Style of the city Magazine- The Gratitude Edition Autumn 2020 by Style of the city Magazine

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Heart of the Matter When writing my last editor’s letter I could never have imagined the events that were about to take hold. Who could have predicted the enormity of the shift that we as a society would face in dealing with an invisible disease that touched us all. Lockdown became our new normal, a sacrifice we all diligently accepted to help fight this virus, relying on our frontline workers to do battle while every Thursday we clapped in our droves with gratitude and pride.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rosie Harris

DESIGNER & ART DIRECTOR

Catherine Smith

PHOTOGRAPHY

Justin Harris

EDITORIAL & COMMUNICATIONS

Angharad Thomas

FASHION CONTRIBUTER

Olivia Tucker

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sophie & Hannah Pycroft Yvonne Jones Tracey Holloway Polly James Luca Malacrino Stephen Truelove Saul David Style of the City Magazine, 6 Cathedral Road, Castle Court, Cardiff. CF11 9HA.

Call: 02920 647640 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

info@marcarmedia.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

rosie@marcarmedia.com

Thinking back to before the virus took hold, in those days I was convinced in my ignorance that it was a foreign problem, from China. At one point I even said to one of my writers, ‘If I hear about the Coronavirus one more time...’ At that stage it hadn’t even touched our soil. But how wrong I was. What came next was a whirlwind of shock, confusion and disbelief as so much that we took for granted was taken away. As a mother, the upheaval was very scary at first, then became a routine of home schooling, exercise, food shopping and so on as though we were in the midst of some mechanical Utopia. Just when we were keeping our focus on social distancing and adapting to our ‘new normal’, scrolling through Twitter one evening I witnessed, sobbing uncontrollably, the heinous and heartbreaking death of George Floyd. 2020 had become almost unfathomable. Another insidious disease - racism - reared its head in a world that had virtually come to a standstill. We were almost forced by circumstance to watch the brutality and to ask ourselves what had become of our world and what we can do to save it. As a community, the shift was so great, marching against injustice, fighting a virus, I knew Style of the City had to shine light on those who made a difference. It was then that I decided with my team to create the Gratitude Edition, shifting our focus to a more community feel. After all, without community what do we have? Our ‘Voices of the Community’ section explores this in more depth (P80). We have filled the rest of this issue with all the things you enjoy, plus more accounts from lockdown in our ‘Lockdown Stories’ section (P33) and incredible images from lockdown (P66). With so much change, being thankful for small things has meant a lot and this issue is dedicated to our amazing cover stars and the countless others who went above and beyond during the pandemic. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Thank you! X

Rosie Harris

FOUNDER (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF)

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CONTENTS

Health & Wellness

In the

Gratitude Edition

P52

NUFFIELD How the hospital and staff from Nuffield Health came together to help the NHS

P54

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Mindset coach Stephen Truelove shares his advice on coping with anxiety during these unprecedented times

P58

WOO WOO Share how they established a femtech cult following

Features P11

OUR COVER STARS Talk to Style of the City on their bravery and selfless acts of kindness during the Coronavirus pandemic

P40

CASTLE FINE ART Add Stuart McAlpine Miller’s masterpieces to your collection

P46

POLLY’S BABY BLOG Our parenting columnist, Polly James, shares her experience on having her daughter during a global pandemic

P60

LUCA MALACRINO Our columnist shares his platform with Kacie Rodgers to highlight how Covid and the BLM movement impacted them in America

P65

BUSINESS Businesswoman Tracey Holloway shares her advice on conducting social distancing viewings

P66

LOCKDOWN SNAPSHOTS Photographer Katie Barrett shares her doorstep portraits, which were created to raise money for Cardiff Woman’s Aid

P72

Fashion & Beauty P22

FASHION Our autumn must-haves

P28

OCEANS SALON Ocean Hairdressing shares their top tips post-lockdown

P30

THE SPECTRUM SISTERS Sophie & Hannah Pycroft share their out of lockdown essential beauty products

Lockdown Stories P35

CLAIRE JACKLIN Personal stylist, Claire Jacklin, shares how she altered her business during lockdown

P36

BASHED CARDIFF A burger brand like no other

COOKING BYDEI Shelma Dei shares her stylish recipes

Voices of the Community P80

SUE’S VIEW Sue Vincent-Jones gives her view on Barry’s #BLM protest

P37

THE BOX EDIT Ashley & Helen bring the lasts fashion trends to Barry

P81

TALK TO COCO Shares her experience on being an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ communities

P38

WARRIOR WOMEN COLLECTIVE The founders of Warrior Women Collective share how they were able to diversify and grow their business during the pandemic

INTRODUCING the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine

for no one.

he Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine is the flagship of the Volvo range, and one that has continued to lead the SUV pack with its vast interior space, luxury features and stunning road presence. Priding itself as one of the safest SUVs, the 7-seater brings with it unrivalled space and environmentally friendly economical driving. We are currently living in unprecedented times, and at Volvo Cars Cardiff we want to make sure our customers continue to receive the full Volvo experience when they first set eyes on one of our vehicles. Because of this, we are pleased to be currently offering 0% APR on all models, including our awardwinning Volvo XC90. That is right, the stocked-up SUV is a winner of over 60 awards worldwide, including most recently triumphing in the Driving Electric Awards, being named Best Electrified Seven-Seater. Not only that, but it is the first honour for our plug-in hybrid version since benefiting from a series of performance, technology and styling upgrades. No corners were cut in improving the Volvo XC90 whilst making the vehicle more eco-friendly. Picture this, it’s autumn and the sun is continuing to beam down but you have no idea where to take your children for some

There is a wealth of choice with the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, coming in R-Design, R-Design Pro, Inscription and Inscription Pro, and as for the aforementioned technology within the car there are a range of features that will satisfy every driver.

downtime. Transporting up to seven people in comfort with the Volvo XC90 is cost effective, with the T8 Twin Engine offering CO2 emissions from just 52g/km (NEDC correlated figures), with combined cycle fuel economy of up to 113.0mpg (WLTP data).

Standard equipment specification includes: • Power-operated tailgate, • Rear parking camera • LED headlights • Heated Front seats • Sensus Connect with nine-inch touchscreen • Volvo On Call

For those wanting a vehicle that continues to better the environment, the T8 Twin Engine’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery has increased from 10.4 to 11.6 kilowatt hours that allows an increase of more than 30% in the car’s pure-electric driving range. You could commute to and from work with no exhaust emissions or petrol consumption.

One of the many awards the Volvo XC90 has scooped is the Used Car of the Year 2020 with What Car? If nearly new and used models are much more your scene, at Volvo Cars Cardiff we offer the Volvo XC90 and other models at our showroom ready to drive away, and as a main dealer these are all backed by the approved used Volvo Selekt guarantee.

The Volvo XC90 makes travelling as a family a breeze, with the latest technology not compromising the car’s style or practicality. A luxury feel is first and foremost in the T8 Twin Engine, with no differences between transporting four children to school or taking some business colleagues on a work trip, the XC90 falters

If you are interested in the Volvo XC90 or any of the Volvo range and want to take advantage of our 0% APR offer, you can visit us in our showroom at 281 Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF11 8YZ, call us on 02920 644 300 or visit our website www. volvocarscardiff.co.uk to message or talk to us on online chat.

*Important Information. Finance subject to status. 20% minimum deposit. Maximum term 36 months. Minimum £8,000 to finance. 18s or over. T&Cs apply. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Part exchange the vehicle, (ii) Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Offer on selected cars excludes XC40 and NEW plug in Hybrid. Guarantees may be required. Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR. Abbey Garages Ltd, trading as Volvo Cars Cardiff, are a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

LAINGS

A STORY OF

Craftsmanship

aings is one of the largest, family-run, independent jewellers in the UK and this year they’re celebrating 180 years. Their story is by no means coming to an end and they’re continuously looking to the next chapter. As a destination for those in search of special treasures to celebrate landmark moments in life quality, craftsmanship and the importance of family are the foundations of the luxury jewellers. HERITAGE Founded in 1840, Laings is now in the hands of the sixth-generation of the family. First and foremost Laings is a family business and this family feel runs through everything they do. The generations have learned from their years of expertise, always building on their experience, looking to the future and dedicating their time to helping every customer to find the perfect item to be treasured. EXPERTISE Laings have garnered a valuable reputation as industry experts. The team are able to draw on years of experience however,

there’s always more to learn.

generations.

Luxury jewellery and watch knowledge can always be expanded on and to ensure that they can offer the best advice Laings invest heavily in the knowledge of their teams. As well as in-house training, team members visit watch brands to fully understand the intricacies behind the impressive collections. Their expertise reaches the highest levels of industry-standard, meaning that you can fully trust their advice.

THE LAINGS EXPERIENCE Every customer who walks through the door is treated to the ‘Laings Experience’ and is taken on a luxurious journey. It’s an indulgent experience that allows you to relax as knowledgeable team members guide you through their collections and educate you on the hidden secrets of diamonds and luxury watches. Laings customer service is five-star and every request is handled with the utmost care and respect. They understand that customers are shopping for an important purchase that has sentimental meaning. It can often be an emotional experience, and Laings are honoured that you have chosen to share this special memory with them. They’re delighted to become part of this memory and are there to celebrate with you, truly allowing you to enjoy the luxury of the Laings experience. “Embracing our past, investing in our future, everything we do is meticulously crafted and is yours to cherish for generations.”

CRAFTSMANSHIP High-quality craftsmanship is at the heart of Laings. Their in-house goldsmiths, designers and watchmakers ensure only the best quality work. They have produced much-loved bespoke jewellery pieces and looked after luxury wristwatches that needed a little TLC. Laings have honed their skills over the years and understand the intricate details that are built into special jewellery pieces and luxury watches. They also only work with approved craftsmen and workshops to ensure the quality of every glittering piece. There are high standards to adhere to and strict criteria to meet – after all a piece of jewellery should be cherished for

St David’s, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1GA. Tel: 02920 660 890 www.laingsuk.com

INTERVIEWS

Photo credit: Artist Nathan Wyburn

The faces behind The Gratitude Edition

We at Style of the City felt it was important to shine a light on those individuals who have gone above and beyond within our community. Their stories act as a beacon of light during a time that was so unprecedented and unpredictable, for that we are grateful. It is during our darkest times that the best of humanity shines through. We dedicate this issue to their stories and the countless others that selflessly helped during this global pandemic. Thank you. Lauren Young Lorraine Norman Steve Khaireh

Amie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke Lauren Green Hilary Brown

Wendy Vernon-Fulbrook Dr. Liza Thomas-Emrus Dr. Lindsay Cordery

INTERVIEWS

Lauren Young

Amie O’Rourke

Wendy Vernon-Fulbrook

WORKING ON THE FRONTLINE We sit down with our cover stars, Lauren Young, Amie O’Rourke and Wendy Vernon-Fulbrook. These three exceptional nurses are life-long friends who have worked in different sectors within the NHS, from A&E and cancer wards to mental health facilities. They each recall their experiences working on the frontline during the Coronavirus pandemic. LAUREN YOUNG How did Coronavirus impact your hospital when it first broke out? At the point in March when they said we were shutting down and with it being a new virus, the evidence base was limited and that was the frightening thing. Nobody knew what protection we needed. Government guidelines were being fed down through the channels that were coming from Italy, Spain and China of what they had seen

to work best, but there was very limited evidence for what we needed in terms of PPE. So we were just gowning up and hoping for the best. We were covering our eyes and mouth and washing our hands to the point where our hands would crack and bleed from scrubbing. How did you find working during the pandemic with young children at home? When I arrived home after a day at work I wouldn’t touch my children until I had

showered. I would keep my nails short, shower and change at work and put a clean outfit on. Then when I arrived home, I would take my clean clothes off, even though I hadn’t worked in those clothes, put those clothes in the washing machine, then run up to the shower and clean myself for half an hour, making sure I was completely clean before I would go anywhere near them. I also made sure my car keys, bag and phone were covered in alcohol gel.

INTERVIEWS What did you find the toughest when looking after patients with Coronavirus? The toughest day was when I had a patient die with me from Coronavirus in A&E. This man that I nursed was in his 70s with a lot of respiratory problems and was being cared for on the ward rather than in intensive care. It was decided that his care would be wardbased and we would make him comfortable, but at that point his family couldn’t come in to see him.

and it just spread like wildfire through the patients, staff and the hospital. Unfortunately, my colleague sadly passed away. She had two young children and was looking after them at home. We’re not sure what happened, but she stopped answering her phone and replying to everybody’s messages. She got taken to A&E, but it was too late. They did ventilate her, but she

This is possibly the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with and I’ve seen some awful stuff in A&E over the years. I was on the phone to his son and I was with the patient as he was taking his last breath. His son, was sobbing his heart out to me on the phone just saying “tell him we love him…” In the

of your team getting stuck in and struggling and you feel like you have to help those around you get through it. WENDY VERNON-FULBROOK How did Coronavirus change your daily routine at Hafan y Coed? Before Coronavirus, we just used to wear our uniform to work. Now we have to change on site. But we have no changing room facilities in our area. Going on shift there would be six of us on our ward, so there would be one in the toilet, one in the staff room, one in a high-care room, any space we could find to change in private. And we don’t have showers or anything like that to clean ourselves when leaving the building.

ended up having a cardiac arrest on Good Friday. I was in work the day it happened and in a way I’m glad I was there, as I was surrounded by people who understood exactly what I was going through.

I am hopeful that if it happened again we would all be prepared. We can look back and say the government should have done this and that. But at the time, they used the evidence they had from the other countries like China and Italy to be able to protect us the best they could. If we have another wave soon, we will have the knowledge and evidence to act accordingly. AMIE O’ROURKE Did you know anyone personally affected by Coronavirus? We had all nursed patients with Coronavirus

“

WE ALL HAD NURSED patients with Coronavirus AND IT JUST SPREAD like wildfire through THE PATIENTS, the staff and THE HOSPITAL

“

end, I couldn’t cope with it any more and pleaded with the nurse in charge to see if the family could come in to say goodbye as they were already outside in the car park. I gown them up in exactly the same as I had on and his family come in and break down. I’m the other side of the curtain and I completely break down too as there was nothing I could do.

I also had Coronavirus, but I was really lucky and it was only mild. When the news first spread, my husband begged me not to go to work as I’m diabetic and have two young children. It was scary, but you see all of your team getting stuck in and struggling and you feel like you have to help those around you get through it.

Did you have an increase in patients during the pandemic? We had an increase of doctors and nurses coming into our mental health facility as they were unable to comprehend the unknown of what was going to happen and the pressure they were under. Unfortunately, there are members of the NHS who have taken their own life, especially in London, because of the amount of pressure they were under. Do you feel there’s a shift in how NHS staff are now perceived by the media and public? I feel that there has been a massive shift in how NHS staff are now seen by the public. It’s visible through the deliveries you get every day, the food prepared by restaurants for our shift and the lovely signs spread and posted everywhere around Cardiff. People have called us heroes, but to me it’s my job. I’m not doing anything different to anyone else. Initially, I was really scared but now I’m generally more laid back.

INTERVIEWS

LAUREN GREEN

“

THE MOMENT LOCKDOWN was announced I decided I was not GOING TO STOP WORKING I decided that now, more than ever WOMEN NEED TO SUPPORT each other

“

founder of ‘Empowered Woman Empower Woman’

Our cover star Lauren Green is currently in her third year of University studying Strength and Conditioning. She is a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor who created ‘Empowered Women Empower Women’. At 10am every morning during lockdown Lauren went live on her instagram account offering free online fitness classes to help motivate, inspire and bring some light relief to those struggling with their new-found routines. And these classes are still going. She shares her journey with Style of the City. What made you start your fitness business? At the beginning of 2020 I made a promise to myself to dedicate this year to my work and have since worked every single day growing my business.

I had to make my own business plan. My mission statement for this business plan was “I aim to help women to believe in themselves, my aim is to let all women know that no matter what the circumstance, with the right frame of mind, a goal in place and a group of supportive women ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!” and through fitness that is what I do. Why did you decide to create free fitness classes during lockdown? Before lockdown I was in University, taking classes every day, training clients one to one and I had my own Women’s Glute Growth Workshop every Sunday.

reduce stress. It helps us to feel more in control of everything. I thrive on routine. I like to plan my day and set my tasks to keep me organised and I know most women feel the same. Throughout lockdown every single morning at 10am I and a group of women would work out together through the internet. 10am started to become our saviour. It was so much more than just fitness. We built a supportive community and we were all there for each other through this difficult time. Our group of women just kept growing and growing.

