 Emma Bridgewater  founded her kitchen and tableware store, in the late 1980s and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Emma lives in Norfolk with her husband and business partner Matthew Rice and their four children.
We had a coffee with Emma to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about all about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.
 What inspired you to create Emma Bridgewater?
It was actually my Mum’s kitchen. It was always such a warm, sociable, fun place to be with yummy food, people chatting and laughing and generally having a good time.
Then one day when I was struggling to find a perfect cup and saucer for a birthday present I started putting my inspiration into practice; it sort of all took off from there really.
What makes your product unique?
I think the fact that everything is designed by me and my husband and the whole process is very close; nothing is out sourced and everything reflects that country kitchen kind of feel.
How do you get a good work/life balance?
I think I do get a good work/life balance - to do so was always a huge factor right from the beginning; it had to work with family life.
Luckily I work quite a lot from home but there are times when I get snowed under and I have to remind myself not let it take over my life completely. Us women have to be very calculated to make it all work!
What’s your best selling product / label?
 Our Polka Dot range has done very well and recently the Daniel Craig Tea Towels have been selling like hot cakes.
How would you characterise your fashion style?
Thrown together! I’m a complete mixture of styles.
I’ve always loved vintage and still have pieces from my mother and my grandmother’s wardrobes which I'll team with something new - usually from Jigsaw or Gap.
Who is your style icon?
I’m very admiring of Emmylou Harris in everything she does. She always looks great and she has gone grey in the most unbelievably beautiful way.
Where do you buy your denim and why?
I’ve just discovered James Jeans . They're a great fit for me.
 Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
Brora . Victoria (Brora's founder) is actually my next door neighbour in Marylebone and a great friend. She just gets it right, simple as that.
Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Flats. I’m trying to train myself to wear heels again but after running around after four children for years I haven’t worn them for a while.
I always wear a pair of Converse in the summer and would much rather wear some pretty ballet pumps in the evening than a pair of heels. I use being tall as my excuse!
Where do you shop for your children’s clothes?
Boden is great for my eight year old boy because nothing is worse than trying to take him shopping and actually the rest of them are, like me, really getting into their vintage and love trawling through dressing up boxes.
Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
We live in Norfolk so 100% yes. In fact my husband and I are Mr & Mrs Compost! The heating is rarely on and we have big roaring wood fires. That said we do have an Aga which might increase our carbon footprint!
Matthew is a brilliant gardener and we grow and eat most of our fruit and veg and sometimes our own poultry too. We’re about to move to Oxford so hopefully it will continue – we might need to get Matthew an allotment!
 What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I love Evelom and Dr Haushka products but as soon as I buy them they always suddenly seem to mysteriously disappear and end up in my daughter’s bedroom!
What’s your signature fragrance?
I’ve worn essential oils from Kielhs for years but they’ve recently discontinued it which I’m devastated about.
I’m now on the hunt for something new and at the moment I’m wearing Diptyque . Needless to say both my daughters wear it too so we’ve had to make sure we all wear a different scent from the range.
What are your three must-have make up products?
I carry my make up around in my bag with me so the girls can't get their hands on it but I don't really wear all that much. Though I do love Nars eyeshadows and mascara and I always have pot of carmex with me for my lips.
How would you describe the style of your home?
Very very welcoming. I really want people to love being there and I’m not too worried about shoes on the sofa or things piled up here and there.
Our home is very personal because Matthew and I are both great collectors of china, textiles and paintings and I’ve also got lots from my mother and grandmother's house too. It’s very full!
Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
Absolutely everywhere! We have Keys auction house around the corner which is wonderful - I could spend hours in there!
 Richard Scott and Stephen Long are also fantastic dealers and I love popping in to both their shops whenever I’m nearby. They always have the most beautiful English china.
And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
I’m addicted to LaFilm.com and Sarah Raven for her all her gardening goodies. |
