human, the book follows the experiences of Klara, an Artificial Friend android that is chosen by Josie, a frail young woman with an illness that may soon kill her. The narrative, writes the reviewer, is ‘energised by the friction between two different types of love: one that is selfish, overprotective and anxious, and one that is generous, open and benevolent’. Very much a book for our times.

CLASSIC FICTION

For Whom the Bell Tolls (Arrow, £7.99) by the great American journalist and author Ernest Hemingway tells the story of Robert Jordan, a young American volunteer, who fights on the Republican (government) side in the Spanish Civil War. Published in 1939, just after the end of that conflict and before the start of the Second World War, it draws on Hemingway’s own experiences as a reporter.

Despite its weighty themes – which include death, camaraderie, political ideology and bigotry – the book became a huge international bestseller and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

78

FACTUAL FAVOURITE

One of the great war autobiographies is Good-Bye to All That (Penguin Modern Classics, £8.99) by the novelist Robert Graves. First published in 1929, it is a searing account of Graves’ childhood, miserable experience of prep and public school, and service in the First World War as a young subaltern in the Royal Welch Fusiliers where one of his contemporaries was the famous war poet Siegfried Sassoon. Graves does not pull any punches, relating incidents of the killing of German prisoners of war, men executed for cowardice, and the carnage of the fighting on the Somme in 1916 (where he is badly wounded). ‘Of course it’s murder, you bloody fool,’ he tells his sergeant major. And there’s nothing else for it, is there?’

COOKING BYDEI Hey Guys, My name is Shelma Dei, my love for food stems from my childhood and also being rather fussy when it comes to food.

I am very passionate about food and love to create dishes that spring into mind. I love to experiment with different ingredients, often things you wouldn’t expect to put together.

When it comes to food from the Far East there was a time when I had no clue what Thai cuisine was all about, and I could not name a single dish. Now I absolutely love certain Thai dishes & of course Japanese food.

I stumbled across an ingredient called palm sugar & was intrigued. I googled what it was used for, and low and behold it can be used in Thai dishes.

This month I decided to try out a Thai curry with my own take on it, using herbs like turmeric, galangal, coriander, lemongrass.

Thai dishes are delicious and full of flavour with a sour, salty and sweet flavour on one plate. The colours are so vibrant and appealing which will have you wanting more.

I was thoroughly pleased with the result of this month’s dish and I would recommend that you have a go at making the dish. You don’t have to only use Monkfish, you can opt for prawns, mussels or even chicken.

You won’t be disappointed; once you have a plate, you will feel as though you are in the sunny, busy streets of Bangkok, eating fragrant authentic Thai curry. @cookingbydei

COOKING BYDEI Shelma Dei shares her favourite recipes

MONKFISH CURRY Serves 2-3 Ingredients 1 tbsp oil 1 small onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp ginger, minced 3 inch piece of lemongrass, sliced very thinly 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste 13.5 ounce can coconut milk 1 lb monkfish cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tsp fish sauce 3 limes, divided 1/4 cup coriander, chopped for garnish Method Prepare rice of your choice according to package directions Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook for about 4-6 minutes until vegetables start to become tender.

Add garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and green curry paste. Give everything a good stir and cook for another minute

Add the monkfish I season mine with sea salt and pepper simmer for 8-10 minutes, until monkfish is cooked through

Add the coconut milk and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the fish sauce along with the juice from one lime, then remove from heat.

79

Serve monkfish curry over rice. Garnish with coriander, red /green chillies and serve with additional lime wedges to squeeze on immediately before eating.

Enjoy!

80

WEDDINGS

81

82

LAINGS

BUYING DIAMONDS

S

with Laings

the weight, not the size. A ‘carat’ is a measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric ‘carat’ is defined as 200 milligrams. However, the carat weight alone doesn’t determine the value of the diamond – the other qualities are just as important.

ince their sparkling beginnings in 1840, Laings have been part of the beautiful moments that diamonds symbolise.

The luxury jewellers are passionate about diamonds and understand their power to tell stories, marking the chapters of our lives.

More often than not, diamonds hold sentimental meaning and are filled with emotional significance. They celebrate personal milestones or act as symbols of love, and this is why Laings want to help you to find the perfect diamond to be cherished for generations.

Buying a diamond may seem like an overwhelming experience, it’s both an emotional and financial investment that you want to get right. Laings understand this, drawing on their years of expertise and continuously building on their knowledge in order to help you to understand the complexities of each individual gem.

A good place to start when thinking about diamonds is the ‘5C’s’. No two diamonds are the same and they are all truly unique.

Each of their qualities are determined by a grading scale, which helps you to discern the characteristics of each diamond. The 5C’s are the different factors that describe the qualities of the diamond and can help you to understand the intricacies of each glittering gemstone.

What are the 5C’s?

DIAMOND CUT The CUT doesn’t simply refer to the shape of the diamond, it talks about how diamonds have been cut from the rough into a sparkling gem, creating that sought-after fire, brilliance and dictating the quality of the diamond. It is the most important of the 5C’s and affects the performance and beauty of the gem.

DIAMOND CLARITY The CLARITY of a diamond refers to the type and location of inclusions or ‘birthmarks’ that appear on the diamond. It’s important to remember that the majority of diamonds do have minor inclusions, except the very rare ‘flawless’ diamonds. Slight inclusions don’t take away from the beauty of the diamond and more often than not they’re very difficult to see with the naked eye.

DIAMOND COLOUR When we talk about COLOUR in a diamond it really means a lack of colour.

A ‘colourless’ diamond is the best white diamond you can buy. Chemically pure and structurally perfect, it has no hue, like a drop of pure water. However, a touch of colour in a diamond is usually subtle and difficult to detect.

