My dad always says ‘if in doubt, do things’ and that’s what it’s all about. I love using our platform for philanthropic causes – that gives me deep, deep pleasure. And for the staff, I think it’s nice to know they’re doing things that people are responding to and hopefully they feel proud of. I think the people we attract are people who care about those things, not just fashion people.” I realise, though, that it is not the same in all organisations, and we could be better even in my own organisation, for example in the imagery we use to advertise our products. There is a lot more work to do. Businesses need to consciously resist the temptation to hire ‘people like them’. We need to realise we are hugely disadvantaged if we do not hire a workforce that represents our customers. We need to ensure a pipeline of good candidates. And we need, perhaps, to force the issue for a bit, to create more role models as we have done for women. Through a lighthearted, almost humorous prose, she highlights those practical solutions that helped her navigate a busy and eclectic life and emphasises on the importance of creative thinking and visualisation: making her work an inspiring handbook for budding entrepreneurs. It's also impressive, that after all of these years, she's lost none of her drive or passion & continues to create delightful, high quality products, concept stores and unique pop-ups which are oozing with wit and charm and get the customer involved, and joining along for the spirit-lifting fun ride. I don’t think there is a typical Anya woman but rather she is someone who has a great sense of fun and a love of craftsmanship. I love spotting my designs worn by women when I am out and about, that gives me a real sense of achievement to feel that I have helped bring a little joy – or sense of organisation – into their lives.

Anya Hindmarch: If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair - The Gloss Magazine Anya Hindmarch: If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair - The Gloss Magazine

I grew up with business as part of our family language and culture – I think I helped my father write some of his invoices as a child. I love the creative and business sides of the job with equal measure. We love the part about your relationship with sugar. ’Sugar absolutely calls to me. It’s really noisy. I can hear it from another room’. Please pass on some tips on how to get over the sugar gremlin. Asking for a friend…Really enjoyed this brilliant, inspiring and empowering book!! Anya Hindmarch is a world famous businesswoman, entrepreneur, CEO, and a mother to five children (3 of whom are her step children who she's looked after since they were small). In the early 2000s, she created an it bag that everyone had to have, known as the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" bag. I remember even my mum had one! Your designs have been worn by everyone from royalty to pop stars, but who do you see as the ‘Anya woman’? The idea for the book came from the questions Hindmarch received while delivering talks on her business journey. Audiences always wanted to know more about the bigger picture. In response, she has written a revealing manual covering everything from dealing with investors to navigating a family illness, all with razor-sharp discernment and a self-deprecating honesty. So you have to find a way to make them want to stay with you. You have to deploy your passion and energy and positivity so that they will love the journey and the excitement of building something, they will believe in the business, they will love working with the team. I have come to realise that maybe I worried more than I needed to about this. Very often, as much as the salary and benefits and progression, job satisfaction is about liking your team, and enjoying working together to build something. It’s about: Am I having fun? Am I proud of what I’m doing? Are we collectively making a difference? Are we reaching our goal?

Anya Read an excerpt from If in Doubt, Wash Your Hair: Anya

You call yourself a “Work in Progress’ in the book. Which parts are you working on presently and how has Covid effected this?You live in London, which is your favourite park, restaurant and bar and do you have any secret places that you can tell us about? I design what I love and what I believe to be useful or something to make someone smile. I am thrilled that this translates into evoking feelings for others.