Image: Anneli Marinovich
Chitter Chatter is a series I’m running all about inspirational women in the wedding industry whom I greatly admire. These women successfully combine running their own business with married life and, in a lot of cases, raising a young family. The ‘Chitter Chatter’ twist is is they have to answer my questions in just 140 characters or less….
Today I’m chitter chattering to Louise Beukes, founder and editor of B.LOVED, a place where she indulges and shares her passions for weddings, interiors, fashion, travel, family and beauty. Super talented Louise also creates trend-led editorial shoots for Louise Beukes Styling. This women certainly knows her ‘pretty’!
What was your first job?
My very first job was an assistant in a garden centre — I’ve no idea why this appealed, I’m the least green fingered person you know!
Tell me more about your career before launching b.loved
I worked as a commercial designer in London for 10 years, designing high quality offices for some of the world’s biggest (and smallest!) brands.
What made you start b.loved ?
I fell in love with being inspired, so decided to do a little inspiring of my own!
What inspires you to keep growing and developing your business?
I think it’s innate in every business owner — the desire to do and be better drives me on.
What obstacles have you overcome along the way?
Leaving my day job was the biggest psychological barrier, it takes a while to get used to not having a regular income!
Images: CKB Photography
What is the best opportunity b.loved has brought you?
Meeting so many incredible people, who are not just colleagues but true friends.
What’s your best tip for a work / life balance?
Oh gosh, I’m the worst person at doing this so perhaps not the best to ask for advice! I’m a big list writer, but I don’t like to finish until it’s all ticked off.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t get involved in negativity. Wise words.
97% of Britain’s small creative businesses are run by women. Why do you think this is?
Women rule the world 😉 Seriously, women are creative, driven and more efficient than men — we have a lot more to juggle!
What are your top tips for brides-to-be when planning their wedding?
The venue, the flowers and dà©cor are all a wonderfully pretty and romantic backdrop to your day and I wholeheartedly believe that you should go all-out to prettify your day as much as you desire. But at that time, standing next to your new husband, surrounded by family and friends and an awful lot of love, it really is just all a backdrop.
Any marriage tips?
Make time for each other, it’s so easy to get carried away with work, friends, life. Schedule in a date night!
Favourite quote?
“A wedding is a party, not a performance. If at the end of the day you’re married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly” – Anon
Favourite gadget?
I simply cannot live without my iPhone
Favourite film?
Romeo & Juliet
Last holiday?
I’m on a working holiday right now in Dubai!
Images: CKB Photography
Currently reading?
If you could be trapped in a lift with any living person who would it be and why?
Ooooh, so tough! From the wedding world, Martha Stewart. I’d love to pick her brains on how she manages to mix luxe and DIY so cleverly on her blog!
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know… preferably non work-related
I could quite happily relocate to the African bush — so long as there was a wifi connection!!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Anything containing salted caramel. Obsessed!
What did you do today?
Prepared some blog posts, and sat by the pool reading.
What’s next?
This year is all about building the B.LOVED Edit, a new vendor directory connecting luxe & lovely brands with our readers. I’m really passionate about working with and promoting the very best
Thank you Louise! Enjoy more of Louise Beukes on:
@Twitter
@Facebook
@Pinterest
@Instagram
