Coffee With Mandy Watkins
of Hush

Mandy Watkins is the founder of online homewear and loungewear store, Hush. Mandy lives in Clapham with her Husband and two children, Rose three and Finn one.

We had a coffee with Mandy 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 Hush?

Well I moved to the UK in March 2001 and it was a real low point in the English weather (no surprise) especially as I’ve lived in Australia and Hong Kong before!

With the weather so cold and wet I noticed that people weren’t as enticed to go out in the evenings as they were in warmer countries and I found myself spending more and more cosy nights in.

I always got out of my work clothes at the end of the day but didn’t really want to put on my pyjamas so early. When I started looking for something to wear I realised how little there was around; everything was either really cutesy, mumsy or had that sexy lingerie look which you can’t really feel comfortable opening the front door or walking around the house in.

I saw a huge gap in the market and having always wanted to run my own business, I put two and two together...

What makes your product unique?
We make pyjamas for fashion conscious women.

I worked for Adidas for years and was totally obsessed with the cut of tracksuits and I guess this has carried on into our pyjamas. I wanted them to be both flattering and make you feel good so, they’re designed and cut to make bums look small, tummies flat and legs long.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
Well my husband works with me and we were adamant that the offices should be close to where we live because we have two young children.

I think having kids sort of forces you to have a work/life balance because you have to get out of the office to be with them; as soon as you’re home and they’re asking you to chase them round the garden you soon forget about work.

What’s your best selling product?
Our Pyjamas and the Cardigown sell brilliantly and our Bed Socks also do really well, especially at Christmas - they're a great inexpensive gift.

We’ve just launched our beach range too and the Beach Dress is proving a real hit.

How would you characterise your fashion style?
I guess I’m pretty classic. I like to keep things simple. I wear a lot of jeans and love layers – anything that is comfortable really. I’m not one that suffers pain for beauty!

Who is your style icon?
That’s a tough one. I'd probably go with Jane Birkin.

Where do you buy your denim and why?
Paper Denim & Cloth, I’ve worn them for years.

Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
Since I’ve been in England I’ve become obsessed with cashmere and I love Zadig & Voltaire.

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Flats (but she’s wearing heels)! I live in my Converse!

My husband actually came up trumps the other day. He is usually useless and is renowned for forgeting my birthday but at Christmas he went to an auction and bid for a pair of custom designed Jimmy Choo’s. I’ve just had my first fitting and they are incredible.

I went with plans of being sensible and going for something classic but as soon as I got in the shop that all went out the window and I'm having a pair of black patent 5 inch heels made! They’re absolutely to die for...

Where did you shop for your maternity wear?
Topshop and Isabella Oliver.

Where do you shop for your children’s clothes?
It’s awful but I spend more on them than I do on myself! I promised I’d never do it but they looks so cute I just can't help myself!

I love American Apparel for t shirts and Bon Point and Caramel Baby & Childfor pretty much everything else.

Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
I don’t eat organic but I do try to live as eco consciously as possible. From living in Australia I’m paranoid about water and my poor children usually have baths that are just about 2cm deep!.

Do you ever buy food online?
I do from Ocado but not as often as I’d like because I’m hopeless at committing. So often I buy week’s worth of food and then end up going out and chucking it all away. Terrible I know.

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I never used to spend much on beauty but my Mum came over recently and my sister recommended she bought me a pot of Clarins Night & Day Cream (not sure if that’s a compliment or not!) and since then I've been hooked.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Molecule 01 which I discovered at Coco Ribbon. I love the fact that it’s not well known.

What are your three must-have make up products?
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, Mac Pro Lash Mascara in black and Nars Bettina Lip Pencil.

How would you describe the style of your home?
People say it’s very Australian and minimalist but that’s not deliberate, it’s just I haven’t had time to buy any furniture!

I suppose it’s open plan and very light. With no clutter - I’m not very good with clutter.

Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
The General Trading Company. And when I worked for Adidas I travelled a lot so I picked up some wonderful pieces in far off places. It was absurd at the time having to carry it home as luggage but I’ve always thought you have to grab these things when you see them.

And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Coco Ribbon, Baileys Home & Garden and The Hambledon.

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