The moment lockdown was announced I decided I was not going to stop working. I decided that now more than ever women need to feel uplifted, women need to support each other and exercise is the perfect antidote to deal with the uncertainty and stress of this global pandemic. Five years ago I had no self-confidence at all. I felt weak, sad, powerless. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep and sometimes I felt like giving up. But then I found fitness. I found a way of turning all my negative feelings to positive. Knowing the power of fitness and how helpful it can be through hard times, this is why I decided to try my best to help others. I went live at 10am every single day to help raise spirits. I did this to help keep us women sane. I did it because I love helping other women through fitness. Exercising in the morning sets you up for the day, releasing endorphins. Getting up and moving your body can instantly uplift your mood, which is exactly what we all needed throughout lockdown.

At the beginning of January I completed an intense business course at University where

What made you choose to begin your classes at 10am? I chose 10am as I thought it was a perfect time for all women. Mums would be able to sort their children out before a workout, it wasn’t too early for those who wanted a small lie-in, and it wasn’t too late so you would still have the whole day ahead of you afterwards). I chose the same time every day in order to keep a routine. Routine is so good for our mental health. It helps us to cope with change. It helps to

For some of us, including myself, this was our only form of adult communication. I have had the most heart- warming messages thanking me for these workouts throughout lockdown. This 10am community was so much more than just working out. It was keeping us all sane. The fact that I was and am still able to help so many women through such a hard time makes me so happy and makes me work so much harder. I love helping women through fitness. It’s my dream come true. Instagram: @empoweredwomenfitness

INTERVIEWS

“

WE ALL PUT OUR own lives aside in order to GIVE OUR ALL TO communities we serve

founder of Revive Prescribed

“

DR LIZA THOMASEMRUS Dr. Liza Thomas-Emrus MBBCh DFSRH DCG MRCGP DipBSoM GP with a special interest in Mind Body Medicine, Digital Health and founder of Revive Prescribed, a free resource of meditation for patients. Medical Lead for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board temporary field hospital, Ysbyty’r Seren. Cover star Dr. Liza Thomas-Emrus, founder of Revive Prescribed, shares how she used art as part of rehabilitation with her patients. After the rise of anxiety, insomnia and pure exhaustion had occurred in her elderly patients, Dr. Liza used her holistic techniques to give her recovering Covid-19 patients a sense of purpose once again. She shares all with Style of the City. How has Covid-19 challenged Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board? Covid-19 brought a new challenge to our health board and we had to think outside the box in order to deliver exceptional care. We serve a population that suffer due to the effects of deprivation on health and that was highlighted in the high rates of Covid-19 compared to other areas across the UK. Our staff showed immense commitment and resilience at the peak of the first wave. We all put our own lives aside in order to give our all to the communities we serve. In particular, I am in awe of the district nurses. They were incredibly busy before Covid-19, but during the peak they were the roots we depended on. They don’t always get the spotlight, but without them the care I deliver as a GP would never reach out as far. How did you find treating patients who had Covid-19? Covid-19 being a new disease meant that pharmaceuticals weren’t the immediate solution to helping people recover. We had to depend on the art of medicine and connecting with our patients to co-create solutions tailored for each individual. The rates of anxiety, insomnia and pure exhaustion have been high. The other thing I saw more of than ever were reports of loss of identity, disconnection and fear of uncertainty. My most profound moment was seeing a man in his 80s who was physically recovering well

from Covid-19 but ‘just didn’t feel right’. He had expected to die as the message he understood from watching the news was that due to his age he would likely die from Covid-19. He had made peace with that and was ‘ready’. Once he had recovered he lost his sense of purpose. I have no pill to make someone feel alive. That’s when I depend on social prescribing, engaging the patient in community groups to reignite vitality. That’s how you get someone to feel alive again. He inspired us to create a different care model within our field hospital. What new care model has been created within your field hospital? We have collaborated with The National Museum of Wales to create an interactive art gallery for patients, along with many local artists. We are using art as part of rehabilitation. Walking around the gallery will help physical rehabilitation and the paintings will help invoke memories, thoughts and emotions to help the mind and spirit. We have a holistic day lounge where

we can prescribe social activities to help patients recover, like meditation, singing and chair yoga. Valleys Steps, Mental Health Matters Wales and multifaith chaplains are also helping us achieve our goal of caring for the person as a whole. We hope our patients feel like individual people and not just patients. What has been available to staff to cope with the heavy burden of this pandemic?? Virtual Reality headsets have also been tremendously effective for our staff wellbeing in our mindfulness recharge rooms. Meditation is the one thing that I recommend to everyone as it develops the skill of thinking less about the past, worrying less about the future and just being content in the present moment. I think that’s the biggest lesson Covid-19 has brought us, being content in the now, valuing what we have and being grateful. www.reviveprescribed.com and YouTube channel: Revive Prescribed Meditation

INTERVIEWS

HILARY STEVE BROWN KHAIREH

CEO of Virgo Consultancy Services Ltd Chair of Butetown Community Centre Seasoned Human Rights Activist

As soon as the lockdown news hit, Steve Khaireh and Hilary Brown knew instinctively the communities that would be affected the most. Through their experiences in helping the most vulnerable in our society, they both joined forces to create the BAME Covid-19 food box response project. It was through this combined approach that they were able to offer food and clothing relief for families that needed it the most. Tell us about the BAME Covid-19 food box response project and how Coronavirus helped you team up with Hilary and create this concept? Steve: Well we knew that people of this community would be vulnerable if they were told to stay home. You only have to look outside the door and what do you see? Two blocks of 15-storey high-rise flats, which is like living in a filing cabinet, and suddenly they’re locked in and not allowed out and they have no gardens to escape to. Most are elderly and I knew just that alone would

“

IT HAD TO BE LIKE A MILITARY OPERATION because on top of the demand for the service WE HAD TO KEEP EVERYBODY SAFE (by social distancing)

“

Hilary Brown and Steve Khaireh, who are community activists, came together during lockdown and combined their forces to provide a service to support the most vulnerable in our communities.

M.B.E Project Coordinator of Horn Development Association

require support, so the natural thing to do was to speak to Hilary to see if Butetown Community Centre could team up to support. Hilary: I think Steve has hugely underplayed his role, to be honest, because he was doing a lot of support and deliveries individually before he thought about creating a project. He’s in contact with many vulnerable people through the various projects he’s involved in and he was providing a service as best he could being just one person. When he realised that the demand was far bigger than one person could manage 7 days a week, such as collecting people’s medicine, food shopping during the strict lockdown, that’s when we teamed up together. Steve and I had a discussion because Butetown Community Centre was closed, there was no activity going on at all. All staff were furloughed and I thought it was a great waste of an asset within the community when there was such a desperate need. And this community is not just about a geographical community, our patrons come from all over the place. The children who normally come to what we call a second Saturday club are children who have Sickle cell. So we decided to run this initiative out on a Wednesday, literally just opening the doors before the staff have returned to work and coordinating this initiative with volunteers. Referrals have come from word of mouth, by us knowing our own stakeholders like Horn Developments, Butetown Community Centre, Sickle cell club and all the other groups we

work with, and within a week or two of us providing this as a service the statutory agencies and other organisations started making enquiries as to how come you’re doing things differently? And what I think we’re doing is looking at our stakeholder group, which is predominately black people, and looking at the nutritional content of what we put in the boxes. We’ve actively gone out and tried to source fruit and vegetables, rice, flour, milk and eggs. We’ve thought about if you’re in the kitchen and get this box, can you make a meal out of it and does it have

INTERVIEWS

Hilary Brown and Obed Mlaba High Commissioner of South Africa 2014-2017 nutritional value? Because, as Steve has mentioned, nearly everyone we’re delivering to is vulnerable in one way or another.

Sickle cell children there are 34 to feed, not including the parents. So that gives you a

more realistic figure of the amount of food poverty and other vulnerabilities.

Logistics wise, what was it like when you first started this initiative? Hilary: The behind the scenes logistics were monumental. We had to get the boxes, making sure we had somebody able to collect the donations whenever they were ready to be collected, and all that fell to Steve. In the first week we had a dozen volunteers and after the first week we were overwhelmed with the demand and we knew we had to coordinate it differently the next week. It had to be like a military operation because on top of the demand for the service, we had to keep everybody safe (by social distancing) during this pandemic. We had to organise that the deliveries went out by 12pm, so we started at 9am and packing all the boxes whilst Steve was out on the road collecting deliveries. We also have volunteers who don’t come into the building but help deliver the boxes to our community. Then we also have the walk-in people, who come and collect their own boxes, so, we pack their content in a bag for them to take away. It’s definitely hectic here, but we’ve noticed as the weeks have gone on we’ve nailed it every time. The project has been expanded as it’s no longer just about food. We’ve seen from delivering food parcels that these communities have other vulnerabilities, such as having no furniture, cutlery, curtains, clothes etc. So we’re expanding to help cater for those needs. How many children have you supported during this project? Hilary: It’s hard to say exactly, but with the

Steve Khaireh receiving his MBE

INTERVIEWS

property manager Cardiff Women’s Aid ‘RISE’

“

THE TEAM WORKED SO HARD to ensure the clients were comfortable, THEY KNEW WHEN AND WHERE to make contact with a support worker THEY HAD EVERYTHING they needed

“

LORRAINE NORMAN Violence against women is an issue of pandemic proportions, affecting women and children globally. It is estimated that around 3 million women across the UK experience rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, stalking, sexual exploitation, trafficking and other forms of violence every year. This is equivalent to the population of Wales. The Covid-19 pandemic has only intensified this issue, with movement restrictions leading to isolation and entrapment with abusers, and economic stress potentially exacerbating existing violence. Women’s Aid have continued to offer their critical 24/7 helpline throughout the pandemic and its local branch, Cardiff Women’s Aid, have developed their tech support to offer alternatives for contacting the charity during lockdown. For many, this has opened up a much-needed conversation about domestic abuse in the UK. We sit down with Lorraine Norman, Property Manager at Cardiff Woman’s Aid. How did you and your team help people experiencing domestic abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic? Everybody moved swiftly and communicated really well. A process was put in place really quickly. There are several teams that work within Cardiff Women’s Aid who have had a massive input to all clients during the pandemic. My team of Refuge Assistants, which is normally a team of 5 but only had 3 due to staff shielding during the pandemic, worked so hard to ensure that the clients were comfortable. They knew when and where to make contact with a support worker, they had everything they needed, such as toiletries, food, tea, coffee. As a team we constantly ensured that the refuge was deep cleaned with antibacterial cleaning products. We provided masks, gloves and hand gel. The team ‘were there’ for refuge clients for a chat and a cup of tea. My team worked closely with the IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocates), this is a client’s support worker, we had an unprecedented amount of moves in and out of refuge, so everyone has been super busy helping to relocate and keep clients safe. How did you feel knowing the abuse and death rate of victims increased

dramatically during lockdown? It’s harrowing news, as you can see by the figures. Since the beginning of lockdown, Refuge reported a 950% increase in visits to its website and Hestia have seen a 47% increase in victims reaching out for information and support. As an organisation we continue to provide support, advice and guidance to our clients. What will Cardiff Woman’s Aid be doing moving forward from the Coronavirus pandemic? We at Cardiff Women’s Aid are carrying on the conversation and launching a new social media campaign #IStandWithSurvivors. The campaign aims to encourage members of the community to become active bystanders, providing them with the courage and tools to ‘reach in’ to survivors and show their solidarity and support. Getting involved with the campaign involves three simple steps: 1. Construct your #IStandWithSurvivors sentence, giving a reason why you stand with survivors or sharing some important statistics. An example sentence could be ‘#IStandWithSurvivors because... their stories need to be heard’.

2. Write your sentence in a bold pen and head to your doorstep. 3. Hold your sentence up and proudly take a snap! You can further support the campaign by sharing the posts with your online community and encouraging family, friends and businesses in your local community to get involved. The campaign is supported by domestic abuse survivors, and a number of Cardiff-based businesses such as Authentic House. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, you can access support via Cardiff Women’s Aid: Call us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 029 20460566 Text us, Monday to Friday, 9am-7pm and weekends, 9am-4:30pm on 07727 462793 Our webchat is available Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm, at rise-cardiff.cymru You can arrange a convenient time for a video chat by emailing reception@risecardiff.cymru – you can also use this email address to access support via email if you would prefer.

INTERVIEWS

DR LINDSAY CORDERYBRUCE

“

HOMELESSNESS ISN’T OVER. We haven’t solved poverty OR THE CAUSES OF IT. But we have a sharper focus on WHAT REALLY MATTERS.

“

Chief Executive of leading Welsh homelessness charity, The Wallich Following an impressive 20 years’ experience in the area of substance misuse, criminal justice and volunteering, Lindsay applies her expertise to helping to tackle homelessness in Wales. Based at their Cardiff office, Lindsay makes sure that the people The Wallich supports are at the heart of everything it does. Lindsay started her career as a volunteer after experiencing homelessness herself and believes that one day volunteering will save the world. Alongside her role as CEO, Lindsay is a keen beekeeper and recently completed her doctorate studying how we can learn about leadership from the hive and apply that to recovery. How did you tackle Coronavirus at The Wallich? The last six months have presented a considerable leadership challenge, the kind where you sink or you swim. I am immensely proud of what my team has achieved during the pandemic. Sometimes, as a leader, you have to know when to step up and when to get out of the way of your team. I’ve needed a mixture of these approaches to let other people shine. I don’t think the world will be the same after Covid19 and I don’t think The Wallich will be either. Organisations like The Wallich don’t have he option of closing in the face of a risk. We assess it, we manage it and we deal with it head-on. How did The Wallich help people xperiencing homelessness during the Coronavirus pandemic? • 24 key services open to support homeless people throughout the crisis • Supported more than 3,500 people in housing need • Secured and distributed more than 100,000 items of PPE • Connected 345 people to the internet who were previously digitally excluded • Delivered more than 14,000 hot meals to people experiencing homelessness in temporary accommodation • Supported 74 people to access peer support or counselling by telephone • Enabled all residents to isolate safely during lockdown

It’s been a time of coming together and collaborating on a scale that has never been previously witnessed. Across Wales, local authorities and partners were able to get 900 people who had been rough sleeping and sofa surfing into safe, good-quality emergency accommodation. This is an unprecedented achievement and I believe the Welsh response is to be commended. Our Minister for Housing and Regeneration made resources available at a level that has enabled innovation and planning for long-term solutions. The first announcement was for £10m, this then grew to £20m and it currently stands at £50m, such is her commitment to ensuring the best chance that those 900 people accommodated will not return to the streets. The unique circumstances surrounding the andemic and the priority to ensure people could lockdown safely cannot be artificially replicated. It was refreshing to see so much hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation become available to the people we support, but this is not simply a matter of bed space

availability. What we also witnessed was a disruption in drug markets, meaning that people went into withdrawal and this motivated them to access services. We also saw the temporary closure of high streets, town centres and the night-time economy, reducing the risk of exploitation and begging. Our job now is to make sure that future plans must proceed cautiously to ensure that the behavioural draws into a street-based lifestyle are addressed meaningfully. How do you feel moving forward from the Coronavirus pandemic? I’m left with a resounding feeling of hope and gratitude, for the staff continuing to chip away at getting people off the streets, for the political will to harness momentum and for the people we support who have used this as an opportunity to step out of homelessness. Homelessness isn’t over. We haven’t solved poverty or the causes of it. But we have a sharper focus on what really matters. For more information, visit www.thewallich. com

FASHION Scarf - £39 Plumo Trainers - £169 Pretty Ballerinas

Coat - £269 Plumo

Pumps - £169 Pretty Ballerinas Dress - £229 Plumo

Ash White Knit Jumper - £35.88 The Half Boutique

Snow Knitted Dress Long Sleeved Red - £28.69 The Half Boutique

TARTAN

Eva Satin Playsuit - £30.35 The Half Boutique

A timeless pattern we all need NO 5 Tweed Mini Dress - £37.52 The Half Boutique

Tartan is taking a stand as a must have this season, dress it up or dress it down, you’ll be standing out wherever you go! It’s the staple piece to every outfit Compiled by OLIVIA TUCKER

Sweater Vest - £89 Plumo

Boots - £189 Pretty Ballerinas

Alice Dress Check - £1550 Suzannah

Blazer - £1600 The Deck

Aaliyah checked mini skirt - £31 The Half Boutique

Poppy Midi Velvet Skirt in Yellow - £27.82 The Half Boutique

Peggy Bucket Hat Check - £125 Lock & Co.

