Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. When I was very young I also lived in Kuwait, Cairo and London.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
My favourite place in the world has got to be Rio de Janeiro! It is a truly magical city with very special memories for me.
How does Made with Love by Yasmin differ from other greeting card ranges? Where did the name come from?
Made with Love by Yasmin is unique and distinctive in the style of the illustrations and its characters. As I love drawing and all of my characters come from my heart the cards are “made with love” by me!
Before launching Made with Love by Yasmin, what did you do?
I had my own personal styling business, working mainly as an image consultant to several individuals.
When did you launch your business?
I started making handmade greeting cards as a hobby about two years ago and was delighted at the reaction they received. Slowly I developed my designs and production into a proper scalable business model, which is finally ready to take off.
How long have you lived in Notting Hill?
I have lived in Notting Hill for about five years. I love its unique energy and that it feels like a sanctuary within the big city. As it’s very dog friendly I can take my beloved chihuahua Chilli with me most of the time.
Describe the area in five words:
Quirky, creative, has a feel of community, homely, green.
What are your favourite places to eat?
My favourite places to eat are Mediterraneo, Taqueria, Eat Tokyo, Golborne Deli and The Oak.
Where do you go to relax after work?
My work never really finishes! I love taking an afternoon break to go for a relaxing walk in Hyde Park with Chilli.
Where do you most like to shop?
I love the boutiques on Westbourne Grove and strolling down Portobello Road for ethnic jewellery.
Describe your perfect day in Notting Hill:
I love Notting Hill in the summer, when I can sit in one of the cafe terraces enjoying the warm rays of sunshine, watching the people go by. Afterwards I enjoy going to the fruit and veg section of Portobello market to stock up on healthy produce. A quick afternoon stop at the Spanish tapas place is also nice.
In the evening I either enjoy a nice romantic meal in one of my favourite restaurants or meet friends in one of the bustling bars and pubs.
What’s the inspiration behind your illustrations?
My first inspirations behind my illustrations as a child were my beloved pets! I loved eternalising them as quirky little characters. My Chihuahua Chilli inspired me to create my range of dog cards and through him I am now collaborating with the Retired Greyhound Trust.
My friends and their individual eccentricities are a great source of inspiration too, which has led to the Girlie Girl cards. I have also created some unique characters, who star in their own picture book story line! This a project very close to my heart that I intend to turn into a published illustrated book.
Where can we buy your cards?
Currently my cards are stocked at trendy Verve Pet Boutique, Portfolio Cards and online at www.yaswithlove.co.uk.
What’s new for you and the business?
I have finally taken the plunge and am working to conquer the online market! The full range is available on my website as well as our new “Add Your Message” service. It’s the physical luxurious equivalent of an e-card! All messages are written by hand inside the card of your choice.
The demand for corporate bespoke card designs is increasing too and I greatly enjoy designing for a range of companies, such as engineering offices, pharmaceutical companies, estate agents and IT companies, among others. I am also looking to collaborate with more animal charities and hopefully this year some great new projects will take shape.
What is the most trouble you’ve got yourself into and how did this come about?
I generally tend to be a good girl, however when my shopaholic alter ego comes out I can get into trouble with my financial advisor!
Do you have a secret hang out?
If I tell you then it won’t be a secret anymore!
Do you see yourself living in west London indefinitely?
I love west London and I’m very grateful to be living here. A few places could tempt me to move; they would definitely have to be by the sea and have a much warmer climate!
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured material possession is my sewing box, which I was given by my grandmother, and of course my Chanel bag!
Any plans for the future?
I plan to branch out from making greeting cards to designing various gift products, such as mugs and t-shirts for dogs. My ultimate dream is to publish my picture books, which feature some of my card characters, such as the fluffs Fuzzy Wuzzy and Rainbow and Anthony Spider.
