Guest Interview 2: Inspirational Women

This "Inspirational Women" series was inspired by

some of the wonderfully creative bloggers I follow.

I wanted to showcase women who I felt were

inspirational in one way or another; however

big or small. One thing they all have in 

common is that they all 

followed their dreams. or 

lived their life authentically.

First up is the the lovely Catherine Robinson

who started her wonderful cashmere company

 Here's our interview:

 How and when did you get started in business?

 Once I had decided on what I wanted to do I had to find a 

supplier/manufacturer to make my products for me; 

it took awhile to find the right company, a lot of research, 

endless samples and negotiations. When that was all 

in place I worked with a web designer to create my website…

my business started in January 2010.

What was the inspiration for working with cashmere?

I adore it ;-) I wanted to work with a luxury product and 

specifically knitwear. It was also important as a small business 

to work with one size products and my first product I designed 

and had manufactured was the cashmere poncho; I wanted to design 

a product that was versatile and could be worn in a 

number of ways and would be an essential garment 

in a woman’s wardrobe.

What was one of the biggest obstacles 

you faced when you started your biz?

 I don’t think I necessarily had any obstacles…

it was very new to me and all consuming and 

I realised quite early on for something to actually happen 

you had to be consistently telephoning, 

mailing and meeting people…nothing would get done 

unless I was pushing for it; it took a lot of discipline!

What did you want to be when a young girl?

 Perhaps, like a lot of young girls, I wanted to be an air hostess…

it seemed so glamorous, I think by the time I was 14 I had changed 

my mind and it was always fashion I was interested in…

and I have worked in fashion most of my life.

If you get to play “hookie” for the day, 

what is always on your list to do?

 I live just outside London so I would definitely be driving 

into town for the day….

visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum, 

having lunch in Hyde Park 

and then a little shopping in Harrods with my daughter 

who now lives in London…a perfect day.

Which celebrity do you think epitomises your brand?

Yasmin Le Bon…I know she likes wearing poncho’s 

and she would wear it simply or add her own twist and style to it…

she would look absolutely beautiful in my chocolate cashmere poncho!

Your favourite perfume at the moment?

Allure Sensuelle by Chanel

 Your fav app?

I don’t really have a favourite one.

 What’s playing on your iPod at the moment?

 I’ve just recently begun to enjoy listening to classical music 

and on my iPod at the moment is…

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto…

it simply takes my breath away.

Book or Kindle?

Book…I adore books!

What are you reading at the moment?

The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama…

I’ve read this book a few times and it’s 

just a book I enjoy to read again and again.

The one beauty item or beauty brand you can’t live without?

I’ve been wearing Clarins since my early twenties, 

so I would be lost without that!! 

Their Beauty Flash Balm is always in my make up bag.

 The place currently in first place on your travel “wish-list” ?

 It would be Italy…my favourite country and 

it would be beautiful Florence with my husband 

for a wonderfully 

romantic few days before driving 

to the Amalfi Coast…now that’s two places!

Amalfi coastal road

 Who do you think has the best look/style today?

 I know I’ve already mentioned her but I love Yasmin’s style and flair…

she always looks fabulous whether modeling, 

on the red carpet or out walking her dogs…

she has an innate grace and elegance and she looks as beautiful today 

in her forties as she did in her early modelling days.

Which piece from your collection would make a great gift ?

I think my cashmere socks make a wonderful gift to a girlfriend…

a little bit of luxury… and for a more expensive gift 

my cashmere poncho is the perfect gift to wrap yourself in…

sheer indulgence.

shop here

Who do you consider one of the most inspirational women and why?

 For me, Audrey Hepburn has been an inspirational lady…

not as an actress, although I admire her talent but for her way of being, 

her humanity and serenity, her kindness and humility 

and her passion and work and deep love and 

concern for the welfare of children. 

Through her role as ambassador 

for Unicef she raised the world’s consciousness 

to the plight of children in the Third World and inspired 

others to continue her work. A lady of such refined elegance 

and grace and inner beauty…she inspires me to be a better person.

Thank you SO much to the lovely

Catherine for her inspiring insights.

Here's one last word from me, taking

inspiration from this interview ;-)

I would love to hear your thoughts on this interview

+ dreams. Are you dreaming big?

Are you living your dream?

However big or small, tell us?