Brodie Coat Sparkle Check - £2450 Suzannah

Trousers - £700 The Deck

FASHION

Marie Bikini (Pink) £55 (Reduced from £110)

Louise Bikini (Black) £150

SIAN SWIMWEAR

Invest in sustainable and stylish swimwear as seen featured in Vogue The luxury brand brings a fresh new approach to resort wear www.sianswimwear.com

Theresa Swimsuit (Pink) £170

Kathrine Swimsuit (Blue) £90 (Reduced from £180)

Eliza Bikini (Black) £165

FASHION

Jeans - £45 Ihenny Blouse - £40 Ihemmi Dress - £60

Elin Blouse - £32

Ihstipa Coat - £110 Erica Blouse - £30

Viflowas Blouse - £35 Vifirella Dress - £42

THE BOX EDIT

is an independent womenswear Boutique based at the Goodsheds, Barry Ixpansy Trouser - £45

Holding a curated range and offering an alternative to chain store shopping

Ihdestroy Jeans - £45

Ihkyra Coat - £75

Ixdarma Dress - £55 Jeans - £45

Vifabera Trouser - £30

The Molby ‘Tilda’ Blouse - £60 Vidaia Skirt - £35

Virivan Blouse - £35 Ihbince Blazer - £55

Ihalba Jumpsuit - £70

HAIR & BEAUTY

THE CARDIFF CLINIC MR RICHARD KAROO FRCS(PLAST)

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon. Clinical Lead for Plastic Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Breast & Cosmetic Surgery Fellowships London and Australia, now based privately in Cardiff.

Preparing for surgery

flying back to the UK only days later with no follow up in place. Complications such as bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, implant loss occurs and there is no one to properly care for this individual unless they fly back out to the clinic undertaking this surgery. A meeting with your surgeon should take place well in advance of any operation with options discussed and information provided to help provide a fully informed decision. Surgery undertaken in a local hospital where doctors and nurses are to hand to provide that high quality aftercare required.

osmetic surgery or nonsurgical enhancements can be incredibly lifechanging in the most positive of ways, not only physically, but emotionally too. Your relationship with that person who treats you is built upon mutual trust and understanding with shared goals. If you are considering the possibility of having cosmetic surgery, please research carefully. It is important to always seek the advice of someone with the appropriate qualifications and experience, who is on the Specialist Register of the GMC and think carefully about your aftercare.

1. How do I prepare for surgery? It is important to research carefully what procedure you are hoping to undergo and seek the advice of a Plastic Surgeon with some years experience in this field. Some patients who are seeking body contouring surgery may benefit from losing weight, others who smoke must stop to reduce potential problems with wound healing. These concerns can be discussed at the time of consultation but otherwise a general

healthy lifestyle is all that’s required.

2. When will I see the results?

Results are the best part of this whole surgical journey! Although nothing can ever be guaranteed an appreciation of the final outcomes can be between 3 - 12 months depending upon the anatomical site.

3. What happens if I wake up during the procedure

General anaesthetic awareness is very rare indeed, with monitors now in place I’ve never seen this happen. A more common question I often hear from more mature patients considering surgery is “am I too old for a general anaesthetic” - the answer is quite simple, if ones general health is good and common health problems well controlled with medication, age really is just a number.

4. Does it really matter where I have my surgical procedure?

This really is of significant importance, unfortunately there are a number of patients who travel abroad, having never met their operating surgeon until the day of surgery, undergoing significant procedures and then

5. If I’m not ready to commit to surgery. Are there less invasive options to improve my appearance?

This is a common feeling and in some cases the answer is yes. Non-surgical Facial Aesthetic treatments, if performed well, can really enhance ones features and deliver that refreshed look. It’s also important however to be realistic in what can be achieved, a honest opinion from a medical practitioner is of value as for some patients surgery is the only way to help achieve that individuals goals.

The Cardiff Clinic: 116 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff. CF11 9LP. For more information, visit www.thecardiffclinic.co.uk or call 029 2025 6498.

Receive an award winning service from the Ocean Team

cean Hairdressing has thrived in the city since 1998. The salon has seen many changes in the local community and in the hairdressing industry since its first inception. The salons longevity and continued status as one of Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leading brands is down to the core Philosophy which underpins everything that Ocean stands for... and that is happiness and delight.

his mantra of giving them full autonomy to make decisions about the day to day running of the salon ensures that his team remain dedicated to constantly evolving and always focusing on creating the happiness and delight that Ocean believes is the expectation of all its guests. The teams continued commitment to education and self-learning supports the

Everything that the team does, which is led by founder and global guest artist for the brand Joico Ijan Davies Emrus, is designed to create happiness and delight for their guests. Nothing can compare to seeing a bright happy smile on the face of any guest upon receiving the award winning service from the Ocean Team. Ijan has created an environment where guests can truly relax and enjoy the care and attention of his incredibly talented young team. Ijanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise in building teams and

philosophy magnificently and the level of knowledge and expertise the team demonstrate daily truly delivers the delight and happiness that guests love about a visit to Ocean hairdressing. As an international guest artist for a global brand Ijan travels extensively when he does he relies upon his front of house salon manager Scott McGlynn who in

OCEAN HAIRDRESSING from time to time! It’s proven that a visit to a salon will increase your feelings of wellbeing and happiness... so do it regularly and schedule it into your diary. 6. If you’re struggling to achieve the same results at home as you get at the salon then ask your stylist for a lesson in blowdrying and and styling it will make a huge difference. 7. If you’re a blonde then check out the Toners available... you can often play with different blonde tones using just the Toners and they can help your hair feel refreshed and new again without having the whole process done again. One of the things I hear a lot of especially from clients who are new to the salon is that they are “bored” with their hair. So, with all of our clients we make an ongoing plan of their hair goals; we review the process every visit and adjust accordingly. Your hair should be ever evolving and not just the same month on month or even worse year on year! his own right is a successful social media entrepreneur and author on all things LGBTQ to lead the team. Having guests fall in love with their hair is the best reward for every stylist at Ocean and creating that happiness and delight creates its own energy that this dedicated team thrive upon.

new colour is the most critical time Ensure you have long lasting colour results and professional products really make a BIG difference. 5. Schedule in your next appointment! Get into good habits of prioritising yourself

Since the return to work after 4 months of lockdown the salon has enjoyed a relaunch and make over by the talented Mandy St. John Davey to further WOW their guests! All the images of the makeover and the inspirational hairdressing that the team create can be found on Instagram @ oceanhairdressing and on the salons FB page Ocean salon Cardiff. Consultations are free however for the best results it’s a good idea to call the salon in advance to arrange a time so we are able to comply with social distancing requirements. OCEAN HAIRDRESSING’S TOP TIPS POST LOCKDOWN 1. Take advantage of any replenishing salon treatments on offer at your salon.. 5 months of little attention means your hair will thank you for a treat. 2. Consider changing your shape or taking advantage of all the growth you’ve gained over the 5months. Don’t just go back to what you know... try something new! 3. If you have struggled with regrowth from your hi-lighted hair now is the perfect time to switch to a hand painted Balayage for a more natural effect and for lower maintenance. 4. Invest in your hair... after you’ve spent your hard earned cash on your tresses then maintain them by asking your stylist to recommend what to use at home. After a

So get really clear on what you want and how you want to feel about your hair I promise you this will make such a difference to you and your stylist. To book your consultation, call 02920 465 551 or visit https://www. oceanhairdressing.com/ for more information.

SPECTRUM

OUT OF LOCKDOWN ESSENTIAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS Give yourself a little joy during these unprecedented times

i lovelies, thank you so much for picking up this issue of Style of the City. We’re grateful to have you back and reading our content once more, so firstly, we hope you are doing O.K. which is the best we can all expect with the current global issues we face.

Sophie and Hannah Pycroft are the sisters behind the incredibly successful Spectrum Collections, the fabulous makeup brush brand taking the world by storm. Launching their brand from their garage in Wales, Spectrum Collections has grown at an incredible rate, their brushes are loved by countless celebrities, and have been called the “World’s most Instagrammable.” In their exclusive column for Style of the City the sisters will be sharing their beauty and makeup advice as well as highlighting some of their must-have Spectrum Collections brushes.

This issue we are talking about gratitude and how important it is right now to take a minute and appreciate the truly wonderful things that have come out of something so frightful and life changing for us all. From those who have helped us fight the pandemic on the front line in our NHS, right through to those key workers who have worked tirelessly to keep our supermarket shelves stocked, and of course those warehouse workers who’ve been sending out all our online orders, every single one is a hero in our eyes. As well as those people we are grateful to, there have been a few products that have really gotten us through lockdown at the beginning and now that we’ve eased out,

BEAUTY we aren’t ready just yet to give up our favourites just yet. Here are a few things that have helped bring us a little joy during some dreary times, we thought we’d share with you.

First, loungewear. The new luxury in our opinion! The softer the better and of course with just the right amount of stretch! We’re not only wearing it around the house in the day, but it’s become a staple for workwear too, especially those rare items that you find you can dress up just as easily as dress down. We’ve been wearing Prevu Studio loungewear, a bit of an investment but we do love a quality piece, and the slim fit is more flattering if you’re wearing loungewear in public, as we are frequently! Second, we have had the luxury of an ‘extra hour’ a day, where we aren’t commuting as much and are not asked to be in meetings as frequently, which has really given us a bit more ‘me’ time, something we’ve struggled to enjoy before. So with that extra hour we’ve been indulging our skin and letting it breathe a lot on no makeup days. We think the first step in a good skin care session is a high quality cleanser, we love Obagi to strip makeup, but for a more gentle cleanse we’ve been enjoying the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, it doesn’t leave us feeling dry, and

become a makeup bag staple.

Third, we are makeup lovers at heart, and especially these days on a zoom call we need a pop of colour to lift our complexion, great skin is nothing without a little life! So we always have our Dark Matter vegan mascara on to lift our lashes and make us

so we often mix it with a little lip balm, any will do, to keep lips hydrated. Because of the creamy matte formula we also apply a little to the apples of our cheeks for a fresh faced look. We get so many compliments on this shade, and it suits all skin tones. We’ll leave you with a little note just to say even in challenging times, we can all find something to be grateful for, even if it is just that extra bit of me time or simply being able to appreciate each other. Let’s not forget the sense of humanity we’ve all discovered during the pandemic, and continue to show a little gratitude for the smallest things. Love Sophie & Hannah

look more awake. For a quick colour fix we opt for our ‘Nova’ vegan lipstick. It’s matte

it looks cute on the shelf. We keep it simple so the Glossier moisturising primer has also

Follow the sisters: @spectrumsophie @hpycroft

SIMON CONSTANTINOU

We’ve Missed You And to reassure you of how safe your visit would be, have a read of our recent client testimonials: “Thank you team Constantinou for making me feel like a million dollars… you all do an amazing job…it felt very safe in the salon today…brilliant effort” – Beverley

“So glad to be back at the salon post lockdown, with the usual friendly welcome from everyone and a super safe environment. Delighted with my hair colour and cut by the wonderful Karen. Thanks all for keeping me safe and feeling amazing” – Alison

t feels so good to be back! We, at Simon Constantinou Hair & Beauty, just want to thank you for all your messages of support through this incredibly stressful time. We know that everyone has faced one of the most difficult and confusing times of our lives. COVID19 is a scary, invisible threat, and we know many of you will have dealt directly with the results of this virus. Our reopening is proving to be a different experience to what you are used to - and you know us - we want to make your experience the absolute best! Whilst you are protected with screens and PPE and we cannot offer you a cup of tea or a hug, we know you understand that keeping everyone safe is of utmost importance. We are ready and overjoyed to be getting back to doing what we love. Thank you for embracing our safety protocols and social distancing measures whilst we all get used to

this new temporary normal. Our COVID19 safety protocol is available to view on our website: www.simonconstantinou.com/ reopening-our-hairdressers-after-covid19-lockdown/ The team have loved seeing all our clients – new and old – and creating miracle transformations with your lockdown locks! Hair colouring has been filling our diary with beautiful Balayage and Foil Highlights being particularly popular. Also, having all that time to grow your hair, there’s been lots of opportunity for stunning restyle transformations. And our beautician, Monika, is overjoyed to be back and ready to pamper you. As a thank you for supporting us through these strange times, we’d like to offer Style of the City readers 20% off Nail Services until 30.11.20 (T&Cs apply). So, if you are ready for a bit of Constantinou pampering, call 02920461191 to book and quote STYLE OF THE CITY!

“Thanks to everyone at Simon Constantinou’s. So good to see you all today. Impressed with how everyone followed COVID19 protocols. Felt super safe while still feeling pampered. Extra special thanks to Lynda … I feel like a new woman!” – Jane “Thanks to the gorgeous Karen for doing such an amazing job on my hair, as always! Unsurprisingly, from the start, (waiting outside for my PPE and temperature check) to leaving the salon it was so professional and I felt completely safe with every possible precaution taken. Thank you so much!” – Sally “So glad to be back in the chair being pampered by the amazing Chelsea, well done to all the team for making the salon safe for us all to be able to return... good to see you all stay safe.” – Antoinette “Dear Simon, I just wanted to thank you, and congratulate you on the lengths you went to keep your clients safe! I felt really safe yesterday and it was good to see you all!” – Anne O.Constantinou & Sons 99 Crwys Rd, Cardiff. CF24 4NF Tel: 02920461191 www.simonconstantinou.com

LOCKDOWN STORIES

Photo: Katie Barrett

LOCKDOWN STORIES

Exchange Views Apartment

re-lockdown, Harry and Louisa Asprou, started a new venture in the self-serviced accommodation business. They had not started trading yet, but the ball was most certainly rolling. Harry used his day’s off from work, and Louisa gave up her day

job to begin the process of starting their new business. “Our story began on Monday 9th March, two weeks before lockdown. After three years of thought and planning, with the support of my husband, Harry and a massive inspirational push from our sons, I left my job to be able to give all my time and effort into our new venture. As I walked to the car on my last day of work, I felt both liberated and scared, little did we know what was about to crash upon this Earth! The day the Prime Minister announced lockdown was one of the scariest days of our lives. After borrowing money, investing our savings and not having an income was a moment we will never forget. The world is cautiously beginning to move again; however, the majority of our future bookings would have been around events which are all cancelled. Other possibilities would have been business trips. They too, have evolved as businesses are turning to keep staff working from home. With ‘staycations’ being the buzz word at the moment, we stand firm with passion and belief in our new venture and will work hard every day while facing the challenges of this

new normal we are all experiencing.” Contact Exchange Views via the website https://exchangeviews.co.uk/ and follow their Instagram @exchange_views_ apartment for updates which will be coming very soon!

LOCKDOWN STORIES

Claire Jacklin Stylist How I altered my business during lockdown

nitially I was very reluctant to move my work ‘online’. It isn’t the way in which I like to work as I am all about working ‘with’ people. However, as the weeks rolled on during lockdown, I realised that if I didn’t adapt, I would soon be left out of the game and my clients deserved to have access to me in whatever format it took. So, I offered ¾ of my services in a new online capacity. The only service I couldn’t offer was Colour Analysis because I feel that this cannot be done accurately without a client ‘in person’ & I never compromise

love building up relationships with those who book to see me - many clients have remained with me for several years. I absolutely love doing Colour Analysis and demonstrating how certain colours can help you look younger and fresher.

