What were your ambitions when you were younger?
I always wanted to be on the stage and after finishing my A-Levels I won a place at a Ballet & Performing Arts Academy in Covent Garden. I was lucky enough to work in London’s West End – my last role was in Saturday Night Fever!
What made you want to join your father’s business?
When I was young we found an old bottle of perfume under the floorboards from a perfumery crowned by Queen Victoria in 1872 – in 1999 my father revived this very perfumery. A huge fan of perfume and perfume bottles, I hung up my dancing shoes and began my first job with Clive Christian Perfume.
Has it changed the relationship?
I’ve always had a great relationship with my father – I remember laughing a lot as a little girl and being constantly challenged and inspired. 10 years with the company and nothing has really changed to our core relationship. I have grown up and gained more experience in the business, which enables us to communicate on a more adult level.
What’s the best bit?
The laugher.
And the worst?
Sometimes it is difficult to stop talking about the company – but truthfully we are both so passionate about it and enjoy working towards the future of the brand so much that it is never an issue.
Does money motivate you?
No, not at this point in my life. I was brought up to decide first if you loved something and then to work out how to afford it. I am motivated to continue building the brand of Clive Christian as a timeless British luxury design house.
How do you relax?
Spending time with my family in the country – the gardens, the dogs, the fireplaces…blissful! Dinner with friends, seeing my sisters, going to the theatre to see a great actor or a new play, reading a good book.
Who inspires you?
My father – he is very modest and appreciates the smallest things in life - a sunset or a beautiful view – and he really enjoys every moment of his life. It also fascinates me at 26, he started his own company because of his clear and focused vision of how he saw the world that he wanted to live in.
What would you say to other young women thinking of joining a family business?
Consider your relationship with your family – if it is strong to begin with then it can really only stand to get stronger. If you are not passionate about the family business than maybe it is not for you, if you are then it is great to ‘stop and smell the roses’ so to speak.
Describe your typical day.
0600: up with a fresh coffee.
0630: personal training three days a week.
0900: If in UK, meetings and calls at our Mayfair office. If I am travelling, which I do 50% of the time, then I check emails and make calls before heading out to a press call or event.
1900: Join friends for drinks in London or maybe an evening at home. If I am travelling then there is usually a dinner to attend.
0000: hopefully in bed by now!
