Coffee With Claire Collins
of Violet May 
 Claire Collins is founder of online luxury business accessories store Violet May . Claire has lived abroad in the US, Mexico and France and returned home to the UK six years ago. She now lives in West London.
We had a coffee with Claire to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about all her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.
 What inspired you to create Violet May?
I was working in the digital sector so always had my laptop with me but I couldn’t find a fashionable and practical case to carry it in.
I’d see all these stylish women with their Anya Hindmarch bag in one hand and their bulky black or horrid neon print laptop bag in the other and I realised there was a gap in the market that I could do something about and that seemed silly to ignore.
What makes your product unique?
I’d say the marriage between fashion, desirability and functionality and also the fact that everything is designed by women for women.
 Our latest idea came from a friend's sister who’s always super stylish and never without her Birkin. When they went for a coffee her computer was just slotted inside the bag and she was worried that it was getting damaged.
This got us thinking and we’ve now developed a Computer Clutch for women so their computer can be carried in their bag, or on its own, not be damaged and still look great.
Now what man would have thought of that?
How do you get a good work/life balance?
I have a reasonable balance now but I’d say to others thinking of starting their own business that you must be prepared for it to be all consuming at the beginning. Nobody warned me and it was a steep learning curve. Even now I still think about it all day every day.
I do a lot of yoga and meditation to relax because I’ve learnt that I have to make sure I have down time. It’s a false economy to work ALL the time because the quality of your work declines; it's important to have perspective and not lose sight of the other things in life that matter to you as well.
I’m still learning the art of delegation and desperately trying to improve...
What’s your best selling product / label?
Our Blackberry Purse which holds everything from your money and cards to your blackberry and notes. They’re a fairly new addition to our range and the demand for them this year has rocketed.
 This time last year it was only professionals that had a blackberry but now everyone has them, from city workers to multi tasking mums.
How would you characterise your fashion style?
Quite Quirky! I like to mix vintage with something new and I’m huge on accessories. I’ll always have a big clutch or Swarovski ring to bling something more conservative up.
Who would you say is your style icon?
I don’t want to sound cliché but it has to be Carrie Bradshaw. I love her individuality and the way she makes outfits her own.
Where do you buy your denim and why?
I’m a classic Lee girl! I’ve worn them for years.
 Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
I’m an avid supporter of other British brands, especially other entrepreneurial women so I try to buy from them where possible. Nina & Lola have some stunning pieces from a selection of designers and I often go to Topshop Boutique and John Smedley .
Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Flats! I’m absolutely obsessed with French Sole ; I love the fact that they can change an outfit instantly. I’m also hugely in awe or Jane Winkworth and how she has created such a successful brand.
Oh and I can't resist shoes by Roger Vivier for a bit of old style Parisian cool.
Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
I do eat organic and try to be as eco aware as possible. We always recycle at the office and work with suppliers in Europe rather than Asia so our products and materials are not flown half way across the world before they get to us.
That was a conscious decision from the beginning, not only to avoid our products being flown half way across the world, but also to support the trade in Europe which unfortunately is beginning to die out.
 Do you ever buy food online?
Ocado is an absolute life saver for me and I’ve recently discovered Abel & Cole . They’re products are fantastic and I really like the story behind it as well.
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I just love, love, love Fresh products. They really work for my skin and I couldn’t live without their face serum and scrubs.
I also have a few skincare products from Jurlique . I love their naturalness and I feel like they’re doing something good when I use them.
What’s your signature fragrance?
Geranium Bourbon by Miller Harris.
I was actively looking to find a new scent not that long ago and when I came across Miller Harris I just completely fell for the brand and the products. I sort of feel I have an affinity with Lyn Harris, because like me, she’s British trained, lived in Paris for a while and now runs a British Company with an international feel.
What are your three must-have make up products?
Mac Concealer , Stila Lip and Cheek Colour and I am never without my old faithful Mac Black Eyeliner .
 How would you describe the style of your home?
French vintage meets New York loft style!
I bought an Edwardian maisonette, completely knocked all the walls down (apart from the bedrooms and bathrooms) and took the ceiling out so it’s now very open plan with big vaulted ceilings.
Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
I pick up furniture all over the place but I love going to Lotts Road and Golbourne Road. I bought the most beautiful Louis chair recently and I’ve had it re upholstered in a modern texture white leather. It’s amazing.
And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Net A Porter.com , Asos.com , Astley Clarke.com and My-Wardrobe.com |
