Coffee With Nicola Elliott
of Natural Magic

Originally a journo for women's glossies, Nicola Elliott then trained as an aromatherpist before founding, Natural Magic in 2006. Nicola lives in Richmond with her husband. The couple are expecting their first baby any minute now!

We had a coffee with Nicola 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 Natural Magic?
It was a couple of things really. I used to work for glossy magazines so was used to being surrounded by luxury everyday. I wanted to create a luxurious beauty range that people would buy in to but had my sister who works for friends of the earth (the complete antithesis!) in my ear giving me the guilt about being green.

At the time people’s perceptions of looking after our world were changing so the challenge was to produce something really luxurious and pampering, yet completely organic. It was a way of merging two different worlds together to create a product that's eco friendly, that performs and, that gives the feeling of sheer luxury.

What makes your product unique?
All of our candles have eight organic oils in each of them to give a full aromatherapy treatment when they burn.

Although it would be cheaper not to, we believe that it’s about superseding people’s expectations so we make sure that each candle is packed full of all the finest ingredients to give maximum impact and the best quality.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
I firmly believe that it’s not the amount of hours you put into your work, it’s what you do in those hours that’s important; it’s good to have a good work/life balance because a happy person works much more efficiently.

What’s your best selling product / label?
For candles, Real Luxury flies out of the door and in our beauty range, Luxury Unwind Skin Treatment is definitely a favourite.

How would you characterise your fashion style?
At the moment? Tedious! (She’s very pregnant!) - I’ll wear anything that’s comfortable and doesn’t make me look enormous.

I’m usually more on trend and I think my husband is pretty keen for me to get back to my old ways. Actually he bought me a stunning RM dress the other day as an incentive!

I have to say I’m looking forward to getting a bit of shape back though and my savings account is looking pretty good after months away from the shops!

Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
I recently bought a gorgeous long Chloe cardigan / dress - I bought it in a bigger size so I could wear it while pregnant and it’s been brilliant. I also love N.Peal.

If you’re buying luxe lingerie where do you head and why?
I haven’t been buying much at the moment but I’m looking forward to treating myself when I get my figure back. I like to give my underwear draw a complete overhaul every now and then to make myself feel special again.

I love the Elle Macpherson Intimates range and their maternity bars are just as gorgeous and feminine which is just what you need to make yourself feel good when your body is changing so rapidly.

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
I’m absolutely shoe mad and love all shapes and sizes, especially heels. I’m a bit reluctant to spend huge amounts on flats but when it comes to heels I have no limits. I love Christian Louboutin’s, Miu Miu, Chloe – anything that has a wow factor!

Where do you buy your maternity wear?
I’ve been really lucky because tunics are everywhere at the moment so I’ve been able to keep some sort of style whilst growing at a vast rate! I’ve also used Marks and Spencer loads because their online store is great and really efficient for all the basics. The White Company is a must when pregnant for the least slobby tracksuits around!

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
There’s always a few Dr Haushka products, I’ve been stocking up on Burt Bees for the baby and then the rest is our own range.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Chanel Cristalle. I can't ever imagine that changing.

What are your three must-have make up products?
Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit, Chantecaille Aquablush for my eyes and cheeks and then I always have a pot of our Multi Balm in my bag for dry patches and my lips. It’s good for babies bottoms too so I’ll be carrying a lot more of it soon!

Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
Definitely. I only ever buy organic meat and milk and try to buy everything else organic as much as I can.

Do you ever buy food online? And if so where from?
Abel & Cole. I can’t rave about them enough. We get a box delivered every week which is brilliant, I really couldn’t be without it. They really encourage you to eat loads of veg and if we’ve got friends coming to stay I can just ring up and add an extra few bits and bobs to accommodate.

How would you describe the style of your home?
We’re just doing it up at the moment actually and I’m trying my hardest not to make it too girly. The plan is to give it a Swedish feel but everything keeps changing so who knows!

Where do you buy your home furnishings?
We’ve had lots of our old furniture reupholstered which has been great because we’ve been able to choose from a huge variety of materials and it’s saved so much money that we’ve been able to put towards the baby's new room.

It looks amazing. We went completely mad in Belle Maison and I've just bought the most divine baby bed linen from Luma.

Where else do you love to indulge?
Healthy Direct for healthy bits and bobs delivered to my door because I'm too fat to waddle to the shops! And Amazon - their offering just continues to go from strength to strength.

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