Sunday Magazine – August 04, 2019

(Nora) #1

S MAGAZINE ★ 4 AUGUST 2019 29


INTERVIEW


year Queen Victoria ascended
the throne. The classic brand
is inspired by the British
landscape and aims to reflect
natural colour tones within
the countryside.
“It was a no-brainer,” says
Stephanie. “As well as running
the interiors’ business, my
parents had careers in the interior
design and upholstery industry
and knew of the incredible
fabrics of Abraham Moon. It
was obvious they’d be perfect for
our country-inspired collection.”
The family is committed to
being environmentally conscious
and promoting sustainability.
Stephanie adds, “In this
consumer society it’s really
important to create long-lasting
products. Having a background
in home interiors, I loved both
Abraham Moon’s commitment to
the environment and modern twist
on traditional patterns – that’s
what really gives Hettie that
exciting, vibrant edge compared
to other country accessories.”
Sian agrees, “We believe it’s
important to take care of the
world we live in. It’s frankly
ridiculous and upsetting the
amount of things that people
buy just to throw away. In
contrast, our collection is made
from natural wool, which is
biodegradable and eco-friendly.”
With orders coming from
across the globe, including
Europe, America and Canada,
the Hettie team is thrilled with
this burgeoning success.
“It’s just amazing to get this
kind of positive feedback on
a worldwide level,” says Sian.
“I can’t explain how incredible it
feels to have created a lovely
brand between us and learn so
much along the way. I didn’t even
know what a hashtag was at the
start of this adventure – I’m a real
pro now though.”
Accessory wise, Hettie boasts
a pet collection that includes dog
bandanas, bow ties and coats,
starting at £15. For people, a
phone case starts at £40 while
a family favourite is the Ella bag.
Stephanie says, “It’s great for city
escapes. I recently took mine on
a jaunt to Rome. It’s the perfect

size for travelling essentials,
such as water, travel guide and
sun cream, and can easily be worn
across the body to keep it out of
the way for those Segway tours.”
Running a successful
international accessory company
can be all-consuming, but the
three ensure they switch off. “It
can be a little overwhelming,
especially as we are committed
to learning every aspect of the
business ourselves,” says Sian,
a grandmother of three with
another grandchild on the way.
“We all work from home where
everything is at our fingertips with
mobile phones and iPads, but we
make sure to leave them in a
different room in the evenings so
we’re not tempted to look at them.
“Plus, I always take a break
every few hours to go for a dog
walk or bike ride to clear my head.
And I love writing lists. There’s
always a list on the go and I write
everything down that pops into
my head.”
So which famous owners and
dogs would they like to see in
Hettie? “David Walliams has two
cheeky looking pups, Ernie and
Bert, who would look amazing in
Hettie,” says Sian. “As would the
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s
divine cocker spaniel Lupo,
perhaps with Kate twinning with
him by wearing our Kate tote bag.”
Next Hettie is launching
accessories for children and in the
future hopes to introduce iconic
British fabrics into the collection,
like Liberty prints. The team would
also like to help spruce up the
UK’s declining shopping centres.
“My grandparents ran a
department store in Wales called
Jones and Richards, which was
opened in the 1940s,” reminisces
Sian. “I used to love working there
as a little girl, we used to have
copper tubes which sent money
between the floors.
“It would be a dream come
true to have Hettie lifestyle
stores on the high street, where
our VIP guests would always
be dogs, who’d be made very
welcome indeed.”

For further information, go to
hettie.co.uk.

Stephanie and friends
make the most of
the countryside,
Hettie style

Sian with her
beloved
dogs

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