Claire Jacklin is a Personal Stylist who has been in the fashion industry for over twenty years. Her first ever job was in the design rooms of Paul Smith in Nottingham, where she is from. Claire went on to study Fashion Design with Marketing & Promotion before training in London to become a Personal Stylist. Claire’s reputation goes from strength to strength and she is increasingly becoming known as the ‘Self Care Stylist’ of Wales set up a YouTube Channel, both under my handle ‘Claire Jacklin Stylist’. What I realise by having set up the YouTube channel, is that I can further develop my online services should I need to. By offering advice in short ‘training’ style videos I can cover topics, which come up time and time again, for example, ‘how to style a dress several ways’ or ‘what is Colour Analysis’. I can now add to this video library and send these out directly to clients for further help or information, if required – a real positive! All of this said, I am more than keen to get back into my studio in Penarth to see my clients face to face. Why? Because I

on the quality of my work! Surprisingly, the online Style Consultation, Home Wardrobe Styling/Edits and the Online Personal Shops have gone well – really well! I decided to discount these sessions too, as I felt I was offering some help, in some sort of strange way? I also managed to push myself a little further out of my comfort zone and joined some more social media platforms to get my brand’s reach further afield. I finally joined LinkedIn and (again reluctantly)

The power of colour is incredible! I also love showing ladies their correct makeup shades using the now well known, Tropic’s make-up, which is cruelty-free, vegan and freshly made here in the UK. I can personalise a make-up palette for each Client with colours that work perfectly for their skin tone and they know that they are buying the correct shades etc. With Tropic, a percentage of each sale goes to the World Schools Organisation, helping to educate underprivileged children. It’s just a fantastic brand to be working with!

The main aim in what I do as a Stylist is to help someone feel better about themselves, and clothing just happens to be the tool that I use to do this. If you know your best colours, the fabrics that work well for your body lines and what your true Style Personality is, you are armed with knowledge to dress for yourself, in a way that makes you feel more confident. It is not about latest trends or buying more. In fact, it is about trying to utilize what you already own and just add some tweaks to give you a confidence boost that you so richly deserve. I like to call myself the ‘Self-Care Stylist’ because I care; I really care about you feeling good, by looking good and representing yourself to the world as your best, confident self. You can find Claire on her Instagram Page @clairejacklinstylist

BASHED CARDIFF

Bashed Cardiff How Marcus Jakes used lockdown to set up Bashed, a burger brand like no other

arcus Jakes is a father of two and partner to Emma.

He has been cooking homemade food with flavours from all over the world for as long as he can remember. A really popular meal with his family was the Bashed burgers. These are LA inspired. He makes the patties himself and has always used local butchers. Marcus also make all his own burger sauces and a really special chip sauce. The chip sauce is made from Mexican imported chillies with slow roasted garlic. It has got a lovely kick to it but not too hot to handle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During lockdown it was a good friends birthday, she asked me to cook the Bashed burgers for her family. They absolutely loved them and we decided to share them with everyone to brighten up the strange times of lock down. The response has been amazing, the Bashed gang is growing as people have gone crazy for the Bashed goodness. We offer a signature double bashed beef burger. Then a 24-hour marinated (in a secret recipe) butter fried chicken burger. All with their home made burger sauces. The veggie burger has been perfected and is almost ready to share. We have lots of new ideas and recipes too, all

will be revealed in good time.â&#x20AC;? With tasty homemade sauces, and a unique Bashed edge, they really are like no other. Marcus and his family are so grateful for the support they have received so far from

their family home and are excited to watch Bashed grow. Please follow @bashed_cardiff. to keep up-to-date on the exciting news and place an order at Bashed.

Photography: Tom Collins

THE BOX EDIT BOUTIQUE

ASHLEY & HELEN

bring the latest fashion trends to Barry shley & Helen created The Box Edit Boutique and are waiting patiently for the opening of their store in The Goodsheds.

Ashley is a converse addicted Scottish gal and Helen is Welsh born and bred with a love of heels. They met awaiting the arrival of their babies and bonded during maternity leave, which consisted of long lunches and too much wine. Many conversations followed in which they discussed their similar career paths, packing up to live in London and working in the fashion industry, to then leaving that life to start their own families. Background Our own store was a dream then, but as soon as we caught wind of The Goodsheds we knew we had found the perfect home for that dream. We can’t wait to bring our box

We will also pride ourselves on offering our ‘conscious range’ which will ensure we have a portion of our range using recyclable, sustainable and organic fabrics. We feel very passionately about showcasing local brands and will ensure we offer a percentage of our range from small, local independent makers.

of curated style to this vibrant & growing community and be part of this collaborative group of independent businesses. What we do Helen’s background is in merchandising. Ashley’s experienced in buying and design. Together we have over 30 years of experience at Fashion Head Office level and we can’t wait to put those skills to use in Barry, where we met, where we live and where we love. We aim to breathe new air into the womenswear on offer locally and provide an alternative to chain store shopping. We will be handpicking those wardrobe updates, creating a boutique with must-have pieces which are affordable and offer a friendly, personal shopping experience.

How we navigated Covid-19 Covid-19 caused us several problems, including a break in our supply chain which saw us fighting to get goods released from Denmark, where most of our brands are housed. As well as that, The Goodsheds build came to a halt, so our critical path to opening was not only changed but uncertain. Pivoting business plans, never ending zoom meetings and full-time mumming was challenging but we are proud of the range we have curated and look forward to opening.

WARRIOR WOMEN COLLECTIVE

Why lockdown enabled us to diversify and grow

s an events-based business, when coronavirus hit, it hit us hard.

Stars, Storytelling, Campaigners and Difference Makers and Colour. These saw a rising number of women dialling in, with one event attracting over 150 women.

The global pandemic undoubtedly had a significant impact on people worldwide, but for us, it forced us to re-evaluate and transform our events offering overnight. Like many businesses, when lockdown first took hold we were forced to question how we would progress. Since establishing Warrior Women Events back in 2017, our events had been very much based on a shared, meaningful, and inspirational first-hand experience, among a group of like-minded women.

We even welcomed Rosie Harris, Editor of Style of the City Magazine, to share her journey around setting up the publication.

was the obvious way forward. However, this was a daunting prospect, and we were understandably concerned about whether our engaging experiences would translate online and would it benefit those who attended in the same way?

Our goal was to create a space where women across Cardiff, regardless of their professional or personal experiences, could unite to share enriching, inspiring, and thought-provoking experiences. We heard from a number of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful women who shared their inspirational journeys with our attendees, and we also offered a vital platform to female-run businesses and entrepreneurs. Over the past three years we have hosted 29 sell out events with over 1,800 women in attendance.

Founders of Warrior Women Collective Charlotte Morgan and Amy Holland Our community of like-minded women has grown significantly, and our monthly events have promoted thought-provoking, empowering, and enriching content. We were selling out every month, and about to move to a bigger venue to accommodate demand. Then the coronavirus pandemic happened and changed everything. Overnight we were forced to re-evaluate how we could continue to host our successful events, to ensure we could provide a vital support network to our loyal supporters who needed us more than ever. The decision to take our events online

The most vital thing the transition online underlined for us, was the importance of the connections between the women who make up our tribe. Without them we are nothing. We have always known that our amazing network of women was our strength, however their enthusiasm, support, and fearlessness at this uniquely challenging time really highlighted that. Going forwards, we will continue to host online events, lockdown showed us that our diversified offering is really effective at reaching even more women across the UK. We are also aiming to start our offline events back up very soon and - whatever form they take- we cannot wait to welcome everyone back. We are also exploring how we can stream these events for people to watch online as well, so women from all over can benefit.

We had already been looking into diversifying Warrior Women to expand our network and offer our tribe more beyond our events, so earlier on in the year we set up Warrior Women Collective where we launched our website, podcast and newsletter - creating more content to educate and champion women. Then, in March when the pandemic hit, we took the leap and moved our events online. The first online event was entirely new territory for us, and concerns around technology, timing, and attendees were all considerations. However, the event was a huge success with over 100 women from across Wales and beyond logging in to hear from our fantastic speakers. While listening to these womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiring stories, the event acted as a form of escapism for all our supporters during a hugely challenging time, uniting them in celebrating, supporting, and connecting with each other.

Our next online event is on September 17th and will feature an expert panel of women discussing Imposter Syndrome - a subject

and issue that impacts six out of 10 women. In September, we will be launching a Crowdfunding campaign in a bid to support our growth plans, widen our audience, and develop and grow our online offering. This pandemic had a huge impact on Warrior Women Collective, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely changed us for the better.

This enabled us to reach a wider audience who were unable to attend previously due to location, childcare or mental health reasons.

Our amazing tribe of supportive women have been our inspiration throughout this challenging time, and we cannot thank them enough for their continuous support.

Thanks to this success, we held four events online covering topics including Rising

INTERIORS

STUART McALPINE MILLER R

Lost Lives//Split Personalities

eleased in summer 2020, Lost Lives//Split Personalities heralded the triumphant return of internationally renowned contemporary artist, Stuart McAlpine Miller, who produced the collection after an eighteen month period of research and creative development undertaken at The Gart, his artistic retreat in the Scottish Highlands. Music, for Stuart McAlpine Miller, is second only to art as a mode of artistic expression. A talented musician himself, it is no surprise that he has been deeply inspired by many of the great performers, from the 1970s to present day. Lost Lives is a series of original works that strives to honour the subjects in

Music took on a new meaning for Stuart when he adopted the piano as his instrument of choice. Stuart says: “Music has for me, like many others, greatly influenced my own approach to my art, and the potential it creates within. The emotion that music can reveal allows the listener to transport themselves to a time, a place and a feeling. Art can do the same. We just have to open our minds.”

Stuart’s paintings, by recognising the role they have played in shaping the artist that he is today. Speaking of David Bowie, Stuart says: “His music reminds me of why I’m doing what I am today.”

It is often the musician’s storytelling, the journey conjured through creating a compelling narrative, that appeals to Stuart. We see a similar trait within his art; multifaceted and rich with detail and meaning, it creates intrigue for the viewer. These paintings invite the onlooker to return multiple times to view the pieces,

CASTLE FINE ART The mixed media Split Personality originals are a creative progression from the origins of the Lost Lives paintings.

and will potentially herald a new phase in the already illustrious career of Stuart McAlpine Miller.

Here the intention is to unmask the multiple personas behind the performer. In honouring these musical icons, Stuart intends to reveal that the spotlight often belied a darkness in the otherwise seemingly glittering lifestyles of these stars.

For more information about the artwork by Stuart McAlpine Miller, visit Castle Fine Art in Grand Arcade, St David’s Dewi Sant or contact the gallery on 02922 130 100, or email cardiff@castlefineart.com www.castlefineart.com

discovering something new with each glance, much like seeing a favourite band time and again in concert – you won’t see exactly the same performance twice. Commenting: “Talent like this needs to be celebrated...over and over again.”

Stuart digitally remasters scans of the original paintings; through changing colours, adding symbolic references and removing elements, an entirely new image evolves. This new original piece becomes the printed base layer, over which Stuart hand-finishes a subsequent kaleidoscopic layer to complete the piece. This series clearly retains Stuart’s signature style of a pure colourists touch, imbued symbolism and working within layers to build depth and intensity, and yet it is simultaneously a departure from preview collections. This work conveys a new level of complexity that is nonetheless relatable, and instantly wowing.

Perhaps this was exactly Stuart’s intention, a prompt to his audience to unravel the multiple layers of each person depicted in Lost Lives.

Having taken eighteen months in research and creative development, Split Personalities is the perfect successor to the much sought-after Lost Lives collection,

INTERIOR DESIGN

Flexible spaces

How the Covid-19 lockdown will affect the design of our future homes

ovid-19 has brought about a revolution in the way we think about home. The new normal will see many more of us needing permanent and flexible home working, exercise and schooling areas in energy efficient properties; with outside space a must. Before the Coronavirus lockdown 70% of Brits had never worked from home. Our new commutes have taken a smooth ten seconds to makeshift workspaces on kitchen worktops or the living room table. As a designer I have become more aware than ever of the need for multi-functional spaces in the home. Making spaces work for multiple occasions is critical to being able to utilise every centimetre of space in the home. A comparatively easy way is to replace a divan or fixed frame bed in the spare room with a simple folding bed. This can be a stand-alone piece of furniture or built into a storage wall, disguised as wardrobes.

There’s no denying that a pandemic creates a lot of pessimism, but there is also a silver lining; we are discovering the values of being together and caring and relating to other people along with the value of a good workspace, of relaxation and well designed home spaces too.

Interior design columnist Yvonne Jones has over 30 years of experience in interior design, having trained at the Royal College of Art and is founder of ‘Chameleon Interiors’ based in Pontcanna Cardiff. Yvonne regularly works for clients in London, Monaco, Italy and Spain. Her intricate eye for detail and design has seen her stay a consistent and trusted figure. This will free up space elsewhere to create a multi-purpose study, home gym or playroom.

Think houseplants too; you can buy them online easily. The benefits? Well, it’s kind of like having a pet that you don’t need to worry about; nurturing plants lowers your stress levels. Having living greenery in the house gives you a feeling of wellbeing. Start small; there is no need to go from zero to indoor jungle. Before you break the bank trying to imitate a Pinterest photo, start small. It’s a plant, it’s going to grow. Remember! More plants doesn’t always mean more satisfaction. It’s about the quality of care, not the quantity of plants. Houseplants reduce indoor pollution, deter illness and boost healing so what better reason do we need than greater well being. Being comfortable in your home is more essential now than ever before.

FAMILY & EDUCATION

POLLY’S BABY BLOG

THE QUARANTINE GENERATION:

My lockdown Baby

By Polly James

‘

gave birth just on the cusp of the UK lockdown. By some bizarre timing, like falling down a rabbit hole, I went into the hospital leaving one world and life behind and five days later I came out of the hospital with a baby into this new world of isolation, as we know it today. With everything that comes with being a first-time mum, my emotions and hormones were running high. Trying to process what was happening in the world with a new-born was tough. I was scared and anxious, no-one really knew what was happening, the fear was spreading. There was zero clarity from health officials and the government. I cried a lot. I felt angry that I was being robbed of these special days which I longed for so much. I wanted to show her off; I wanted my mum to spend quality time with her first grandchild. I wanted all my friends to meet her. I had stupid amounts of biscuit and tea

supplies in readiness for the visitors. I was angry because my post-natal health was fine, I was just engulfed with frustration with what was right to do by my family and friends and the new baby. I had this beautiful new baby that everyone was so excited to meet, my friends calling, and texting ‘can we come over for 10 minutes just to see her’ and all I wanted to do was lock myself away and protect my new family from this ‘killer virus’ everyone was talking about. I didn’t want to be seen as over-reacting, everyone was still out and about. Like hundreds of other babies, Indy was born into the World during a global pandemic. This is an extract of me writing at the start of April when we were 3 weeks into lockdown.

My partner and I decided on a ‘blanket ban’. As harsh as it sounded, we didn’t want anyone seeing her until we had more facts on what was happening with the virus. As it happened, the advice on social distancing came in and the lockdown was enforced a few days later. So, then there was just three of us and a moment of calm. My daily routine consisted of video calling my Mum, sister and best friend to check-in on them, then deciding whether it’s time for a box set binge or a little leg stretch down the road with the pram; it became part of a new normal routine. This crisis which has been so frightening and so sad for the entire world I feel has brought our communities closer together. We are all starting to realise what is really important in life. We have been stripped back; our privileges taken away. We have been forced to live the simple life. Will we ever be as materialistic as we were before? Will a simple hug and handshake mean so much more than any gift? Will my daughter look up to nurses and doctors in the future like she possibly would to a sports star? We are becoming more compassionate and supportive of our elders, the more vulnerable in our community. We are looking out for each other and our mental health. I feel lucky as I embark on this journey of motherhood that I’ve discovered the meaning of connecting with what matters the most within life.’ View the full blog at www. styleofthecitymag.co.uk

POLLY’S COLUMN INDY’S LOCKDOWN FAVOURITESThe Cocoonababy by RedCastleThis is for fresh out the hospital. A unique, comfortable and snug sleep aid that we used in the daytime for Indy’s sleep. She was so little in this. Where has my new-born gone? The Discovery Play Mat by InfantinoIt’s the rug I’ve always wanted! Colourful, vibrant, full of trendy patterns and more importantly the multi-textured fabrics provide early sensory interaction. Baby Go Round Jumparound by RedKiteYou could spend an absolute fortune on a jumper for your child but I managed to find a brand that have a play range to suit your child’s style and needs that are super affordable. The sounds, the flashing lights, the attachable toys are perfect for a curious baby. The best thing is that it comes with an aux lead plug, so if you get fed up of the nursery melodies, hook up your own playlist and let them jump and rock away! The Perfect Prep Day and Night by Tommee TippeeMr Tommee Tippee needs a knighthood for this invention. No fuss with the kettle and waiting for the water to cool down. Super easy to use at 3am when you’re sleep deprived and not thinking straight, it will whizz up a perfect temp bottle for you in 2 minutes.

