You started your career in fashion – what prompted your move into toiletries/cosmetics?
I started to work on accessories such as shoes, bags, leather gifts and gift sets. I was really enjoying the accessory and gifting side of the business, so made the jump when a great opportunity came along. I have never looked back, although I do still love to follow fashion.
What is the philosophy behind Noble Isle and what were you and your co-founders aiming to create when you founded it?
To capture ‘Britain in a Bottle’. Our philosophy and sole objective is to create outstanding, high-performing, fragrance-led, luxurious British products that deliver a complete sensory experience using locally sourced extracts.
What kind of ingredients represent the idea of ‘Britain in a Bottle’ and are used to give the feel of the British countryside?
We travelled the length and breadth of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to source authentic, quintessentially British ingredients that celebrate our rich cultural and natural history. Our products feature extracts sourced from celebrated local producers, including rhubarb from Yorkshire, sea oak from Roaringwater Bay in Ireland, malted barley from The Balvenie Distillery in Scotland and beetroot from Monmouthshire in Wales.
What places in west London do you find most inspirational?
I spent 12 years living in Fulham and Chelsea and although I have moved away it will remain in my heart forever — there is a saying, ‘You can take the girl out of London, but not London away from the girl.’
I had a wonderful time in west London. My favourite parts are by the river in Fulham and Putney, and Hyde Park, which I think is the heart of London, connecting so many special areas; it is such a magical place.
What does your role as creative director entail on a day-to-day basis?
My role is incredibly diverse and therefore every day is different and new, refreshing and challenging. Apart from the normal desk part of the job, I am constantly travelling into London, the rest of the country and around the world meeting interesting people and talking about new ideas and collaborations.
What do you consider Noble Isle’s greatest accolade so far?
I think our accounts and partnerships are an incredible start for a young brand. Fortnum and Mason, Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Barneys in America on the retail side of the business, and The Savoy, The Old Parsonage, Cliveden and Crazy Bear on the hotel side of the business.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
I believe that if you have a good idea and you believe in it 100% and are determined and hard working then everything you desire can happen. Positive thinking and your full belief in something achieves your dreams.
Who or what inspired you to start your own business?
My ex-boss at Molton Brown was my mentor; she took the time to teach, develop and ultimately empower me to help steer my journey to the path that led to here. My family are also a great inspiration to me.
Noble Isle is already experiencing international success in the US, Hong Kong and Scandinavia after a successful launch in the UK — do you have your eye set on world domination? What’s next for the brand?
Partnerships in the early days are a key part of growth, so it is important to align yourself with like-minded people and companies — like choosing a good friend. Our growth is going to be about making long-term solid relationships and not about world domination. We have seen too many lovely brands become a victim of their own success when they saturate the market place. We want to remain precious and sought-after.
What are the most important aspects of branding to focus on when launching a new label to the market?
Staying true to the brand values. Your brand, like a person, has a very individual personality — the decisions you make reflect the traits of the brand. The focus on your future needs to be in line with the brand values.
Where are your favourite places to relax, eat and be entertained in west London?
I used to love having coffee in Parsons Green, Friday night drinks at The White Horse, followed by dinner at Mao Tao. Walks down by the river for Sunday lunch at Hudson’s in Putney and shopping on the King’s Road.
If you weren’t working at Noble Isle or in fashion what might you have done career-wise?
This is what I have always dreamed of — from the age of seven I was drawing fashion sketches and spending hours wrapping gifts creatively. However, I am an animal lover and I would have enjoyed working with animals.
From where do you draw creativity?
The world is inspiring — everything you see, feel and smell. I am especially inspired by nature. I live in the country now and walk every day with my dogs so I see all the seasons in detail, watching the ever-changing colour palette.
Most things you see in fashion have been inspired by nature so I get colour combination ideas through nature. It never ceased to amaze me and I am humbled by it year after year.
Who is your favourite artist in any medium?
I love Asian art and design. I love the colour combinations and the simplicity of it. I collect artwork from my travels in Asia and mix it with British furniture and accessories. I’m passionate about music too — I really listen to everything and appreciate all genres.
