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A wellness brand steeped in sustainability and innovation, Commune have an attention to detail & quality that brings a level of prestige to their products. From the formulations of their scents, to the metal pump of the bottles, there is a seamless and beautiful experience for those that use their products.
I have been aware of Commune since their launch in 2022 but sitting down with founders Kate and Remi really illuminated the sense of storytelling that falls across everything that Commune do. From their typographic logo and the archway motif on their bottle, to the conversations they have, the alliances they make and their approach to sustainability, Commune push the boundaries of design despite the challenges that might bring.
With an ethos that is inspired by the abundance and generosity that nature delivers, it was gripping to hear Kate talk about creating her scents and likewise, the meticulous consideration when it comes to Remi’s design ethic.
With the opening of a physical space on Bruton High Street in the winter of 2023, Caro just missed the chance of becoming their neighbour. However, I am able to talk shop with them today - please welcome Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux of Commune to this weeks episode.
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Mud Australia is a brand known for their timeless porcelain homewares, minimalist aesthetic and their extensive colour palette. Since opening their first store in 2007, there are now 12 MUD stores all over the world. I am delighted to invite founder Shelley Simpson onto the podcast today. As a shopkeeper of just one little shop in Bruton, it was a privileged to chat to Shelley about how she grew Mud from making small runs of homewares to mass producing for a fleet of stores. From the conversation I had with Shelley, it is clear that she is not only a smart businesswoman, but that she has a fundamental ambition to work with people and on the ground, where the action is. We chatted about her personal experience in retailed aged 40, and how that inspired the ethos at Mud, and the different ways in which various cultures use her tableware depending on what they eat and the way they eat.
We also talk about the Shelley Simpson Ceramic Prize held by Mud Australia every year - and this years winner, Alfred Lowe. I completely fell in love with Alfred’s pieces when I saw them - and more so when I read the inspiration behind them. He describes the importance of their bright colours and fun appearance in holding their presence in a room ‘ a presence that rejects expectations, ignores preconceptions and embraces a provocative sense of rebellion.’ It is initiatives like the ceramic prize that make Shelley Simpson a true inspiration.
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When I was introduced to the Amateurism Collective in 2020, Leo Walton’s records were a happy distraction from the isolation of the pandemic when he, alongside his 3 other friends launched the Amateurism 24/7 radio station. The knowledge that I was tuning-in with a community that were also listening was a warming respite and one that was reinforced when I read the gratitude in WhatsApp groups & on instagram. Leo was positively interrupting the status quo with music and creating a space for connection.
We sat down in my kitchen and talked about the beginning’s of Amateurism and reflected on what makes a strong community. We chat about the art of discovery and the beauty of doing something for nothing. Leo is an astute, dedicated and passionate person - and a really good listen, I personally learnt a lot from our chat. I hope you get a chance to experience what he has created in the real at some point but for now, enjoy tuning in to him on this weeks episode.
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My guest this week is the Interior Designer, Tom Morris. One of the many reasons i enjoyed this episode is because Tom and I worked together at the Monocle building in London before I moved to Somerset and it's been a while since i've seen him. Back then he was a Journalist and Design Editor but he now tells stories through interiors. His studio was recently credited as one of the House & Gardens top 100 design firms, no less. Tom’s interiors are incredible beautifully. They are thoughtful, confident and surprising. With craft being at the core of his approach, the materials, furniture and art that he curates gives each room a sense of rootedness and assurance. Perhaps it is his background as a writer but he has a way of describing a space that completely transports you away.
We talk about creative expression, craft revival, confidence when designing and his considered approach to his projects. Tom is extremely talented, ever so charismatic and a joy to talk to.
morrisstudio.co.uk
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Bill Amberg is a name synonymous with quality, innovative design and a considered aesthetic. With a career spanning forty years, he has worked with some incredible people on a wide breadth of projects and taken his business across many landscapes. It is safe to say that Bill has seen the design industry through many times.
It is an enormous pleasure and privilege to have him on the podcast talking candidly about the reflections over his career and difference between starting a business now compared to the 80’s when he began selling his briefcases to Paul Smith.
Bill Amberg is passionate about many things - especially the business incubation programme that he is a part of at Cockpit Arts but also his family, food and the many variety of vehicle he has restored over the years.
I have no doubt, that in listening to Bill, you will recognise what a humble and warm person he is. He even brought me a papaya when he visited to record the podcast. And a lime. Enjoy listening to quite the legend…. Bill Amberg.