Her grandparents are making up for lost time now, that’s for sure! My house has been taken over and turned into a nursery but I love watching her play, sit up, roll and discover new things. I feel the luckiest person alive to have a smiley, happy and healthy baby.

So here we are almost 6 months later and Indy has developed into the sweetest little human. Not that I’ve known any different but I started to feel resentful that the first bit of Indy’s life was so isolated and none of my close family and friends could see those special moments of her growing up.

The BebePOD by Prince Lionheart Having Indy at the table with us on our level is the best and cutest. Oh she loves being high up with us but not too restricted. The bebePOD is a cushy seat which provides optimal support while helping Indy learn to sit—great for play time and feeding time. And how can anyone not love these little pops of colour that give a whole new definition to eye candy?

Doctor Bob’s Balloons Unlimited... because balloons are for life, not just birthdays.

octor Bob Balloons Unlimited specialise in award-winning, internationally acclaimed balloon artistry. Since our birth in 1995, Doctor Bob’s has become the UK’s industry leading creator and supplier of balloon décor. Our creativity, innovation and hard work have resulted in our winning numerous awards, in being invited to share our knowledge and experience with industry peers, and being a part of our clients’ special events. Doctor Bob were the founder and creator of the first ever Public Balloon Art Festival in the UK and have a portfolio of A list clients from Celebrities to Sports personalities and a collective of work in both Film and TV alongside many major blue-chip Companies. Doctor Bobs has transformed corporate events, weddings and parties into memorable occasions. We cater for all venues, themes and budgets across the whole of the UK, and because our work is bespoke we guarantee a unique approach that will reflect and enhance your

DOCTOR BOB’S BALLOONS hit with the children! At Doctor Bob’s we believe thoughtful should be for every day so we find creative ways to send your personal message and bring it to life! When ordering from us prepare to be inspired with Doctor Bobs unique sculptures and his bespoke designs. So plan ahead and make someone’s day unforgettable and order your balloon bouquet. Doctor Bob’s offer local deliveries – covering the Vale of Glamorgan/ Cardiff area. Our studio store at 91 High Street, Barry is open for pre booked collections between 10-4:00pm Monday through to Fridays. Call 01446 730780 or bookings can also be made through our social media channels - Facebook Doctor Bob Balloons Unlimited / Instagram @doctorbob_ balloonsunlimited or email info@balloonsunlimited.com

event, brand or vision for your special day. Whether it’s a new product launch or a milestone family celebration, we’re honoured to have been part of so many momentous occasions. As industry leading experts, we are always pushing the boundaries of balloon creativity. Whether it’s contemporary room décor, celebratory balloon bouquets or large-scale balloon sculptures, Doctor Bob’s creations are unlimited. We really can do anything with balloons.

We have balloons for every occasion and for every heartfelt reason! From the new Millennial Matrimony to catering for the New Outdoor Style Bohemian Weddings. Our Signature Organics Air Filled Number range is incredibly popular right through to our personalised bubbles. Whilst Unicorns and Superheroes still remain an incredible

Specialising in the design, creation and installation of your décor. We understand

that no two celebrations are the same, which is why our bespoke, customised approach guarantees a unique interpretation of your vision or theme. With our flexible, nationwide service we can design and build your promotional balloon sculptures and event balloon décor both on and off site. We work with you to make your promotion or product launch a headline-grabbing event.

As members of the Balloon and Party Industry Alliance and PEBA Pro Environment Balloon Alliance you can rest assured we are a Sustainable company and that all our balloon creations are eco-friendly and all latex used are totally biodegradable. We would like to send a sincere thank you to all of our customers old and new, giving with pride since reopening has continued to support our small creative business! Because of your continued support 25 Years later we are still here and we have loved sharing so many magical occasions with you and have been honoured to have been a part of so many precious memories!! Look out for our exciting new website coming soon!

FORTE SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Introduce your children to music through interactive play

t’s a new term at Forte School of Music and we’re excited to see our students again. The recent months have been very challenging for everyone and at Forte we’re very proud of the way we’ve adapted to the situation: moving all our lessons online quickly, meaning that there was no gap in tuition for any of our students. We’ve received lovely feedback from parents, who’ve been grateful for the continuity of their children’s music tuition when so many other activities came to a standstill:

tots aged 6 months to 3½ years, lessons for adults, and everything in between!

distancing, with children having their own ‘station’ comprising of piano, percussion instruments and props to use in their class lessons. Our private teaching rooms are kitted out with clear screens between the teacher and student and again are set up to comply with social-distancing guidelines. We’ve implemented a one-way system through the building, reduced class sizes, installed hand-sanitising stations and provided PPE for all staff. We’re ready for whatever the situation presents us with, and can provide lessons face-to-face, online or a combination if necessary.

“I’d just like to say how successful the online lessons have been for my children thank you for all the hard work you’ve put in to ensure they’ve never missed out and have been able to learn despite the difficult circumstances!” “…having regular contact in the form of music lessons has been invaluable. A sincere thank you to all your staff for being so adaptable.”

Our classes are a fun, interactive way to start children on their musical journey. Music is Fun (3½ - 5 year olds) teaches basic musical concepts using songs, percussion instruments, props and the piano in a weekly, fun-filled 45-minute lesson. Beginner piano courses, Junior Keys (5 – 7 year olds) and Piano Keys (7 – 9 year olds), teach a range of musical skills and are an ideal way for your child to learn an instrument. For older children and adults, we offer private tuition on a variety of instruments during the daytime and evening, and our daytime Flexipass* lessons are ideal for adult learners who can’t commit to coming to a lesson every week. Whether you’d like to give your child a head-start with their musical education, provide your teenager with consistent, high-quality tuition or learn an instrument yourself, we’d love to hear from you!

Our priority now is to introduce more children and adults to the world of music. We have a wide range of learning opportunities, starting with Jungle Music for

EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

Mention Style of the City magazine when you call and receive a free introductory lesson.

We’re now looking forward to welcoming new and existing students to Forte and have spent the summer adapting the school to ensure that it’s ‘Covid safe’. Our classrooms have been marked up to ensure social-

*Flexipass lessons allow you to buy a bundle of lessons and book them as you go, thereby allowing you to book around other commitments such as work and childcare.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

How the hospital and staff from Nuffield Health came together to help the NHS Since March, Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity, has been supporting the NHS by making its Cardiff Bay and Vale Hospitals available to NHS patients awaiting surgery.

S M4.

gyms have re-opened, the online guides are still available to download at www. nuffieldhealth.com/at-home. The virtual physiotherapy and emotional wellbeing ‘My Therapy’ app has been hugely successful with 30,000 appointments nationally since it was launched in April.

o far, over 90,000 NHS patients have benefitted from the care provided across 31 Nuffield Health hospitals in the UK. Providing surgery for NHS patients, the Vale hospital is based in a tranquil setting at Hensol, off junction 34 of the

As a result of the pandemic, Nuffield Health became more innovative and accelerated their digital offerings to everyone. When their gyms closed, they provided online fitness classes and emotional

wellbeing guidance to keep people fit and emotionally resilient. Over 40,000 hours of online workouts have been viewed on Facebook and YouTube. Even though the

Discussions with NHS Wales were held in spring about how independent hospitals could support efforts against the coronavirus outbreak. The two Nuffield Health hospitals in the Cardiff area have been providing support with clinicians, support services and clinical equipment. In Wales, the clear focus at the request of

NUFFIELD HEALTH Claire has been making heart-shaped support cushions in her own time and out of sheer kindness. The cushions are used with a special bag between the arm and breast to provide comfort after surgery, especially when various tubes are still connected. The cushions have adopted the name ‘Cwtch Cushions’ from the Welsh for ‘hug’ In response, feedback from patients has been exceptional. Claire has also been donating a privacy and dignity bag to help patients undergoing surgery in these difficult times. Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals Matron Melanie Webber-Maybank said: “I am really proud of all our staff in how they have met the new challenges, especially nurses like Claire who focuses entirely on patient care and goes the extra mile.” One NHS patient said: “I’m very thankful to have been able to come along to the Vale hospital and have a procedure done a few weeks ago. Thank you to my doctor and all the nurses that looked after me and made my stay so comfortable.” the NHS was about providing clean, time sensitive surgery in an environment where the risk of Covid was as low as possible. Rob Thomas, hospital director of Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. Providing access to NHS patients to our full range of services reduces waiting times and frees up capacity within the NHS hospitals we are working with. As a charity, we are proud to be an important part of the healthcare system in Wales and to take our place alongside our NHS colleagues to care for

pressure on the NHS. New strict safety measures have been implemented to protect patients and hospital teams from Covid-19, following guidance from the World Health Organisation, UK government, Public Health Wales and the charity’s infection prevention team. This means everyone who comes to the two hospitals in Cardiff receives high quality care in a safe environment. The Vale Hospital is a green screened zone ensuring only surgery is carried out, with the highest quality care in a safe Covidsecure environment. Existing staff adapted quickly to contribute to the national effort and staff nurse Claire Stephens is an example of how they have been going above and beyond to make patients feel comfortable. Claire at Nuffield Health Vale Hospital has gone the extra mile to support NHS breast surgery patients.

people affected by coronavirus and other urgent health conditions. “ Across the UK, Nuffield Health’s NHS support has been centred around the provision of treatment for patients with specific conditions, including coronavirus, medical step down, urgent elective and cancer care. Utilising capacity in the independent sector helps both NHS and privately-funded patients get the diagnosis and treatment they need and relieves

The Nuffield Health gyms in Bridgend and Cwmbran have already re-opened and the Vale and Cardiff Bay hospitals are now able to welcome back insured and self funded patients who have been waiting patiently to access services. Some services are of course still limited by government guidelines. Remote consultations for patients are also available. Their end-to-end connected services make them stand out in their care for people from fitness and wellbeing to treatment and recovery. The Vale hospital celebrated its 10th anniversary at the beginning of June and looks forward to marking this occasion fully with staff and patients in due course. For an appointment or for more information about the services Nuffield Health provides, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/ cardiff-and-vale or call 02920 836714. A very warm and professional welcome awaits.

WELLNESS

A proud son of the South Wales Valleys, Stephen Truelove is a mindset coach with over 20 years experience, co-author of The Therapy of Cooking with Cardiff restaurateur Giovanni Malacrino and author of A Journey of Discovery and Self-Learning. Having experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows of life, Stephen developed the Love Life Love You process, Breaking Limitations, and now helps people tackle anxiety, depression and other obstacles to become the best possible version of themselves.

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Darkness ... Dentists ... Spiders Losing my job ... my partner ... my home Falling ... Flying ... Dying

EVERYTHING!

By Mindset Coach Stephen Truelove

ven without Covid, Brexit and the rest, about 10% of the UK population – nearly 7 million people – are living with an anxiety disorder at any given time. And nearly a third of us will experience one at some point in our lives. The past few months will have inflated those figures enormously as we all experienced lockdown. First we were anxious about staying home, then we were anxious about going out. And for many of us there has been a real impact on our jobs and incomes, with fears for our homes, our families and our future.

At the very least, life has been different in a number of ways. Making telephone and online consultations as meaningful and useful as face to face ones was a challenge, but now I can offer this very modern therapy with equal confidence. So something good has come out of all the worry and may be of particular benefit to some clients. So what is Anxiety? At its most basic, it is simply fear – a vital response to perceived danger that we share with every other animal.  Like pain, it is a powerful warning system, essential to survival. Our remote ancestors feared hurricanes, falling trees, hungry lions. Our

own fears are less immediate and dramatic, or if they are real and physical like surgery or flying there is little we can do to alter the outcome. But our brains and bodies still react in the old ancestral way. Fight, Flight or Freeze Speaking in public or getting criticised on Facebook is scarcely life threatening, but it may still trigger an extreme response. We feel threatened, so our body prepares to face the danger or run away. We may even become paralysed with fear. The brain releases stress hormones, the heart beats faster, muscles tense, thoughts race. And then nothing happens, so the stress is

not resolved and may eventually become chronic. One person’s anxiety is another’s happy excitement. Big dipper rides and horror films cater to those who enjoy a good adrenalin buzz. Others go to such lengths to avoid what they perceive as intensely unpleasant feelings that they miss out on much of what life has to offer. Often these are the people with the most imagination and empathy if only it could be turned outwards. Normal and Abnormal Anxiety Common forms of anxiety include performance anxiety (“stage fright”), social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (checking that the door is properly locked not just once but half a dozen times). Then there is separation anxiety (typical of small children and other young creatures when separated from their parent figure) and all sorts of phobias from spiders and snakes to heights, crowds and needles. Finally there are panic attacks and post-traumatic stress which may bring on sudden paralysing terror. Acute and Chronic Anxiety Acute anxiety is fed by fear of what is, right now, in the present, and it generally passes when the danger passes. Most of us feel anxious from time to time - about exams, interviews, speaking in public, starting a new job, moving house, and so on. Some degree of fear of the unknown is natural - there may be snakes in the new cave – but once the move has been made, the flight has landed, the first day is over, the anxiety usually stops and energy goes into making a go of the new situation. If it doesn’t, something is wrong. Chronic anxiety is a constant fear of what might happen in the future, out of proportion to any actual danger, and may become so overwhelming that it is difficult to work, maintain relationships or enjoy your life. Recognising the Signs of Anxiety You may feel restless and irritable and have difficulty concentrating or controlling your emotions. You may feel shaky, sleep badly, have digestive upsets. Other physical symptoms may include cold sweats, a thumping heart, cold hands or feet, rapid breathing, shaking, weakness, a sense of unreality and even fainting. You may feel a sense of dread, panic or impending doom unrelated to anything that is actually happening. You feel that anything that can go wrong will go wrong and you’re always just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Treatment for Anxiety If worry or fear are becoming constant and disabling, it’s time to get your life back – and it’s not nearly so difficult as you might think. The good news is that all this can be dealt with, either by yourself or with a little help from your friends. In this context, a therapist is more like a friend than a parent or a teacher – a friend who has seen it all

before and never judges, never tells. Treatment will depend on the type of symptoms you have and how severe they are. There is self-help, group or individual therapy, or medication. Self-help Are you getting enough sleep, good food and activity? Everything is easier to deal with if these basics are in place. Exercise, deep breathing and avoiding caffeine may help. Like any chronic condition, you can’t just wish or drug your anxiety or panic attacks away overnight. But you can learn to manage them better and gradually decrease their frequency and intensity.   Is anything that Lowers Stress good for you? It depends on what you pick. A healthy walk, a chat with a friend or a good cwtch with a partner or a pet will do you good. But if you reach for a cigarette, another beer or more junk food, it will make things worse in the long run. Our automatic response to anxiety is to tense up.  To allow our body and mind to

recharge, we need to find ways to relax. Starting with your toes, progressively tighten then release each muscle group in your body.  Other techniques include deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness. Anxiety Relief Techniques Don’t watch the news or use computers or mobile phones last thing at night. Slow down and remember that pretty much everything is temporary – the good, the bad and the ugly, all will pass. Breathe To help with panic attacks, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply so that your belly moves rather than your chest. If your mind wanders, return it to your breathing. This will keep you in the here and now rather than worrying about the future or agonising about the past.  Even a couple of minutes of deep breathing can help you feel calmer. Get Active Regular exercise burns off stress and releases

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Continued from Page 55 endorphins, boosting your mood and helping you to concentrate, sleep, and look and feel better. You don’t have to do sport or go to the gym. Walking, gardening, dancing, even housework will all keep you active. Try to build physical activity you enjoy into each day. Little and often is a good principle for dispelling anxiety. And if you exercise regularly you’re less likely to feel anxious in the first place. Do Something you’re Good At What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself can help beat stress. If you enjoy an activity, you’re probably good at it, which will boost your self-esteem. Concentrating on a hobby you enjoy can alter your mood and help you forget your worries for a while.  Try Something New Learn a new skill – something you enjoy but which takes enough concentration that there’s no room in your mind for worrying. An hour of drawing or dancing can help you express yourself creatively. It is also good to have an interest where you’re not seen as someone’s mum or dad or partner or employee but just as yourself. Keep in Touch  Try to attend a social event at least once a month, even if you don’t feel like it.  Remember the old slogan, “Get up, dress up, show up” and take it step by step. You may surprise yourself. We’re a social species and we need to feel connected with others. Care for Others Helping others makes us feel needed and valued, which in turn boosts our self-esteem. It also helps us to see the world from another angle and put our own problems in perspective.  Laugh Watch a film that makes you laugh out loud, preferably with a friend or partner. It is almost impossible to feel anxious and laugh out loud at the same time. Reality Test Understanding anxiety is the first step towards managing it. Are you always expecting the worst? How often does the worst actually happen? Do you tend to see any change as a threat rather than an

opportunity? Separate your serious worries into those you can’t do anything about and those you can. Concentrate on the latter. Make a list of things you can do, people who might help, what can be done when. It will all become more manageable.

behaviours and help you understand how thoughts and assumptions affect feelings and behaviour. You learn to identify problematic thoughts and assumptions and the emotions they trigger and change the way you respond and behave.