DIAMOND CARAT The CARAT of the diamond refers to

83

DIAMOND CERTIFICATION The final of the 5C’s is the CERTIFICATE. This is a way to guarantee the quality of the diamond and the certificate identifies all of the characteristics of the diamond.

Ultimately it’s a way to give you peace of mind as it acts as an assurance of the diamond’s characteristics and means you know exactly what you’re getting. Laings ensures that all of their diamonds have a certificate, and only use the most respected independent laboratories. The 5C’s can help you to understand diamonds.

Laings experts will always be on hand to guide you through the qualities of our diamond jewellery, taking you through a carefully curated collection of diamond jewellery that has been chosen for the beauty of the diamonds that they showcase.

Allow Laings to help you to find the perfect diamond to be treasured forever.

St David’s, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1GA. Tel: 02920 660 890 www.laingsuk.com

Wedding Venues for every taste and budget

Looking for a beautiful wedding venue in Cardiff? We’ve put together some of our favourite Cardiff wedding venues to suit any taste or budget.

We’re sure you’re bound to find the perfect place for your special day.

THE CELTIC MANOR RESORT

HOLM HOUSE

The Celtic Manor Resort is licensed to hold civil ceremonies in a range of unique and beautiful venues throughout the Resort.

Whatever the size of your wedding, from an intimate group of friends and family, to a grand celebration the Celtic manor has a venue and range of packages & menus to suit you.

The Celtic Manor offers four unique wedding packages – each providing a choice of special touches.

Holm House sits in a prime position on Marine Parade in the quiet and affluent area of Penarth. It is an exclusive use wedding venue that caters to your bespoke needs.

Every wedding at Holm House is unique and personalised to each couple. . Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a reception location Holm House is able to accommodate up to 86 guests for a wedding breakfast and 120 for evening parties.

Call 01633 410 252 Email weddings@celtic-manor.com www.celtic-manor.com/weddings

Call 02920 706029 www.holmhousehotel.com

CARDIFF MARRIOTT HOTEL

VOCO ST DAVID’S HOTEL

Sophistication and convenience go hand in hand at Cardiff Marriott Hotel. Impeccably located in central Cardiff.

Recently presented with a 2017 Gold Award by Visit Wales, voco St David’s Cardiff hotel offers a luxurious setting for your big day.

The hotel is fully licensed for civil ceremonies.

You can easily seat up to 330 guests in the Bardd Suite, the hotel’s largest venue, or choose a smaller location for a more intimate affair.

The hotel offers a range of packages that enable you to customize your wedding to suit your unique requirements.

Or for larger weddings, the Dylan Thomas suite can host up to 220 guests for a wedding breakfast and has its own private balcony.

Call 44-29-20454045 Email rhiannon.parker@ihg.com www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/gb/en/cardiff/cwlcd/hoteldetail

Call 44 (0) 29 2039 9944 www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/event-planning/wedding-planning/ cwldt-cardiff-marriott-hotel

84

THE PARK PLAZA

VILLAGE HOTEL CARDIFF

The four-star Park Plaza Hotel is situated in the heart of Cardiff city centre. The Park Plaza Cardiff is fully licensed for Civil Marriage Ceremonies and can accommodate the smallest intimate gatherings to the largest most extravagant affairs with a number of different sized function rooms.

Their dedicated and experienced Wedding Coordinators will work closely with you to ensure that your occasion is perfect in every aspect, from room design to bespoke menus to table decoration.

Just off the M4 located in the suburb of Coryton, the Village Hotel is located 15 minutes away from the buzzing city centre of Cardiff.

Weddings can be hosted within the grounds of or within the hotel’s large banqueting room which accommodating up to 300 guests.

Call 44 (0) 2920 111 111 www.parkplazacardiff.com

02921 671120 www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/cardiff/

MANOR PARC HOTEL

PENCOED HOUSE ESTATE

The Manor Parc Hotel offers a superb setting for a wedding. Only 5 miles from the city centre Manor Parc was built in 1850, is surrounded by picturesque gardens beneath Caerphilly Mountain.

With its spectacular domed ceiling, the Orangerie is a beautiful setting for your wedding breakfast, and features a terrace where your guests can enjoy breathtaking views.

With two bridal suites to choose from, you never need to be too far away from the action.

Located just 7 miles from Cardiff, Pencoed House Estate sits in the picturesque village of Capel Llanilltern.

Pencoed House Estate is fully licensed for civil ceremonies & partnerships. Celebrations typically take place in the Old Hall but for larger wedding parties there is also a range of marquees to house 120 guests upwards on the manicured lawns overlooking the woodland.

Pencoed House firmly believe that a bespoke wedding is the way to go – your wedding should be as unique as you. be at your disposal.

Call 029 2069 3723 www.manorparc.com/weddings

Call 029 2167 8090 www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk/weddings

DE COURCEYS MANOR

CARDIFF CASTLE

The Manor is set in beautifully manicured grounds and is conveniently close to Cardiff city centre, ideal for travelling guests.

De Courceys Manor is run as a family business that prides itself on personal service, individuality and imagination. Whether you are planning a small, intimate gathering or a large celebration, exclusive use of the venue will mean that you and your guests will enjoy the team’s undivided attention.

If you’re looking for a fairytale location it will be hard to beat a real-life castle.

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. As one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Wales Cardiff castle offers a beautiful backdrop to stage your special day against.

Cardiff Castle are able to put together tailored packages that will make your wedding day truly special.

The hotel offers dedicated wedding planners and a variety of local contacts who can decorate the venue to your taste.

Speak with one of their wedding coordinators on

Call on 029 2089 2232 Email enquiries@decourceys.co.uk www.decourceys.co.uk/weddings

Call 029 2087 8105 www.cardiffcastle.com/wedding-and-venue-hire

85

86

87

88