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My first guest for this series is a goodun. It is Tom Calver of Westcombe Dairy - and is probably the most entrepreneurial person I know. Every time I see him he’s thinking up or in the middle of executing some amazing idea. Westcombe cheese are regularly name checked on the menu’s of great restaurants which is testament to the flavour and quality of the cheese they produce. Tom has taken a family business which is steeped in heritage and made a brand that is about community. He is humble, passionate and also generous - when I arrived to record the podcast and his colleague Corina had surprised me with an amazing spread of their cheese and meat which you’ll hear me savouring in a minute with lots of mmm’s and ahhh’s. Westcombe Dairy is not only a regarded name for cheese, and now charcuterie, but it is also known for being a destination. In a small village near Bruton, Westcombe is now the home to Brickell’s ice cream, Landrace mill and now Woodshedding tap room so you can visit and have a fresh beer.
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Paul Webb of 'Black Bee Honey' has many strings to his bow! With a background in design and branding, he has the discerning eye you need for developing a brand - and a modern approach when it comes to ideas and reaching the right audiences.
Paul’s knowledge and passion for bees and their habitats left me feeling heart warmed and hopeful. ‘Saving the Bees’ is a message that we first heard a few years back but I was keen to hear about what this means for his company, Black Bee Honey, when trying to spread the message to the masses. From creating the brand, and winning awards for its design, to the farming process and then landing on the supermarket shelves I know lots of people will enjoy listening to this episode. Welcome my first man to The Caro Podcast, Paul Webb of Black Bee Honey.
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I haven’t met many people like Francesca. Her warmth and generous spirit makes you instantly feel relaxed and want to smile - and she has this Italian accent that is a joy to listen to.
But Francesca is also a trailblazer. She started making eco paints before anyone else in the UK launching her company Francesca Paints back in 1996. An expert in colour, she formulates all her own colours to form beautiful palettes inspire day travel and culture. Francesca Paints is well known in the Interiors industry having created colours for designers as well as curating colours for their homes.
This was the first episode I recorded that hasn’t been at my kitchen table. I headed to Francesca’s inspiring studio in Clapham, with cuttings of the inspiration she’s collected over the years and her mixing table which looks like a Jackson Pollock installation with its layers of paint from 30 years of mixing up paints.
In this episode we talk about the journey of her business and we go deep into her latest palette inspired by women in art from the Renaissance period. I hope you enjoy listening to her passion and warmth. It’s quite infectious.
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Today we have the much loved Anna Murray on the podcast. Anna is best known for co-founding Patternity, a creative agency pioneering change through the use pattern set up back in 2004. We sit down at my kitchen table and talk about a lot. About how she came to live in Bruton and set up Spirals, a space a concept store in Bruton. We talk about the process of creativity and what community brings to our lives as well as spirituality and connection. This is probably the most uncut episode I’ve done and that’s because there’s just so much flow and joy with Anna - She is one of the most reflective and open people I know. Happy listening.
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I was a bit nervous about doing this interview. Not because she’s scary but because I admire her so much - and she’s employed me for one of my first jobs - at The Future Laboratory a good 15 years ago. Caro Till is the Co-Founder of FranklinTill, a design futures consultancy in colour and material innovation for positive social & environmental change.
We talk about why sustainability is such a complex subject and the 9 principles for a shift to regenerative materials that FranklinTill came up with. We talk about her experience as the curator for the exhibition ‘Our Time on Earth’ at the Barbican in 2022 which is now on a global 5 year tour and explores the role that the creative industries have in shifting our mindset to an earth-centred one.
As a friend, and also a colleague I have always been inspired by Caro’s creativity, knowledge and confidence. She is not only an industry leader but she’s a brilliant speaker. She’s a warm and generous person with a tenacity that I rarely come across. It’s a privilege to have her on this podcast, please welcome Caro Till.
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It is a pleasure to welcome Caroline Strecker to the podcast today. Founder of repurposed leatherwork brand, Caroline is a true champion of sustainable style and slow fashion. Each of her iconic bags is handmade which is no mean fete when you see the quality of the bridal leather she works with. I have been lucky enough to see her brand grow from an idea, into a community and now intro a retail space and studio in Bruton which is incredibly beautiful. We talk about her story to getting here, the circular economy, finding sustainable growth in retail and the process behind her unique designs. She’s one of a kind and definitely one to listen too…..
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Welcome to Series 2 of The Caro Podcast. First up is Kitten Grayson. Kitten is a defining name in the world of flowers and growing. You’ve probably seen her on the pages of House & Garden or working with the likes of Jess Wheeler on a beautiful installation.
I sat down with Kitten hot off the heels of winning an award at Chelsea Flower Show which was a real privilege. We talk about her passion for biodynamic farming and the lunar calendar which influences her gardening. What Beauty means to us, as well as her business and how it’s evolving with her creativity. She has a true commitment to sustainability which puts her at the pinnacle of a movement of change. A few show notes in case you want to look them up - Grass of the Nettle by Peter Proctor & The Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendars.