Challenge Your Fears One of the therapist’s hardest jobs is convincing anxious clients that feelings are not facts but just negative thoughts that have become deeply rooted in their unconscious.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy You learn to accept the negative thoughts brought on by anxiety and think about them in a different way, committing to change behaviour that interferes with your life.

What makes you most anxious? Work? School? Parties? Too much caffeine? Too long without food? Make a note of when you feel good and when you feel stressed. The better you know yourself, the better you can manage your own anxiety.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Challenge your negative beliefs about yourself. Are they based on real evidence or on one bad experience long ago or even a negative comment by a parent or teacher? Many of them may have been created or nurtured in your own mind and not based on reality at all. A trigger leads to a spiral which feeds on itself and fear becomes a habit. The good news is that as you created these negative thoughts you can also uncreate them. If they go back a long way you may need a little help, but it’s surprising how quickly these limitations can be removed and all that blocked energy released to enjoy your life. Ask for Help if you Need it Anxiety is part of life and we all sometimes get overwhelmed by our feelings, especially when things don’t go to plan. If you feel you can’t cope by yourself or with help from friends or family, talk to your doctor or a therapist about other ways to manage your anxiety. There are also local services and support groups to help you.  Talking to people in the same boat can help a lot, especially with social anxiety. Try Anxiety UK or Mind for details of a group near you or online. If anxiety is overtaking your life, a qualified therapist can help you let go of fears and develop coping mechanisms in fear-inducing situations.  Types of Therapy available Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to challenge unhelpful negative thoughts and

A therapist leads you through a series of eye movements like the rapid eye movements when you dream as you talk about a troubling thought or memory. This can work well for post-traumatic stress as well as for panic attacks and phobias. Hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis Forget notions about stage wizards. This very gentle and totally aware form of therapy can work wonders with anxiety. You learn to take yourself to a safe place, away from panic and worry, whenever you need to. How Quickly can you Sort Me Out? It may take a few different approaches to find what works best for you, or it may all come right in the first session. We are all different. But however hopeless you think your case is, I can promise you it’s not. You just have to really want to get rid of the fears that are holding you back. © Stephen Truelove 2020 ----------------------Love Life Love You Steve is available to work online and at various locations. Please visit www.lovelifeloveyou.co.uk Telephone: 07790003075 Email: info@lovelifeloveyou.co.uk youtube.com/c/LovelifeloveyouUK Twitter: @stephentruelov1 Techniques Stephen uses include: Hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotional Coding, Emmett Technique, Reiki, Matrix Re-Imprinting. Registered with the GHR, CNHC and DBS.

WOO WOO

How the femtech brand WooWoo established a cult following

We sit down with Lucy Anderson, founder of the cult femtech brand WooWoo, to find out why this brand has gathered a dedicated fanbase of beauty devotees on a global scale in just two short years.

hat is WooWoo and how did you come up with the idea for the brand? WooWoo is a female health, self-care, and pleasure brand run by myself and a small but very passionate team of women on a mission to put to bed taboos and old-fashioned views towards female intimate care. Our aim is simple: To provide 21st century women with fun and fearless intimate products that really work, as well as a judgement free space.

from really enjoying the intimacy we deserve. Out of pure personal frustration I felt I needed to do something about it.

Why a feminine wellness and pleasure brand, and why now? There is still so much stigma around care for down there and female pleasure and wellness. We live in a society where media and advertising over sexualises our bodies, which I believe is not only potentially damaging our health but holding us back

Why do you think your brand resonates so well with modern women? WooWoo comes from a real, honest and genuine place and I think our customers see that and believe it. We’re a femtech company, run by an all-female team personally invested in starting the necessary conversations that need to happen to normalise female sexuality and self-care. A mix of singles, mothers, glam girls and meme queens means WooWoo covers all bases. We live and breathe the same lives as our customers, so we get the tone and content right.

Since our launch two years ago we are pleased to say the tide is turning with many more femtech brands entering the market. More big retailers are stocking female orientated products, and there’s also more frank and honest content entering mainstream media and social media which is normalising topics that for so long were off the table. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re heading in the right direction.

How did your business fair during COVID? We’re incredibly lucky. Lockdown was actually a really positive thing for our business. Our sales have been really buoyant throughout the pandemic – driven a lot by the fact our Tame it! Hair Removal Cream proved to be really popular with consumers looking for an alternative to wax treatments when salons and spas shut in March. I’m so incredibly grateful to all our staff, especially our logistics team that worked incredibly hard throughout the crisis to keep our customers supplied with WooWoo products, and to all our new and old customers that remained patient and

loyal throughout lockdown despite delayed shipments and depleted stocks. What next for WooWoo? We’ve got lots of exciting new retail partnerships in the pipeline for later this year – the news has to stay under wraps for now but watch this space! On an international scale, we’ve broken into several European markets including Spain, France, Italy and Germany and we’re really excited be launching this autumn in Australia. WooWoo’s range is available to purchase at www.woowoo.fun, Amazon, Superdrug, Feelunique and Ocado. To find out more about the Woo Woo product range visit www.woowoo.fun Instagram @woowoo.fun | Facebook www.facebook.com/woowoo.fun | Twitter @woowoofun

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

LUCA MALACRINO Photo: www.yolandakingdon.co.uk

Luca Malacrino is a Welsh actor, living in Los Angeles. He has worked on over 30 projects, including works such as Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, Coronation Street, Distant Vision with the Godfather’s Francis Ford Coppola, and his first self-produced movie, Elephants is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.

A voice that is needed

was supposed to be moving back home for the summer, filming a movie, and taking a road trip around Europe… Then COVID happened and I ended up staying in Los Angeles, figuring out what I needed to do to continue to grow, and rescuing a beautiful puppy called Luna.

As well as COVID being at an all-time high, there is another fight happening that needs to end - and I mean it. I asked my dear friend, actress, and activist Kacie Rogers to take over this issue as I felt her words and the voice of the black people in America fighting to make a change was far more important than another white

Photo: Frank James Martinez

I have so many words that I would like to share about the energy and thoughts from 2020 but with everything happening in America right now, I kept thinking that my voice was not the voice that needed to be heard.

man’s. I ask you from the bottom of my heart to listen, share, and take action. As well as this article, Kacie and I chatted over zoom about some of the silver linings that we believe have/will occur as a result of COVID, and also a more detailed conversation on the Black Lives Matter movement. Visit www.styleofthecitymag.co.uk to watch! -Kacie Rogers - I’m writing this because injustice is universal and I believe the solution lies in you. If you read that and

immediately agreed, perfect! Head to theblkboardcollective.com/action to get involved. If you read that and thought activism is necessary but, it’s not my lane, you’re exactly like me; keep reading. I’ll prove it to you. George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020 - my 28th birthday. His death was the third (highly publicized) murder of an unarmed black person in just a matter of a couple of months and it broke me. I was in the middle of a celebration of life that I couldn’t even get through without having to post about somebody’s senseless

BLM photos: Ross Francis

more aware of. I needed to learn what defunding the police meant, start attending the budget council meetings for my city, learn about the legality of domestic deployment of federal agents, and so much more. I had so much work to do. Then I realized, if I’m feeling this way, there are likely many other people feeling this too. With a push from a friend who offered me a platform, I gathered like-minded individuals, brought them more questions than answers, and we began the endeavor to educate ourselves together. This was the birth of The BLKboard Collective.

death...again. There was a level of exhaustion, fear, anger, and despair that I could no longer hide. For the first time, in an act of desperation, I posted a plea on my social media to anyone who would listen.

“If you need a reason to take it personally and I can be that reason, please take it personally. For me. Please call the numbers and say something. Please read the articles that teach how to be an active ally. Please. Because it matters. It has to matter.” That video got thousands of views and hopeful responses from people thanking me for sharing, saying my video inspired them to have a difficult conversation they’d been avoiding, to make a call, drop a donation, or pick up a book. For the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn’t yelling into a void. People were actually listening. As I looked to history and acknowledged today’s ‘trend’ culture, my fear was that this global mobilization and support for

The BLKboard Collective is an education, resource, and amplification space built on the idea that when information is shared, people are empowered to move forward - to make real change.

Photo: April Lam

“... I know a lot of black people feel like speaking out is just yelling into the void because we have been saying this over and over again and the more you scream, the more people tune you out. And that is so heartbreaking to me because I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know how else to fight this...So this message is for my friends out there who are not people of color, who see posts and empathize but it doesn’t spur you into action...unfortunately your voice will matter more than ours. Your voice to other white people is so important because it is a declaration that this is not a ‘black problem’.”

Black lives wasn’t real. After all, we’ve been trying to be heard for generations and suddenly now, when there is a global pandemic and people are really bored, we’re being heard? Will the global acknowledgement of our pain and the demand for change be a passing trend like bread baking and Tiger King? I decided that the answer had to be no. I decided to do whatever I could to help seize this moment. But how? I am an actor, writer, and producer. I am not a seasoned activist or a political enthusiast. Calling government officials to demand justice was the most accessible form of activism I could think of, so that’s what I did. I soon realized, while the calls were critical, there were other forms of active citizenship I needed to become

We create content, share resources, and amplify the voices of BIPOC with the goal of inspiring our communities to take informed action that progresses justice and equality for historically marginalized people. All activism does not look the same, but no matter who you are or where you are, this is not the time to sit on the sidelines. In the words of the great James Baldwin, “Ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have”. My hope is that we become unified in the relentless pursuit of education in order to quell our ignorance, because then, and only then, can we hope to see justice. For action items, visit: theblkboardcollective.com/action and follow The BLKboard Collective on Instagram @theblkboardcollective.

BOOK / REVIEWS

LITERARY LIFE

Monmouth-born Saul David is a historian, novelist and broadcaster. His many critically acclaimed history books include The Indian Mutiny (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu (a Waterstone’s Military History Book of the Year) and Operation Thunderbolt (an Amazon History Book of the Year.)

Talking bestsellers, blockbusters and the books that inspired him to become a writer B y S A U L DAV I D

MY NEWS

It was surreal to bring out my new book – Crucible of Hell: Okinawa – The Last Great Battle of the Second World War (William Collins, £25) – just as lockdown began. My launch party was cancelled, as were my speaking events for the next few months. But on the back of some wonderful reviews – the Daily Telegraph called it ‘superb’ and its author ‘peerless among our military historians’ – it has sold well. Meanwhile I’ve finished my authorized history of the SBS in World War Two (Silent Warriors) – due for publication in 2021 – and am currently discussing a TV documentary spinoff. The lockdown has had its silver linings.

FACTUAL FAVOURITE

IN THE NEWS

Storming the summer bestseller charts is Finding Freedom (HQ, £20), an unauthorized biography of the ‘former’ Royals Harry and Meghan (aka the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) by royal correspondents Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand. But is it what it seems? Many think the subjects, possibly via their friends, did cooperate with the authors to ‘tell their side of the story’ and settle a few scores. Either way, it’s flying off the shelves and, at the time of writing, was already No. 1 on Amazon UK by pre-sales alone.

The story of Operation ‘Market-Garden’, the doomed attempt by Allied paratroopers to take a series of strategically located bridges in Holland, thus opening up a backdoor route into Germany that would end the war in 1944, is one of the most dramatic in military history. Most people associate the title A Bridge Too Far (Hodder Great Reads, £10.99) with Richard Attenborough’s 1977 all-star film. But the book by American writer Cornelius Ryan came first. Published in 1974, it’s a model of narrative non-fiction: using a huge variety of first-hand sources, from the senior officers to the soldiers on the ground, to chart the tragic story of a poorly-planned battle that was lost almost before it began. The bridge of the title was at Arnhem where the 1st British Airborne Division (‘Red Devils’) fought heroically against impossible odds.

BOOK OF THE MOMENT

Recently adapted by the BBC into a critically-acclaimed and much watched six-part drama, Normal People (Faber, £8.99) is the second novel by young Irish writer Sally Rooney. The plot revolves around the complex relationship between two intelligent teenagers from different social backgrounds, Connell and Marianne, who attend the same secondary school and, later, Trinity College Dublin. An acute observation of class differences and teenage angst, it won Best Novel at the 2018 Costa Book Awards and established Rooney as one of the finest writers of her generation.

CLASSIC FICTION

One small bonus of the Covid-19 lockdown is that we’ve all been reading more. Time, then, to revisit an old classic. If you’re only going to publish one novel in your lifetime, make it a good one. Harper Lee did just that with To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960. Loosely based on Lee’s observations of race and society in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, the plot centres on the attempts of lawyer Atticus Finch, the narrator’s father, to defend a black man wrongly accused of raping a white women. A searing indictment of racial inequality in America’s Deep South in the 1930s, it is also a novel of humor, integrity and hope. It won the Pulitzer Prize and is a must-read for fans of modern American literature.

WATKINS & GUNN

WATKINS & GUNN Property Team adapts to offer “innovative” contact-free conveyancing

“We’ve adapted our services like never before, this pandemic won’t stop us safely supporting home buyers and sellers across Cardiff.” Joanne Whitehead, head of the property team at leading legal firm Watkins & Gunn, said the award-winning firm is open for business thanks to a series of unique health and safety adaptations that have been introduced during lockdown. The manager, whose seven-strong team specialises in all aspects of residential and commercial sales, said the firm has introduced innovative electronic and contactless measures, to enable buyers to progress with property transactions safely. These include contact-free conveyancing, which Watkins & Gunn began introducing prior to the coronavirus outbreak, electronic signatures of client care papers, electronic ID checks via a mobile app, online questionnaires, and frequent email and telephone contact from solicitors to consistently support clients. Ms Whitehead, who has overseen the team for two years, said she was “incredibly proud” of the efficient service her team is delivering at such unprecedented times. She said: “As a team, our focus has always been to offer the highest standard of service to our loyal clients. “While the world has changed in the past

few months, our mission has remained the same, and we have adapted our offering to ensure our clients get the very best service, in the safest way. “We have introduced a number of contactless services, such as a highly innovative contact-free conveyancing and electronic ID service, to ensure that the sales process our clients entrust us with, remains as smooth as possible. “The safety of our clients and staff is our priority, and we assure all our clients that every care has been taken to safeguard their wellbeing, while our experts progress their transaction. “I’m extremely proud of my highly skilled team, who have adopted these new measures seamlessly thanks to their dedication to our clients.” Watkins & Gunn, which has offices in Llandaff in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypool, has a long history of adapting to and meeting its clients’ after being established over 100 years ago. Its property team was among the first to be created, with its solicitors specialising in all matters of property law, including residential and commercial purchases and sales, leasing and re-mortgaging, along with Wills and Probate. Over the years, its leading property team has grown and diversified to incorporate the

latest technology, utilising bespoke systems and online services to provide an expert offering. Ms Whitehead said: “We have an experienced and dedicated mix of individuals here, who are well versed in all areas of property law. “They are fully prepared to support all our current, and prospective, clients through all their evolving needs during this time. “We are always happy to speak to our clients at short notice, as we recognise that property transactions require a more flexible approach. “While the way we meet up with clients has changed to incorporate safety measures, our commitment to our clients has not. We look forward to welcoming you to Watkins & Gunn to support all your property needs.”

www.watkinsandgunn.co.uk

Watkins and Gunn Solicitors are Newport, Cardiff and Pontypool Solicitors offering a wide range of legal services, including Accident Claims, Medical Negligence, Wills and Probate, Criminal Law, Road Traffic Law and Property among many others.

