What is your current favourite restaurant?
I’ve had some great meals at a new restaurant called Norma on Charlotte Street, London, which is inspired by the food and culture of Sicily. The restaurant is part of The Stafford Collection, and the team at The Stafford Hotel in St James are great friends. They have always been huge supporters of me and my work, having some of my boards placed in the hotel for guests to enjoy.
Where have you received the best customer service?
I’ve recently been in New York for work and stayed at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel. It’s my favourite place to stay when in the city as the hotel team are so friendly and the service is amazing. Not to mention, I love having a cocktail in Bemelmans Bar after a hectic day of meetings.
What is the title (and author) of the last book you read?
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is the most recent book I’ve read.
Who or what has been your biggest influence?
Other than my family, who is a huge influence and support to my brand and the work I do; my godmother, Norma Hayman is my biggest influence. Norma was the first British female film producer and she always encouraged and supported me to create and be creative.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
My father told me to always keep going. When things don’t go well, keep persevering. This is something I try and remember at any obstacle or challenge day-to-day and something I tell my team.
What has been your proudest moment?
Delivering my first ever custom board to my first ever client has to be my proudest moment to date. Seeing the joy my work brought is something I will never forget and is the reason why I love creating and doing what I do.
Is beauty or function more important?
Both are intrinsic to what I do. My designs and pieces need to be beautiful to look at, however as they are games, they also need to work for people to use and play.
What do you do to relax?
I love walking around London, my hometown. I quite often walk from Notting Hill to Hackney, where my studio is, and I love looking up to be inspired by the incredible architecture and history that I’m so lucky to have on my doorstep.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Tangier in Morocco is somewhere I’ve been going since I was 14 and is my favourite place to go on holiday. It holds a special place in my heart – I have so many wonderful memories from visiting over the years and I’ve made some great friends who still live there that I visit every time I return.
What is your favourite music to listen to?
I’m currently listening to LCD Soundsystem as I prepare for my exhibition in New York. The music is very inspiring and also helps me focus and get into a creative zone.
Do you collect anything or would you like to?
Throughout my childhood, I collected elephant ornaments and toys. I kept all of these in boxes, which I still have. I was passionate about their conservation and amazed by their scale.
If you could describe your products in a few words, what would they be?
Beautiful to look at, unique in design and functional to play.