We are lucky enough to have a really fantastic team here at Artisans & Adventurers, and we thought it was time you got to know everyone a little bit better! We're starting off by getting to know Leona...
What is your role with A&A and how long have you been part of the team?
You will find me in the shop a couple of days a week helping our lovely customers, putting together product displays and making sure everything is kept tidy and stocked! I also help create content for our journal as well as our Instagram & Facebook accounts, whether that is interviewing our artisans or creating fun content to share on our Insta stories. I've been part of the team now for just over 2 years and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Tell us 3 fun facts about you!
- I used to study Japanese on the side whilst I was at University. Unfortunately I haven't had much chance to practise during recent years but I hope to pick it back up soon!
- I grew up around lots of animals. We always had dogs, cats, various reptiles, ducks, a tortoise, a parrot and occasionally even sheep, pigs and other farm animals.
- I'm left handed, but I can only do certain things in the 'right-handed' way, like using a computer or scissors.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration definitely comes from my family and my friends! I was always an incredibly shy and awkward kid, but my mum, aunt and cousins really helped to bring me out of my shell. Everyone in my family has always worked really hard for what they have, and they've always done it with kindness and compassion. My friends from University, Rachel and Rebecca, are 2 of the most thoughtful, intelligent and resilient women I have ever met and they always inspire me to work harder and to believe in myself.
What is your dream travel destination?
I would absolutely love to travel to Japan one day! Since I was very young I was always fascinated by the country after watching all the Studio Ghibli films, countless documentaries about Japan as well as getting really into other Japanese media like manga and FRUiTS magazine. I also love the cuisine and would love to see Mount Fuji with my own eyes.
What is your favourite A&A product & why?
I love everything we sell, but at the moment I'm really loving our Indian Block Printed Quilts, especially the Fantasy Forest print. The cotton is super soft and they are just the right thickness to use all year round, either as an extra layer in winter or alone during the warmer months. The workmanship that goes into making each one is amazing, from Amy's design to the artisans expert work, they really are a very special item that anyone would be lucky to own!
What 1 piece of advice would you give to help others live more sustainably / ethically?
Don't be afraid to take it one step at a time. If you can just throw yourself into it, then great! But that isn't realistic for most people. We've written a fair few journal posts to help you along your way too, I recommend having a look at this blog post to help you on your way!
You can read our previous interview with Irene here. If you'd like to know more about our team, click here. You can also get to know our artisans here.