BUSINESS

Social distancing viewings at their best

any moons ago I changed careers and started selling office space in Cardiff, little did I know then that all these years later we would be rewriting the sales process to include social distancing viewings. Who would have thought we would be meeting and greeting potential clients without a handshake, that viewing a building and an office space would become something of a military operation. However this is what we do to keep our new clients and long standing clients safe. Social distancing viewings have now become the norm and to be honest I’ve gotten really good at them! From the minute our client steps into any of our buildings they need to feel safe, looked after, cared for and that is exactly what we do. So, for those of you who need to carry out any form of meet and greet during their daily routine, here are some tips to follow to make your visitors feel that during their visit with you their safety is paramount: 1. Email your visitor in advance with your social distancing plan for their visit. 2. Greet them with a smile, you can’t shake their hand, however positive and happy

Business columnist Tracey Holloway started her career as a buyer with Sony UK and appreciates all the disciplines that Sony taught her for the 20 years that she was with them. Moving on to be a buyer for British Airways to sample the tastes of the aviation industry, the role took her to many corners of the world for nearly 10 years. Now after 10 years at Office Space in Town Ltd and as Quality and Control Director for the past 4 years, Tracey feels settled and comfortable to share all her business experiences. body language will be better than a 1000 handshakes. 3. Walk your route ahead of the meeting so that your visitor feels your confidence from the start. 4. Explain why the social distancing stickers and signs are there and what they are for, it helps to break the ice if your visitor is nervous. 5. Point out hand sanitiser stations as you walk around. 6. Adhere to your own rules on social distancing, so your visitor knows you’re serious.

7. Keep up with the government changes so that you and your building are always relevant. 8. Enjoy the time you have with your visitor, as after all, we are still there to do a job never mind how things may have changed. To view an office, please call Tracey Holloway on 02920 221 022. BUSINESS TIP: Just because circumstances have changed your professionalism does not have to.

LOCKDOWN SNAPSHOTS

Katie Barrett has been a child and family photographer for over 14 years. Inspired by other photographers around the UK, she decided to offer doorstep portraits (from a safe distance) near her home in North Cardiff. The sessions were free with a voluntary donation to Cardiff Women’s Aid and after initially aiming for a target of £250, she raised £1,130! Katie Barrett has photographed over 100 households including, birthdays, anniversaries, socially distanced street parties and a brand new baby! She’s had the best time meeting new neighbours and catching up with old friends, all while making money for a good cause. Imagery by Katie Barrett Photography Website: https://www.katiebarrettphotography.co.uk/

LOCKDOWN SNAPSHOTS

JUSTIN HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

The photoshoot you’ve been waiting for!

xperience a photoshoot like no other with Justin Harris Photography. From stylish portraits, professional head shots and personal branding to boudoir shoots, the highly-experienced team has you covered.

Working from a climate controlled studio with full facilities including a hair and make team and private changing rooms there is everything you need to feel pampered and uplifted. The team aims to create striking and memorable portraits and to help you discover the things that are important about you and the things that make you, YOU! This is an experience that lifts you and reconnects you to the amazing person that you are. Justin Harris Photography also provides stunning wall art and albums of the photoshoot, so you will have a daily reminder of the special experience. Feel at home, but most importantly like a superstar at one of the following photoshoots! Photoshoots include: • Head shots & Personal Branding - Perfect for actors and business people alike to help you stand out from the crowd and define your brand.

• Birthdays – Celebrate with loved ones and have a beautiful memory for you and others to cherish. • Dancers, Singers & Musicians – Highlight your talents and create striking images to push your career forward in exciting ways. • Boudoir shoots - We all need to unleash that bit of sass that has been hiding away! Life can be tough at times but it is also amazing; just like you & we all need a little reminder now and then. A pamper and photo shoot can help remind you off that goddess inside and empower you! • Couple shoots - Our forever sessions are exclusively designed to both connect you as

a couple and to help you both remember all the small but important things that strengthens the love between you whilst also creating an everlasting memory. Prices start from just £195, including hair and makeup. Invest in stunning collections, albums and wall art form £795. You can also buy gift certificates for an extra special gift! To book your photoshoot, visit http://www.justinharrisphotography.co.uk or call 07971 487799 / 01792 898544. JustinHarrisPhotographyuk justinharrisphotography

CLOCKWISE CARDIFF

Experience flexible working in stylish offices at Clockwise

membership at Clockwise Cardiff is an invitation to join a business community and work your way (whichever way you want), in a beautifully designed office environment. Clockwise offices are designed to support focus and champion collaboration. For the individual entrepreneur to the leader of a large team, Clockwise has workspace suitable for companies of all sizes with brilliantly flexible terms in the heart of Cardiff. Virtual Memberships are great for a far away worker who want to enjoy the benefits of an office remotely; a UK business address, call forwarding and access to an inspiring community. A Club Lounge or Dedicated Desk membership gives independent mavericks and creative freelancers a daily place for productivity. For

SMEs who need an ownable space, Private Offices are enclosed and lockable, perfect for internal collaboration. Meeting rooms are available with preferential rates to Clockwise members, they come fully equipped with A/V so you can roll through your agenda and focus on the positive outcomes. Rather than locking in to a long-term lease for an empty office, Clockwise Cardiff can provide a short-term licence for workspaces that are already furnished and equipped. From desks and chairs, to tea and coffee, your place to work is set up, ready and waiting with everything you need for a successful day. These spaces can flex and grow as you do, adapting to your requirements. Need to scale back or up size? Clockwise Cardiff can facilitate this. Clockwise isn’t just about the physical building, it’s also about the people. A dedicated team is on hand and committed to making your working day enjoyable and easy. The General Manager and community team make it their mission to support you and your business. Welcoming smiles to greet you at reception, useful introductions and business support. Cleaners, maintenance and security also keep you tidy, functioning and safe – all covered in your monthly fee. Essentially, Clockwise takes care of the office so you can take care of your business. Clockwise Cardiff is located in the iconic Brunel House, a 225,000sqft landmark that

is dominant feature in the city’s skyline. Residing at the centre of Wales’ exciting innovation area, the building is easily accessible by the major transport hubs; less than a five-minute walk away from Queen Street train station and seconds away to bus stops linking all across the city and surrounding areas. Parking is available directly opposite in the Knox Road NCP. Close by are the stunning Community Gardens of the City Centre Museum and the exciting street food offerings on City Road. With five Clockwise offices already open and more to come, being a member gives you access to a whole network of interesting businesses across the UK. Being part of a community is good for you and good for business. To learn more about working your way at Clockwise visit: workclockwise.co.uk

STUDIO MUSE PONTCANNA

‘Behind the flowers’

eet beauty entrepreneur and Mum of four boys, Amy Adams, who opened Pontcanna’s beautiful shop of selfcare, Studio Muse in 2019. With a career history spanning almost 20 years in Beauty, it’s no wonder why Amy has created a retail boutique dedicated to the subject. In 2018 ‘life happened’ and after owning beauty salons for several years, Amy saw an opportunity to do something a bit different and make a positive change. Amy became a Professional Make-up and Hair Artist at just 20 after attending the famous London College of Fashion. Very soon make-up brand Bobbi Brown saw Amy’s talent for (what was becoming) her signature style of ‘clean, minimal and editorial’ make-up design. Amy styled many brides for Bobbi Brown before starting her own beauty business and moving to the beautiful city of Bath. “Bath was the epicentre of high-class weddings and events and soon I was in high demand up and down the country (and further!) as so many women wanted to look and feel their most beautiful, but still like themselves” With a passion for empowering women and giving them confidence through beautiful, natural make-up design Amy furthered her studies by qualifying as an Aesthetician in Semi-permanent Make-up and Microblading. Enjoying the ability to restore lost features or enhance natural shape and definition became Amy’s mantra. During 2018 Amy and her husband welcomed their third Son. Benjamin was born very prematurely and needed a long

of vegan self-care, wellbeing and beauty products … and beautiful British flowers too! “I remember thinking, can I actually sell flowers alongside lipstick and face cream? Why not? So we did!” Skip forward a year or so, they have successfully navigated their way through the Covid-19 lockdown (read Amy’s online feature for more news on her “Accidental Business”) and are now enjoying a comeback more beautiful than ever with the exciting launch of Amy’s first signature vegan face and body collection; Motto Botanicals.

stay at UHW Neonatal unit. It was during this time that the business of a beauty salon showed its’ ‘unfriendlier’ side and thus, as a family, they made the decision to pull away from this business model. “This was an incredibly painful year for us as a family and our business during that time added immense, unwelcome strain on us. It was time to make a healthier choice for our wellbeing.” After a period of reflection, re-evaluating what was important to them and taking a massive leap of faith, Amy happened upon an idea that would harness all the wonderful aspects of a beauty business and more. SelfCare was more than ever important to Amy and 2018 allowed her the time to explore what made her feel good again and bring her peace as severe anxiety and post-natal depression set in. The beautiful premises of Studio Muse was the perfect home for Amy’s vision and it soon opened filled with a whole array

Studio Muse has certainly become the go-to haven for all things ‘feel good and happy’ and as Amy says … “I smile so much each time I hear someone tell me how much they enjoyed visiting our beautiful little shop, that was the goal; to open a ‘Shop of Lovely’, to feel good again and to spread some happiness to others too” Studio Muse is open five days per week Tuesday-Saturday, with Sundays also open during Christmas season. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are ‘Appointment Only’ where Amy offers Face and Brow treatments and private Skin Health Consultations. More information on treatments available can be found at www.amyadamsaesthetics.co.uk or follow @amyadamsaesthetics. Follow Studio Muse @studiomusepontcanna or visit www.studiomusepontcanna.co.uk to shop online! “A dedication to all things Self Care across genres of vegan beauty, spa, lifestyle and fresh British flowers. Curated by a beauty industry pro, with a love of British lux and a conscious, eco-aware eye.”

WINE & DINE

FUTURE INNS

Discover a local culinary gem

hat is Welsh food? There is so much more to our local produce than lamb, leeks, and rarebit. Of course, these are on the menu alongside the familiar sweet treats of bara brith and Welsh cakes. Still, other incredible ingredients are filling the dishes on the Taste of Wales menu at Thomas Restaurant. Thomas Restaurant in Cardiff Bay The elegant restaurant is a cosy but bright space filled with comfortable booths and stylish furniture. It has gained an excellent reputation as a perfect setting for a family celebration, a catch up with friends, client meeting or an intimate dinner for two. The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, evening a-la-carte dining and for traditional roasts on Sundays. Led by Head Chef, Andy Martin, who has been working at Thomas Restaurant for 8 years. He has a real passion for food and has travelled around the country gaining experience in 5 Red Star, 2 Rosette and Michelin Star restaurants and hotels. The front of house team is led by experienced Food & Beverage Manager Adam Jasiczak. He has a wealth of experience in hospitality and has trained in four-star and rosette establishments.

Lunch or Dinner? Some of the lighter bites on the lunch menu are a rich Welsh onion soup with rarebit croutons and homemade crusty bread, or Anglesey eggs with a Blaenafon cheddar and leek sauce, a herb crumb and grilled homemade sourdough – ideal as a starter – or a cychwynol too. For something a little heartier you could indulge in a Celtic Pride steak burger bacon, pickles, smoked mayonnaise on a brioche bun and French fries. Plus, you can add your choice of Monterey Jack or Perl Las Blue Cheese. Or the traditional Welsh cawl, which is a lamb stew served with Caerfai cheddar and homemade crusty bread. After a more relaxed daytime menu, things move up a notch in the evenings. Some of the notable dishes include braised lamb shoulder served with an onion cake, carrot and caraway puree and a homemade mint sauce, or the grey mullet with winter cabbage, fish stock, baby vegetables and baby herbs. The Dessert Menu – Bwydlen Pudin If you have a sweet tooth, there is so much to choose from that will hit the spot. How about, a Celtic Raspberry Wine poached pear served with fresh honeycomb and honeycomb ice cream, or a homemade ginger and lime sticky toffee pudding with your choice of custard, cream or ice cream?

Want to try a traditional dish with a twist? Then it will have to be the homemade Monmouth pudding served with vanilla ice cream. Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea What could be better than a traditional afternoon tea but with a Welsh twist? Consisting of delicious, delicate finger sandwiches; with Carmarthenshire ham, smoked salmon and Black Bomber cheese. A savoury leek and goats cheese scone, alongside traditional and fruit varieties and mouth-watering homemade cakes. All washed down with Welsh Brew Loose Tea, or coffee if you prefer, for £14 per person. Make a Reservation Thomas Restaurant is found at Future Inns in Cardiff Bay. It is open Monday – Friday between 6.30am-10.00pm and Saturday – Sunday between 7.30am-10.00pm. Bookings can be made by calling 02920 487111, by emailing thomas@futureinns.co.uk or www. futureinns.co.uk/cardiff/restaurant-bar

COOKING BYDEI Hey Guys, My name is Shelma Dei, my love for food stems from my childhood and also being rather fussy when it comes to food. I am very passionate about food and love to create dishes that spring into mind. I love to experiment with different ingredients, often things you wouldn’t expect to put together. During Covid-19 it has been a very testing time not only for myself but obviously people around the world. My whole working life has dramatically changed due to the virus . I have slowly watched my work pattern change dramatically where I have been working from home since the 2nd week of March. Since I have been at home I have made so many dishes I have lost count. I have stumbled across black rice , which I can’t get enough of. Such a lovely flavour and also colour. The first time I made black rice I felt it needed more flavour so I added coconut to it. After this discovery I was making back rice every other week. Pairing the rice with prawns or salmon. I also said to myself that I would need to work on desserts , I don’t make desserts often so last month it was time for me to learn how to make pancakes ( never made in my life). I decided to make almond pancakes with raspberry’s and maple syrup . They actually cake out so pretty and also tasted really lovely. I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I enjoyed creating them! @cookingbydei

COOKING BYDEI Shelma Dei shares her new found favourite recipes during lockdown before serving. Method: King Prawns Melt the butter and oil together in a frying pan. Add the garlic, chilli and paprika, then fry for 1-2 minutes until starting to turn golden. Turn up the heat, throw in the prawns and fry for a few minutes, stirring until all the prawns turn pink. Take off the heat, season and stir in the lemon juice and parsley.

Black Rice with Butter Chilli Prawns

Remove from heat, let stand for 10 minutes

To Serve: Maple Syrup Butter Raspberry’s Icing sugar for dusting purposes Method Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon spice and brown sugar into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk together the milk and egg. Then whisk in the melted butter and the ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.

Ingredients 25g butter 2 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped) 1 red chilli (seeds left in and finely chopped) ½ tsp sweet paprika 12-20 large raw tiger prawns with shells Juice of 1 lemon A bunch of parsley 120g black rice 2 tbsp of raw coconut Method: Black Rice Add rice to a medium pan and bring to boil over high-heat. Add the coconut oil and reduce heat to medium-low to maintain simmer, cover, and cook until rice is tender and water is absorbed. This should take 35-40 minutes.

1 tsp of brown sugar 130ml/ 4 ½ oz almond milk (you can use any milk of your choice) ½ tsp vanilla bean paste 1 large egg (lightly beaten) 2 tbsp melted butter (cooled slightly)

Pour the almond milk mixture into the flour, and using a fork, beat until you have a smooth batter. Let the batter stand for a few minutes.

Fluffy Almond Milk Pancakes Makes 8-10 pancakes Ingredients 135g/ 4 ¾ oz plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp Himalayan salt

Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add butter. When it’s melted, ass 1 and a ½ scoops of batter. It will seem very thick but this is how it should be. Wait until the top of the pancake begins to bubble, then turn it over and cook until both sides are golden brown and the pancake has risen. Repeat until all the batter is used up. Stack the pancakes on top of each other and dust with icing sugar. Serve with lots of maple syrup and butter, garnish with raspberries or a topping of your choice. Enjoy!

