As part of our STILLNESS SERIES we chat to Naomi Raybould, visionary founder of the womenswear label Beyond Nine, a brand that redefines everyday essentials with a commitment to comfort, quality, and sustainability. Ahead of the busy festive season, we sat down over a cup of tea to learn more about how she weaves small but meaningful moments of stillness throughout her busy schedule.
HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY RECHARGE AND FIND BALANCE AMIDST THE PRESSURES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS?
NAOMI RAYBOULD: This is something I often find quite challenging. But for me, having minimal plans at the weekend is a big one. I love being at home and pottering with the kids, not having to get dressed until late into the morning. Going for a long dog walk with the kids on their bikes in the woods with no set time to be home. I also love a really long bath - I'm talking like an hour or more in the bath. Being disconnected from everything, when the kids are in bed and being alone with my thoughts is one of life's great pleasures.
CAN YOU SHARE A PERSONAL MOMENT WHERE FINDING STILLNESS HELPED YOU OVERCOME A CHALLENGE, EITHER PERSONALLY OR IN YOUR BUSINESS?
NR: Stillness is huge for me in problem solving when it comes to the business. Along with the long baths, I am really good at sitting quietly. This often happens when I have something on my mind and I need time to reflect. I also find that having time away from the business is hugely beneficial for finding a way through difficult things when you've reached the point that you can't see the wood from the trees. I find that when I step back, I often unknowingly ruminate and reach a decision on things without even consciously thinking about it.
WHAT ROLE DOES NATURE PLAY IN YOUR LIFE / HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE IT INTO YOUR ROUTINE?
NR: I grew up by the sea, and whenever I was going through some sort of teenage angst, my parents would take me for a walk along the beach to blow the cobwebs away, and it really does that. As does a cold swim in the sea, or a walk in the woods. I get such a release when I'm in nature. We moved out of London to Bristol three years ago and part of the pull was to be closer to nature. We have a new dog, so it's been a great motivator to get out for long walks at the weekend. I also find that I get seriously itchy to visit my parents in deepest darkest Devon when I haven't been for a few months & I always feel so calm once I've arrived.
DOES THE CONCEPT OF STILLNESS INFLUENCE YOUR BRAND'S PHILOSOPHY AND PRODUCTS?
NR: Beyond Nine is all about providing for women through many stages of womanhood. For some women that means juggling motherhood & work, but we also sell our clothes to lots of pregnant and newly postpartum women, who we want to keep comfortable and nurtured through that newborn bubble by giving them one less thing to think about.
IN A FAST-PACED WORLD, HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR TEAM OR CUSTOMERS TO PAUSE AND EMBRACE MOMENTS OF STILLNESS?
NR: I could probably be better at this with my team - our business is so incredibly fast paced and there is always more to do. I really believe that creativity comes from stillness and space, so would like to encourage all of us to do more of that.
WHICH OF OUR STILLNESS COLLECTION RESONATES WITH YOU THE MOST AND WHY?
NR: Probably the pillow mist. Sleep is so sacred for me - I struggle on so many levels if I am not sleeping well, and having been sleep deprived for many years with three kids, sleep is one of the most precious things to me, so anything to aid that is good in my book.
To celebrate the season of STILLNESS, we’ve joined forces with Beyond Nine to offer FRIENDS OF WILDSMITH the chance to win £500 of WILDSMITH SKIN products and a Wildsmith Facial at Liberty alongside a £300 voucher to spend on your favourite Beyond Nine pieces. To enter, simply click here.
