Earlier this month we had the pleasure of visiting the lovely Emily Mayne, Founder of Someday Designs at her beautiful home in South East London.
Having worked in the design and interior industry for years Emily has always wanted to start up her own business. We found out all about Emily's brand and what it takes to run your own company!
Can you tell us about yourself and your business Someday Designs?
I am Emily, I'm 35 years old and live in Greenwich with my husband Paul and our 2-year-old son Teddy. My background is in homeware buying and product design so it felt a natural extension to set up my online interiors and lifestyle store, Someday Designs, which I launched this time last year. We sell furniture, lighting and home accessories all with a minimal design aesthetic; taking inspiration from Scandinavian and Japanese interiors. It's important to me that we are more than just a retailer though. We are a collaborator and a maker too. So the site features pieces from new and established brands alongside the recent launch of our first in-house sofa collection.
We love your gorgeous new sofa collection. What fabrics do you use and why?
We wanted to make shopping sofas really simple, easy and affordable - with so much choice out there it can be quite overwhelming. So we've edited it all down for you with a handpicked selection of fabrics that best suit the shape and design of each sofa - whether that be a brushed cotton for softness or a washed linen for that more understated, lived-in look. All our fabrics are made from natural materials and are of the highest quality, meaning they are durable, practical and will age beautifully.
Where does your passion for design and interiors come from?
I've worked in the interior industry for the last 17 years and have been fortunate enough to have worked with some very talented and inspiring people. My true love is in product design and sourcing, particularly working on items such as lighting and furniture as they are such considered purchases and often the items people love and treasure the longest. To see a light fitting or sofa in someone's home that I have designed gives me the greatest sense of achievement. Plus, I love how design and spaces can have such a
positive impact on our daily lives. You know a room is working for you when you feel relaxed and most at home there.
How would you describe your work?
It's actually really varied as not having a team means everything has to be done by me. Sometimes I'm a product designer, sometimes I'm a marketeer other days I'm trying to decipher web coding. I love this variety though. I'd say the most important part of my job is in the relationships I build. So much of what I have achieved has been thanks to past and new relationships. As a start-up, it's essential to get people on board who believe in your potential and support what you do.
Where do you draw inspiration from when working?
All over! The obvious places are from fashion mags or trade shows but I love having a nosey at markets and independent pop ups too as you're always guaranteed to find a new gem.
What gave you the courage to start up your own business and what advice
would you give to those thinking about doing the same?
I'd been thinking of starting up on my own for a long, long time but was always too nervous to take the leap of faith. I suppose our 2-year base in Australia a few years ago really inspired me. Working alongside small business owners with a real entrepreneurial attitude made me realise there is never a right time, you just have to have a go and often learn as you go! Having our son Teddy was also a deciding factor. My previous career required long hours and lots of international travel so that working life didn't suit us anymore. Running my own company allows me to take a bit of control back and provides better
flexibility for me as a working mum. My advice would be to start up a business which reflects your talents, interests and experience. It can be all-consuming at times so working within an industry you love
should help provide the motivation and energy to make it happen.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
On a Monday and Friday, it's all a bit of a scramble as I have Teddy with me but on the days he goes to our childminder I get to start work around 8.30am and aim to focus my mornings on getting orders out and responding to as many quotes, invoices and enquiries as I can by lunch. I've recently started a mindfulness course and I'm trying to introduce a lunchtime meditation. One to ensure I stop for lunch (!) and secondly to re-focus me for the afternoon, which is generally spent speaking with my design partners, working on new collaborations, editing the site or out on appointments. Working from home can feel quite isolating so I try to do as many face to face meetings as possible, whether in town or at the house - more and more our home is becoming an open studio which is really working and I love the more personal approach.
How do you make your clothes work for you and your busy lifestyle?
I value comfort and investment pieces, making sure they all work together so I don't have to think too much about each outfit!
Who/what inspires your everyday style?
I like to buy minimal, classic pieces which are versatile - I love Emma Hill for her effortless style and Erna Leon from Mercer7 with her timeless easy-to-wear edits.
What are your go-to wardrobe staples?
I generally wear jeans, a jumpsuit or draped trousers with either a cosy knit for winter or with a simple t-shirt for summer. Each can then be dressed up with a blazer or heeled boots if I'm heading out or hosting a meeting.
And finally...
If I wasn't running Someday Designs... I've always quite fancied writing a book.
My favourite London hangout... Greenwich Park.
Words to live by... Be kind.
My ideal breakfast... Poached eggs with avo on toast, every time!
My day isn't complete until... Teddy's asleep, the candles are lit and the feet are up.
The best thing about my job... I can work anywhere and anytime.
 Dena T-shirt > |
 Adina Trousers > |
 Brie Cashmere Sweater > |
 Juliette Jeans > |
 Viviana Dress > |