A TASTE

of the Caribbean

White sandy beaches, bath-warm turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine… the Caribbean is even more seductive and beautiful in the flesh than on the postcard.

he three S’s – sun, sand, and sea – are invariably the region’s biggest headline grabbers, but the Caribbean is also famous for its fantastic cuisine. And no visit to Jamaica, the Caribbean’s largest and liveliest island, is complete without sipping a fruity rum punch and sampling a classic Jamaican Jerk dish while the sound of reggae permeates the air. While we might not be able to get to Jamaica very easily right now, but we can live the Caribbean dream right here in the UK.

cooking ingredients – designed to transport you to the tropics. The high-end brand is the brainchild of Dr Carlton Brown, a first generation BritishJamaican who wanted to pay homage to his mother and his mother in law – who are both passionate about cooking, family and fun – and his love of Jamaican culture.

Enter Marshall & Brown, a premium product line specialising in delightfullypackaged authentic Jamaican food and

Dr Carlton explains: “I wanted to help bring the vibrant Caribbean tastes and flavors I grew up with to the British market.” To this end Marshall and Brown has created a range of Jerk sauces and seasonings, made from all-natural ingredients, which are great for transforming your barbecues from drab

MARSHALL & BROWN connoisseur.

to fab. Your barbecue will taste even better when accompanied by a Mama Brown Rum punch cocktail, made with Jamaican rum.

Tea more your bag? Try Marshall & Brown’s range of natural infusion teas from lemon and ginger to turmeric and peppermint.

For something sweet, get stuck into a Mama Brown rum cake – named after Dr Carlton’s 97-year-old mother who still bakes cakes today. Mouthwatering flavors include coconut, Key Lime, pineapple banana and original; all are moist and delicately flavored with the finest rum.

All told, if you are looking for the authentic taste of the Caribbean in the UK then you are going to love Marshall & Brown. The upscale brand is waiting to hear from you with a big warm, smiley Jamaican welcome.

Meanwhile Marshall & Brown’s rich, creamy rum truffles, made by an awardwinning master chocolatier, are sinfully delicious and spiced with deluxe Jamaican rum. Blue Mountain coffee is considered as one of the finest coffees in the world and Marshall and Brown recently have launched their single origin, single estate, Blue Mountain Coffee. Smooth, dark, and handsome, it’s a must for any coffee

For a flavor of the Caribbean visit www.marshallandbrown.co.uk, email sales@marshallandbrown.co.uk or call 0203 303 0493.

CORPORATION YARD

Corporation Yard

FOOD MARKET The street food festival you don’t want to miss!

omething different has come to Cardiff … After several months of lockdown, the whole of Cardiff is finally opening back up, and although normality is still a distant memory, the new outdoor street food experience is on everyone’s mind. A huge marquee has been set up in Canton, seating for up to 140 guests and also accommodates for the changeable Welsh weather. This is another incredible addition to the new norm in Cardiff’s post-Coronavirus scene. Corporation Yard Food Market brings quality food and entertainment to what has been an unpredictable year. It features Michelin Star James Sommerin, with many other fantastic local businesses, such as Wingstack, Waterloo Tea,

Cheesesteak Co, Crêpe ‘N Go and many more. So, whether you fancy grilled lobster or a sweet treat, there’s enough selection for all the family.

independent businesses in South Wales. Here you can enjoy fresh vegetables, plants, bakeries, garments, classic records and unique artwork all in one space.

This month Calabrisella Wood Fired Pizza, F.A.B Burgers and the dessert option soon to be confirmed will be replacing Keralan Karavan, Cheese Steak Co and Crepé N Go.

The variety of vendor trucks and stalls creates a vintage vibe. It’s a great setting for the market and drives visitors to Canton. It’s filled with quality traders selling every item you can think of at a great cost. All the traders are so different with many interesting items for sale. The event has a great ambience with vibrant music being played in the background. There’s something for all the family to enjoy.

You can order all of these delicious treats to your table via an app, as well as a booking service to reserve your tables (currently up to 6 people). Like everywhere for the foreseeable future, the food market is Coronavirus aware, with a one-way system and social distancing measures in place. Every weekend (Saturday – Sunday), join the hustle and bustle of the Indie Superstore outdoor market that features local

Corporation Yard is definitely one to keep your eye on this September. If you’re looking for a little escape from the city or a ‘night-out’ with family and friends,

the laidback atmosphere provides the perfect environment to get back to social interactions with loved ones. Whether you want to dress to impress or call in after work, there is a vendor to suit all. It’s guaranteed to be at the top of everyone’s post lockdown venues to visit this month in Cardiff. Help support local independent businesses in South Wales and head on down to Corporation Yard Food Market. Open for the foreseeable future. Thursday – Sunday table bookings from 4pm to late. To book, visit www.fatsoma.com/ corporationyard Instagram: corporationyard Instagram: indiesuperstore

GROUNDS FOR GOOD

Good for the environment, good for you, good for the community

s a nation, we love our coffee, right? So much so that, in the UK alone, year on year, sales of coffee have grown by around 10%, with no sign of decline. In fact, after oil, coffee is the second largest traded commodity in the world! Coffee and the establishments the world over where it’s enjoyed, is synonymous with free, open discourse in which new ideas can be discussed without prejudice. It is over coffee that friendships and alliances are made and nurtured. But what if coffee can be used for a greater good? A major downside to our favourite drink is that most coffee grounds are used only once and then succumb to landfill. Decomposing coffee grounds in bulk quantities give off harmful Methane gas, which is around x34 more potent than Carbon Dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Methane gas is thus a primary cause of global warming. With an ever-increasing coffee-drinking culture, this problem is only set to worsen. Most coffee establishments also have to pay high commercial waste rates to remove their abundant, wet and heavy coffee grounds. So, what if these waste grounds could avoid

a trip to landfill and then a wonderful new and meaningful purpose found for them to benefit our wellbeing and our communities? Meet Amy and Rosie, co-founders of Grounds for Good® (GFG). Both successful beauty entrepreneurs and highly qualified professionals in their respective fields, with a shared passion for natural, vegan and clean wellbeing. This was the starting point of GFG. It sounds cheesy but it was over a ‘cup of Joe’ that Amy and Rosie first met a few years ago, soon realising their shared passion for championing natural beauty and ‘clean’ products. Drawing upon their years of experience they have harnessed ‘three angles of good’ to form GFG and have curated a gorgeous collection of personal care and lifestyle products. All embrace the beneficial powers of reused coffee grounds and their powerhouse extracts. Good for the environment; Good for us; Good for our community. GFG will trade

as a social enterprise and profits will go to The Wallich; a National charity supporting homeless individuals across Wales and their rehabilitation back into employment. GFG will provide a number of placements for individuals, equipping them with useful practical and business skills in readiness for their return to the workplace. It will also enable them to give back directly to the charity that supported their own recovery. GFG will launch this Autumn and all products will be vegan, cruelty free and made from a variety of 100% natural ingredients, mainly sourced from Welsh suppliers. All products will be developed and hand made in Wales. Their online shopping experience will soon be available along with a number of wholesale packages for retail and coffee establishments across Wales and the UK. You can connect and support GFG on all social media platforms @groundsforgood. All press to be directed to: pr@groundsforgood.co.uk. Grounds for Good believe that every person has a right to a place they can call home. GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT :: GOOD FOR YOU :: GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY ::

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY

SUE’S VIEW

Welcome to my world, a beautiful place where life is always adventurous, sometimes surreal, occasionally unconventional but never ever (ever!) boring. I have the pictures…and the scars, to prove it. ue’s View, is my regular reflection of a life lived large as an award-winning activist, dedicated arts lover, and voracious community supporter – often being a very visible voice for my home town when it struggles to find its own.

I can’t help but love my rough, tough, edgy, kind, sweet, generous, Gavin and Stacey synonymous birthplace with a passion. And I would never lay my (probably leopard print) hat anywhere else. Long considered a credible voice of the community, I use my platform to reflect back to the town, the topics talked about, the tough times faced, and the harsh truths we need to tackle - often locally, sometimes nationally, and occasionally internationally. Sometimes I even shout too – if only to stress the need to speak up and speak out against the unfairness and injustice that has corroded our communities, and scarred some of our very own residents. Never was this more magnified that in the recent resurgence of the stand against racism. The #BlackLives Matter movement burst into Barry just as we were in the middle of struggling through the lonely Lockdown of an isolation nation. And, what can I say, my birthplace did

much being kept alive, thanks to those who stood up strongly in support. We so totally get that staying silent, standing by, or just sitting at home, is not the answer that’s needed now – real action, real activism, real visibility, and real change is.

Writing as Mrs SVJ, Sue VincentJones, is a top trained journo and well-travelled woman, who blogs about all things Barry, and the wider world, through the eyes of a quirky, and queer girl done good. our Black Lives Matter protest beautifully – socially distanced, properly, and peacefully…respect. Seeing the scores of rallying residents gather on King Square to show their solidarity with our brave Barrians who have fought, both slyly subtle, and boldly blatant, racism all their lives was instantly inspiring and undoubtedly uplifting. Still a long way to go, I know, but from a pivotal moment in time, the vibe is very

For me though community is not solely just anyone living in the same place either. It also means a group of like-minded people who share the same interests, who stick together through a strong sense of unity, and often, the deep desire to make a difference. #BlackLives Matter did this for me on so many levels. And I’ve also seen it so many other times in my neighbourhood, in my LGBT life, and my arts world of film, music, and theatre - where true activists and allies keep our communities cohesive and connected. We can all make a difference - and I hope my voice of the community column does some of that for you. Thank you for having me. Speak soon Mrs SVJ #BarryBoldestBlogger (c) mrssvj.co.uk Keep up with Sue’s monthly views online.

MENTAL HEALTH & LGBTQ

Talk to Coco

Coco from Talk to Coco, shares her experience on building her community and being an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ communities.

y mother had to give me mouth to mouth and bring me back to life, I guess from that day, I knew I had to make a change and, that’s how ‘Talk to Coco’ came about. I guess the stigma around mental health has never been positive, whether its people assuming we are all ‘crazy’ or, just the basic unrealistic generic stereotypes around it, oh and the taboo we all know ‘let’s not speak about it’. Talk to Coco, became a platform for myself and others within my community and around the world, to have a safe haven, a secure space where they didn’t feel judged and could see someone in the real life flesh experiencing just what they do; just to feel part of something where they can be themselves completely; even by just sitting back and watching, and being able to relate. All my life I battled with my mind and how people judged me and this was way before I even got diagnosed; this was due to how I heard people around me and within our community, speak on mental health along with the stigmas attached. I thought to myself no, a change is coming, and I didn’t mind subjecting myself to be the change, even if it saves one person’s life, I’m good, it’s more than I ever had. I gave people a real life transparent look into my life, no filters nothing – just live breakdowns, coping mechanisms, triggers, my stories of suicide and through this, I saw Talk to Coco flourish and do exactly what I set out to; make people like myself feel safe and secure and have hope and have someone they can come and talk to. As many expressed to myself how they don’t feel comfortable going to a doctor, therapist or even family/friend, so it was most important for them to not feel like some crazy person who should keep what their feeling locked inside and feel so alone. One of the first messages I ever received from a stranger spoke, “I stumbled across your page & I’m so thankful I did… it’s been hell these past 7months but your page & vlogs have left me feeling a little bit less alone, thank you for sharing <3”, which confirmed to myself opening up, was the right thing to do; people could finally relate & feel not alone. Another messaged me

and said “I’ve got so much admiration & respect for you sharing your experiences & journey honestly! Your touching and changing many people’s perceptions and making less people suffer in silence! Even through your own struggles and suffering! Inspiration!”. From there, I was approached to speak and write on subjects around mental health and LGBT on other platforms, which was incredible to reach a different audience who might need Talk to Coco; I wrote for published books, magazine articles and tv vlogs. It was so heart-warming, a truly amazing feeling, saving lives and stopping self-harm, having strangers message me confiding or asking for my advice, even

consulting people double my age or even, fathers of three. It gave me a sense of hope and people like myself, hope – to know that there are people out there who see us for us you know – a creative ability, a loving heart, real no filter amazing humans, with a different mental capacity that doesn’t fall within society’s norms and that’s ok. From speaking to the thousands of people that reach out to myself, my value to the community and the world is to continue to be ‘the stranger you can tell all your feelings to, without judgement no matter the subject’, and to continue to be an advocate for mental health and LGBT communities. Instagram: talktococo

HOT FOR THE SHOT MEDIA

A fresh new approach to digital marketing Hot For The Shot Media is a Cardiff based video production company which aims to support local businesses through video and digital content. Recently, the company had started to offer a new and exciting marketing strategy, 360° virtual tours. This new way of marketing is perfect for these uncertain times ahead; especially, to help maintain social distancing at its finest.

hat is a 360° virtual tour? A 360° virtual tour is a digital marketing tool, which illustrates a sequence of panoramic images that are ‘stitched’ together to create a virtual experience of any location. Once created, the viewer is able to experience the location as if they are physically there through their desktop computers, laptops, tablets or mobile phones. Companies that would benefit from this digital marketing tool include real-estate, hotels, resorts, casinos, educational buildings, tourism destinations, restaurants, clubs and more. For example: Properties: 360° virtual tours allow potential customers to view the interiors of properties and their surroundings, which helps and encourage viewing bookings. The government guidelines stress that, in the first instance, property viewings should continue virtually. Cafés or restaurants If you are a café or restaurant considering how to move forward in your industry despite our new found pandemic situation?

We can support you to show your business off to its full potential. The impact of the pandemic has changed the way we all work and live. 360° virtual tours have come into their own, as a way of giving your customers and clients a way to social distance, but still interact with you and your services. Why use virtual tours instead of standard flat images? • They provide detailed visual information to your potential customers beyond merely text and one or two still photos. • It opens your location or services to the online public in a detailed and fast-loading virtual reality environment, allowing you to showcase key features of your location or service. • People enjoy taking virtual tours; it gives them the confidence to make a decision online or by telephone. • Virtual tours can be a persuasive decision between you and your competitors. • 360° virtual tours are interactive; viewers can select which images they would like to view and navigate as they choose.

SPECIAL OFFER: £80 for basic virtual tour. Limited offer for September! Ruslan Pilyarov, CEO of Hot For The Shot Media “I created this company because I felt there wasn’t many digital companies in Wales that could help small local businesses. Usually, production companies work for bigger clients and smaller businesses would have to make content themselves, due to the pricing of production companies being extortionate. So, my aim was to create a company that could help support local businesses with affordable digital marketing.” How it works: 1. Booking - get in touch and book your 360 virtual tour. 2. Scanning - members of our team will visit your property according to the booking. 3. Stitching - we will proceed stitching of 360 photos into Virtual tour using our software. 4. Delivery - you will receive link for your tour which you can add to your website or share on your social platforms.

For more information, visit www.hotfortheshotmedia.co.uk or email info@hotfortheshotmedia.co.uk.

We can help by creating 360° virtual tours so that possible customers can view your property and get a feel for it before booking.

Style of the city Magazine- The Gratitude Edition Autumn 2020

Articles inside

TALK TO COCO Shares her experience on being an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ communities

WOO WOO Share how they established a femtech cult following

LOCKDOWN SNAPSHOTS Photographer Katie Barrett shares her doorstep portraits, which were created to raise money for Cardiff Woman’s Aid

SUE’S VIEW Sue Vincent-Jones gives her view on Barry’s #BLM protest

COOKING BYDEI Shelma Dei shares her stylish recipes

BUSINESS Businesswoman Tracey Holloway shares her advice on conducting social distancing viewings

NUFFIELD How the hospital and staff from Nuffield Health came together to help the NHS

POLLY’S BABY BLOG Our parenting columnist, Polly James, shares her experience on having her daughter during a global pandemic

THE SPECTRUM SISTERS Sophie & Hannah Pycroft share their out of lockdown essential beauty products

CASTLE FINE ART Add Stuart McAlpine Miller’s masterpieces to your collection

BASHED CARDIFF A burger brand like no other

CLAIRE JACKLIN Personal stylist, Claire Jacklin, shares how she altered her business during lockdown

WARRIOR WOMEN COLLECTIVE The founders of Warrior Women Collective share how they were able to diversify and grow their business during the pandemic

THE BOX EDIT Ashley & Helen bring the lasts fashion trends to Barry

OCEANS SALON Ocean Hairdressing shares their top tips post-lockdown