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Ana Kerin has sent tidal waves through the world of functional ceramics with the launch of her brand KANA in 2012. Her work is experimental and playful yet contemporary and timeless at the same time. A huge highlight running the shop for me, was working with Ana on the LAND range we did at Caro. Our customers loved KANA and would regularly come in to acquire a new piece to add to their collection. Not only has she now successfully moved into drawing and furniture making, her talent has lent itself to filmmaking, photography AND she is hosting retreats set in very chic Sicilian and Italian destinations combining Yoga, Food and Creative Practices.
And of course, Natali Stajcic and I catch up and mull over the best ways to spend a sabbatical, the evolution of business, the art of play and getting back to our roots.
This is a total highlight for me. I hope you enjoy listening to this incredible woman.
kanalondon.com
@kanalondon
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What hasn’t my next guest done within the food industry! Safia Shakarchi’s most recent project was the launch of ANOTHER PANTRY, a platform designed to celebrate contemporary food culture, recipes + stories. It was during my first introduction to Another Pantry, as I pursued the pages of beautiful photography and mouth watering recipes that it dawned on me how in need we were of a space that bridged the gap between the cooking & eating of food, with the creatives that deliver it to us in the form of ‘content.’ With community and design at its heart, Another Pantry connects the dots between photographers, writers, chefs and stylists. I was lucky enough to be in the shop when she popped into Caro and kindly gave me baking recommendations when I needed them.
Talking about food is what Natali Stajcic and I like doing most so this was an easy chat. We discuss food memories, pantry essentials, the best way to eat a Yorkshire pudding and living that side hustle.
anotherpantry.co.uk
@dearsafia
People mentioned in the podcast:
Melek Erdal - @mels_place_east
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Calandre Orton is a name that is becoming more and more spoken of, at quite a speed! Founder of Up With The Lark, a business consultancy for the creative industries, Calandre is the person to chat to if you’re looking to start, refine or grow your business.
My first foray with Up With The Lark was as a listener to the podcast. Attracted to the varied and inspiring group of guests, I was lured to listen in the hope that I might be glean a few helpful business tit-bits - or perhaps a few handfuls of it in fact.
It wasn’t long before I was taking note of the host, Calandre, as much as I was the guests, thinking ‘What does this person do - she’s so smart and savvy…’ And so, the introduction to her Creative Consultancy was uncovered and I was hooked on her clarity of vision.
With the ability to distinguish the foundations of a creative idea and understand what it needs to become a business, it is Calandre’s talent for finding the core truth behind the confusion that is so compelling.
@up.witth.the.lark
upwiththelark.com
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This weeks interview is with photographer Emma Lewis. Working with natural light and a sleight of hand, Emma is known for her ability to bring a subject to life as naturalistically as possible.
Her portrait photography has captured the spirit of people such as Bill Nighy, David Attenborough and Orla Keily. With a warm and calm nature you find yourself surrendering to the camera even if you are terrified of having your picture taken.
Her Interiors and Lifestyle photography has been published in all the major interior and weekend magazines working with incredible brands, makers and designers including Cabana, Hazlitts and Molly Mahon. With self expression and flow at the centre of her work, Emma is now embarking into the world of fine art photography turning to nature as her inspiration.
I chat with Natali Stacjic and catch up on turning 42, Glastonbury and discuss what it is to be an artist, stepping into unchartered waters and hugging trees.
@emmalewisphotographer
emmalewis.xyz
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Camilla Wordie is a stylist who’s creations stir a playful excitement yet serious tone at the same time. With a precision to her use of colour, form and texture, her compositions heroize the object in such a way that you question whether we are looking at a styled installation for a brand or a piece of fine art. Camilla strikes a wonderful balance between activity within the frame whilst it also being minimal. I’ve often thought that the objects within her compositions seem like they’ve been treated with such care and attention that they almost feel like they’re alive.
I am a huge admirer of Camilla’s work, often referencing her aesthetic as a benchmark for my own pursuits.
We talk about all things from conviction, precision, function versus of aesthetic, challenging the perception of the everyday to soya sauce and the weight of a plate.
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Flora Shedden became a name that truly cemented in my mind once I added her book, ARAN, to the shelves at Caro. Local chefs, of which Bruton has one or two, would come in and wax lyrical about Flora’s bakery, nestled in the heart of Scotland. Opened when she was 21 years of age, she clearly has a serious work ethic as well as an incredible eye and sense of taste. I have either cooked up or drooled over her recipes in her second book SUPPER and have been coveting her monthly postal boxes of treats which include their shopkeepers selection of pantry staples, kitchen essentials and thoughtful homeware.
Self Discovery and Mastery Coach Natalie Stajcic joins me at my home to chat through what we found thought provoking in each weekly interview. In this weeks episode we talk about risk, expectations, creative control and eating pastries.
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