Who helped you grow? And what advice has led you to where you are today? We catch up with Martha Keith, friend of Beards & Daisies and founder of stationery brand, Martha Brook, to discover the pearls of wisdom that have helped her thrive.
Plus, at the bottom of this post, find out how you can win a prize of plants and stationery (the dreamiest of duos) from both of us!
1. Tell us about yourself and what you do
Hello! I’m Martha, founder of London stationery brand Martha Brook. I am absolutely passionate about what we do, which is making inspiring and uplifting paper goods that make it beautifully simple to get organised and live your life with greater intention.
2. Describe a typical day in the life for you.
I always start the day by planning out what I need to get done in my Life Planner. From there my day looks very different depending on which part of the business I am focussing on. From product development, to our digital marketing, to brand partnerships, it is always busy, varied and creative, which I love.
3. What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Leap and the net will appear”. I think often in life we put things off because we don’t feel ready, but one thing I have learnt with starting and running a business is that often you have to give things a go because you know you need to do them and learn along the way!
4. What’s one thing you do every day for yourself?
I absolutely have to get outside for a walk every day. I find that walking is my best thinking time and always makes me feel calmer and happier. Even though we live in London, we are lucky to have some lovely parks on our doorstep, which are currently filled with blossom trees and spring bulbs!
5. What’s your favourite houseplant and why?
I would say a kentia palm. I have two in my house, one I bought from Columbia Road Flower Market and one from Beards & Daisies. They are brilliantly leafy and friendly looking, and really easy to care for.
6. What do you do to switch off?
I always have a book on the go, and I find writing things down hugely therapeutic. I am a big advocate for journaling. In a digital world there is nothing quite like putting pen to paper to give yourself space to think and switch off.
7. What do you never leave home without?
It would have to be my phone because often it is the only thing I have on me! Running an online business, I do tend to be online a lot, but I also use my phone to take photos so I couldn’t possibly not have it with me! You can see some of my shots of London on our Instagram.
8. Who do you go to for advice and why?
It would have to be my husband Chris. He quit his job a few years ago to join Martha Brook as our Head of Operations. He is a brilliant sounding board and I love chatting things through with him.
9. What makes you happiest?
I do absolutely adore my job and seeing the difference our products make to our customers makes me so happy. But probably the best thing in the word is when my three-year-old spontaneously says ‘Mummy you’re the best!’ and hugs me, there’s nothing that beats that.
10. What would you say to your younger self and why?
I worried a lot when I was younger about following a traditional career path, but I realise now there is no ‘right’ way in life. So I would say to myself to embrace every opportunity you get, follow your heart and you’ll be surprised what can happen when you give things a go!
For more from Martha Brook, visit their website here: marthabrook.com
And for your chance to win some amazing stationery and plants, including; a 3-month plant subscription from ourselves, along with a bundle of Martha Brook goodies including a personalised Life Planner, a set of dreamy desk accessories and a desk pad of your choice, head to our Instagram page now.
And to get 10% off the Martha Brook website, use the code: DAISIES10