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• The things we do for love - with Donna May

  This week we’re having a touching talk about the things that money can’t buy with our special guest, Donna May. Make-up artist to the stars, she’s worked on Loose Women and a host of ITV shows, but after a foot operation left her with some time on her hands, a business was born after she made a make-up bag with her trademark red lips on it for a friend. A make-up mat followed and, after meeting a web designer, who became her business partner, Donna May London was up and running. Inspired by her 12,000 strong Facebook community, she makes things women actually want at an affordable-luxury price-point, from travel mirrors, to a perfect red lipstick. Inspiring and down-to-earth, Donna maintains that the difference between someone who succeeds and someone who doesn’t is that the first one just keeps on going, even when things get tough. She says she’s utterly sentimental and the only thing that really matters to her are memories, photographs and telling her family how much they’re loved. She shows us the jewellery that has particular sentimental value, including a keepsake from her Dad and her twenty-first birthday present from her Nan, still with the note inside. To choose your perfect shade of red lippy and much, much more visit donnamaylondon.com www.poshtottydesigns.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Everyone should have a dream with Deidre Guthrie

  Time to ruffle your skirts, get your dancing shoes on and listen in, as we welcome Deidre Guthrie to the podcast. Born in Edinburgh, Deidre tells us the thrilling story of how she became Candela Flores, a renowned flamenco dancer in Spain. She tells us about her dance mentor who spotted her talent, as well as her passionate love affair with her guitar-playing accompanist and bull-fighter, Jaime Santos. A go-getting business woman, Deidre has lived all over the world, taking us from the clubs of Madrid, to Mexico to South America after she got involved in the wine trade. Talking to us from her home in Cyprus, she’s still living life to the full having retired from running a guest house and restaurant. She shows us the stunning ruby and pearl necklace gifted to her mother from the ruler of Kuwait and a dramatic black and white charcoal sketch of Mary Queen of Scots, depicting the moment just before she was executed, as well as some earrings from her travels when she was young. Looking back on her remarkable life, she says that everyone should have a dream and work towards it. Hers was to become a flamenco dancer, but she’s also found great satisfaction in writing her recent memoir ‘Becoming Candela.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Keep your side of the street clean - with Gresham Blake

  Bespoke tailor to the stars, Gresham Blake is our special guest this week. With his iconic shop in Brighton, Gresham tells us about his journey into tailoring and how he’s grown his business, diversifying into corporate wear for big hotels like The Standard Hotel group, Fortnum and Mason, The Grand in Brighton to name but a few. He hates ornaments, but is a collector of antique curiosities and brings a piece of a space rocket to show us. He also tells us about his pride and joy - an antique petrol pump which is the centrepiece of his house. Sporting a huge signet ring with a rose gold sovereign made by Jeremy Hoy, Gresham says it was a gift from his friends for his 50th business. Championing customer service and loving hearing people’s stories, Gresham says that the life hack that has seen him through is to just be honest. Dapper, irreverent and funny, find out more about Gresham's fabulous work at www.greshamblake.com www.poshtottydesigns.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Jewellery Equivalent of a Line of Cocaine - with Veronica Henry

  Screenwriter, radio script writer and best selling author, Veronica Henry joins us from North Devon to discuss her career, her life and her special pieces of jewellery. Having written well over twenty novels, her latest 'One Night At The Château', is out in paperback today. Warm-hearted and page-turning, it has all the hallmarks of her writing that has earned her a legion of loyal fans. Refreshingly honest and down-to-earth, Veronica talks about her writing process and how, having been through a divorce, covid, bereavement and the menopause in her fifties, is now in a new phase of her life. She says she feels simultaneously super-wise and sorted and then bewildered, but she says there comes a time when you can't be shy anymore. She shows us her the beautiful art deco ring that belonged to her flamboyant grandmother, a lobster necklace from her sons, a mushroom necklace that represents friendship and some glitzy earrings which she says are her armour at any party. She calls them the jewellery equivalent of a line of cocaine. She says her life hack is to get yourself a signature dish. Hers is crab linguine, but she's passed on some wisdom from Anthony Bourdain and has taught her sons to make a great omelette. Find her latest novel at all good bookshops and supermarkets and online on Facebook and Instagram @veronicahenryauthor www.poshtottydesigns.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Don’t overthink it - with Eliza Poklewski Koziell

  Chelsea Green’s ‘Felt’ is one of London’s original mini boutiques. Founded by our guest Eliza Poklewski Koziell and fashion director Jayne Pickering, Felt is favourite of editors and celebrities alike. Eliza curates an eponymous collection that is a must for magpies searching for fabulous costume jewellery,fine jewellery both contemporary and vintage and even ditsy diamond studs. Eliza talks candidly about the challenges of running an independent small business and keeping control. The trick is to recognise your skillset and to get people on board for your weak areas. Also, not to over-think it. She loves working and says she’ll be dealing until she drops. Always on the move and gardening, Eliza shows us her robust ring with her family crest which has brought her love and support. She says people commission it off her hand. She also shows us cherished heirloom rosary and a classic watch.Dressed head to toe in vintage clothes, Eliza loves a knitted hat as well as her apron which she says is her comfort blanket. Visit Eliza at Felt London at 53 Godfrey Street (Tues-Sat) and online @feltlondon and www.feltlondon.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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