3 minute read
WHO IS?
WHO IS? IZA MINKIEWICZ
OWNER OF BLUE ALMONDS AND MOTHER OF TWO
What was it like shutting the shop? It was a pretty chaotic day, nobody knew what was the right thing to do. It was scary shutting the shop as we don’t know when we can reopen. But everyone on our street is in the same situation, and we will be back soon.
How have you spent your time during lockdown? I start the day exercising with Matylda, then help her with schoolwork. I’m still working every day, going to the shop and post office to fulfil online orders, on the website and a few other projects I never normally have time to do. I am blessed having Hyde Park within walking distance so I don’t give myself any excuses not to go. I connect with my friends or listen to audiobooks. I cook much more than before and my Friday routine is baking my all-time favourite arctic bread.
What are you most looking forward to when this is over? When this is over, I just want to feel free, not having to turn my head away from the people I pass by. I find this very sad. I love people and that feels strange to me.
Explain what makes Blue Almonds unique? I believe that what makes us special is a very unique blend of products we offer and a very personal level of our service. We all commit to be of an exceptional service to our clients allowing them and us to have a very personal journey with us. Last book you read? Nonviolent communication by Marshall Rosenberg and The Art of Happiness by Howard C. Cutler based on a number of interviews with Dalai Lama are two recent reads.
Where’s your favourite childfriendly place in London? Our most favourite place is La Familia, an Italian family restaurant in Chelsea. We love all the staff there and food is delicious. It is very popular and quite loud, and in the summer they open the roof and you can bask in the sun and sip your wine. Kids always get an unlimited amount of breadsticks, so everybody is happy.
Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. That I love watching good, unusual movies and when the London Film Festival is on I can be binge-watching and jumping between cinemas from dawn to dusk, with only short breaks to eat in-between. I think my record is seven so far.
What would you take to a desert island? My Kindle and hope the island had WIFI!
Signature dish? I keep changing my signature dishes but when we last had guests I made a chestnut soup based on old French recipe, with plenty of sherry and wine. I also love making super spicy kimchi style beef filet. But my absolute once-a-week routine since the beginning of this year has been an arctic bread with lingonberries. I got to taste this bread on our last trip to Arctic Sweden back in February and me and my husband fell in love with it. It has been a constant on our weekly menu since then.
Your proudest moment? I believe that small, everyday things can bring lots of pride and happiness, so I feel like I have had many. But the proudest moment was probably when I was able to expand my business and take a bigger space. It was a great feeling. I am convinced it will be repeated again in the near future.
What’s next on the list of things to do? Definitively expand my online business and invest in new projects and everyday improvements, which will allow my clients to have a great experience when shopping with us.
Rated
“Outstanding” in all categories, Diocesan Inspection, 2016
Virtual Open Morning Saturday 25th April 2020
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St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Road, Ealing, London W5 2JL Email: admissions@sapriory.com Tel: 0208 997 2022 www.sapriory.com
Leading Ealing Catholic Independent Day School for girls aged 3 - 18 and boys in the Nursery, set in 13 acres of stunning grounds
