Where do you call home?
Oooh… that’s a tough one to start with. I’m constantly asking myself this question. I was born in Kenya and moved to the UK when I was 10. I have lived in Northumberland, Norfolk, Cornwall, London for 12 years, and I’m now back in Cornwall. Although I’ve lived in London for the longest part of my life, and felt at home there, I’ve always felt slightly like a tourist. Perhaps that’s what I loved about it – the feeling of transience and anonymity. I’m really enjoying being back in Falmouth now. It’s such a beautiful place to bring up our little boy. I’ve always been torn between the city and the sea.
Do you prefer pottering around the house or pottering in the garden?
I enjoy being outside! We lived in a tiny flat in London with no outside space, so I really appreciate our little garden in Falmouth now. We’ve let it go wild, so it’s blooming with beautiful grasses, lavender, wild flowers and strawberries. We have a little greenhouse and grow tomatoes, cucumbers and rocket.
My little boy loves to water them and watch them grow.
You have unexpected spare time on your hands: do you fill it with a podcast or novel — or what?
If I have any spare time, toddler- and studio-free, which is very rare these days, I have an initial moment of panic, as there is so much I want to cram in to those precious moments. But, ideally, I would get to the sea, do some yoga, have a cold dip and warm up in the sun with a coffee and a book.
To what or where would you book tickets tomorrow if you could?
To Mexico! I’ve always wanted to go to Oaxaca. For the colour, food, music and gorgeous textiles!
Which excites you most: breakfast, lunch or supper?
I’ve always been a breakfast person. I wake up hungry and can’t really do anything before a cup of tea and bowl of cereal or toast with peanut butter. I especially enjoy it if I manage to wake up before my little boy and have a moment to gather my thoughts before the day begins.
Which famous female do you most admire?
Oh – so many! Frida Kahlo has always been a huge inspiration. For strength, resourcefulness and uncompromising honesty. And, of course, for her amazing wardrobe.
What is your most prized possession?
A piece of quilted and embroidered fabric that was made in collaboration with an incredible community of women in Kutch a few years ago, on one of my many visits to India to source sustainable textiles for my headdresses and explore traditional textile crafts.
Which is your favourite season of the year and why?
Spring. The warmth, the light, the colours and the feeling of possibility and adventure that lie ahead!
Describe the last thing you bought.
I’ve just signed up to a term of contemporary dance classes. I used to do ballet as a child and absolutely loved it. I dipped back into different types of dance in London but haven’t been to a class for years. I’m really excited to move again.
