How would you describe yourself (and what you do):
I’m basically a confidence fairy! I’m passionate that everyone has the right to look and feel fantastic, regardless of their age, shape or budget. For me, styling is less about the clothes and more about the person, so, through a mix of workshops, events and videos, I help people to gift wrap their body to it’s full potential, and have lots of laughs along the way.
I also help brands to boost their profitability, from helping with buying, marketing, PR opportunities and understanding what their customers really want. If you can teach the girls how to make themselves feel great and develop the brands to allow them to do so, it hits that sweet spot where everybody wins!
I’ve developed my own, no nonsense, authentic way of doing things. And by keep things simple it works, meaning lots of exciting developments within my business Style Splash over the next year.
Who is your hero?
My Grandma is my hero, she was my safe space. If I was ever worried, upset, or confused I’d go to her little council house in Blakely, North Manchester and just be… I guess it was the modern day equivalent of meditation, but everything about her made me calm.
She died when I was 8 weeks pregnant with my first child, but she knew he was coming and it almost felt like she could rest, passing the baton to me to take the helm and give that feeling to my own family. I try to do that every single day and often feel her near- I love a sign, and even my kids see a robin now and give it the whole “Oh there’s Grandma Agnes” bless ‘em!
What is the favorite thing about your life/career?
I love a sense of community. From ever since I can remember I have loved to belong… Now, many times I have tried to belong to communities that really weren’t for me, tried to make myself fit into their ‘mould’ if you like. Where as now I really can’t be bothered! I think middle age does that to you, and with my Instagram and consultancy work I can just do me, no airs and graces, no airbrushed or filtered pictures, just authentic and honest connections. The feedback from my followers, clients and the brands that I work with means they all seem to like it, so that’s a relief!
What makes you laugh the most?
Observational humour. I absolutely love a good story, real-life stuff, the little details. Peter Kay has always been a favorite because I can relate. It’s the stuff I grew up with, just a look or a mannerism can get me going.
My Dad is the master of the anecdote and I hope that I’ve inherited some of his wit. Oh, and I love it when things go wrong, which happens pretty often, falling over, knocking something down, you name it, its probably down to me, and I’ll be giggling about it for days after.
If you could choose to do/be anything for a day, what would it be?
I would LOVE to be a singer, like a really, really good singer. On a stage in front of a packed Wembley Stadium. The buzz must be unbelievable. And to have just a total unfaltering talent, knowing that you could hit every note perfectly, I’d love that so much!
If you were Queen of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce?
Well, first of all I’d hate to be a Queen. I like to keep it low key and I couldn’t deal with the responsibility. Secondly, my boundaries are a work in progress so I would probably just try to people please and cock it all up in the process. I don’t even know if that’s a valid answer, but it’s the one I’m giving. Maybe a law on cleaning up after your own bloody self and not leaving it to me? Hmmm or maybe that’s just in my house…
What is your pet peeve?
Drama. Oh god, even the thought of it makes me feel sick. I’m not good with conflict and I can’t stand it when people do the whole “he said, she said” stuff. Life is too short! I steer clear of anyone who has a lot to say about everyone else, because they will probably have a lot to say about me too! I find it draining, just be honest and have done. That sounds a bit harsh doesn’t it but it’s true, I’ve learnt to trust my gut when it comes to character.
Do you have a family motto or life lesson you would like to share with us?
Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. My kids are sick of me saying it, I must go on and on with that motto about 20 times a day, whether it’s with friendship fall outs, school stuff, sports…
I really go over the top with the be kind message. You never know what anyone is going through so just, let it go over your head and move on. I’m also a ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ kinda gal. I’ve been on this planet long enough to know that those little niggles, they ain’t the one. If it won’t matter in 5 years, don’t spend more that 5 minutes energy on it. Easier said than done I know, but I find is stands me in good stead.
Last book you read?
I actually love a good audio book these days, they are easy for me to chuck on in the car or while I’m sorting washing or ironing… multi tasking, y’know, 3 kids, it’s what I do.
However on holiday, when I had actual time to lie down, I read Manifest by Roxie Nafousi, and wow it was brilliant. In fact I loaned it to 2 other ladies I met around the pool and we all devoured it over the 11 days- I’d never even met these girls before, but we are still in contact now, 80s babies manifesting ourselves our best lives in our 40s- flippin love it!
Last song you sang to?
Probably something from Encanto… I’m pretty much word perfect on most Disney creations, not by choice. Or some inappropriate Cardi B number. My 8-year-old daughter has eclectic tastes and she usually has control of the Spotify on the school run since her big brothers went to high school. I’d love to be able to sing… I can’t but I don’t let it stop me, much to everyone else’s dismay.
