Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Alice Mackintosh & Rosie Speight: We started Equi with a huge sense of purpose, to raise the standard of the supplement market - and we both remain personally committed to that and can’t really see it changing any time soon, so the correct answer to that is that we don’t.
What’s one thing you do after the work-day to help you unwind?
Alice Mackintosh (above right): I’m so lucky to actually enjoy cooking. For me it isn’t really a trial to put something for dinner – even the most simple dishes can be enjoyable to cook. I also find that because I’m using my hands to chop, stir and sizzle, I’m not able to look at my phone. I’ll put on a podcast sometimes, but I’ve been making a conscious effort recently not to pack too much in at every moment, so usually I just let my mind wander.
Rosie Speight (above left): Walking. I find I’m most creative when walking listening to music, or if I need to switch off my busy mind, a good podcast such as The Rest is Politics will always clear my head. I try to get out for at least 30 minutes at the end of each day, before I get home to the children and know I’m a better mum for it.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
AM: We both have small children so, often, getting back to the office after a full-on weekend can be re-centring! This being said, we are a women’s wellness brand focussed on supporting busy women at every stage of life. Managing stress is central to this, and getting proper downtime is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing and ensures we practise what we preach.
For us, having a girly brunch or lunch with friends every couple of weekends really feeds the soul. We’re old friends, having met on the first day of university almost 17 years ago. We became close friends immediately, lived together and have been at each others side since. Starting a business together wasn’t ever the plan, but when the opportunity arose, we both knew that we could make a very strong partnership. We have lots of mutual friends and it’s lovely for us to switch off from work together and properly catch up with this group - even though we work together most days.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space ?
AM: At the moment it’s the pilates studio. I’m 5 months pregnant and that hour once a week is what keeps me feeling vaguely strong and centred. It requires a lot of focus and breathwork so it’s a great way to switch off whilst working my body.
RS: A good weights session at the gym; it always has been my stress-buster and a moment of me-time. If I don’t get there at least 4 times a week I’m not my best-self.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
AM & RS: We are both big fans of an evening Epsom salt bath. Not only does it give the chance to catch up on the Sunday papers and do a face mask once the kids are in bed, but the body absorbs magnesium and sulphur from the salts through the skin. This aids relaxation, induces the release of calming neurotransmitters and we always find we sleep more deeply afterwards.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
AM: I was recently lucky enough to enjoy a day at Wimbledon in the sunshine, which was a dream. It felt so quintessentially British and it’s hard not to feel patriotic, no matter who's playing.
RS: A recent holiday in Mallorca with friends, my favourite place. When the children are happy, the grown-ups are happy.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit...
AM: I have a busy toddler who loves getting muddy, so for me it’s jeans, a T-shirt and trainers. None of it stays clean for long!
RS: I live in my gym kit. I've invested in some really lovely sets so I feel somewhat smart.
Your happy place anywhere in the world...
AM: Anywhere skiing in the mountains, but if I had to choose it would be Zermatt. I spent time there as a teen with my family and now with my own family and friends. It holds so many happy memories and skiing under the Matterhorn in the sunshine is in my opinion, almost other-worldy.
Your favourite bar or restaurant...
AM & RS: We always have the best time on a Soho House rooftop bar. Picantes are definitely our drink of choice and their mac and cheese is the best you can get.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend...
RS: The play That is Not Who I Am at The Royal Court on Sloane Square. Completely gripping and a timely warning of the dangers of social media.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend...
RS: Juice: Cleanse, Heal, Revitalize by Rosemary Ferguson. Most juice recipe books are so generic and full of sugary fruit juice options. We know Rose and think she has such a brilliant, honest and realistic voice in the wellness industry. Her book is full of pretty inventive juices using ingredients like fennel, asparagus, artichoke and savoy cabbage to name a few, but the recipes mean they taste great and a perfect way to up your daily nutrients, really putting a spring in your step!
A hobby you'd like to cultivate...
RS: I can honestly say that I don’t feel like I have anytime to even think about a hobby at the moment, but I feel very privileged to have a very full life that I enjoy. Perhaps once we achieve all we want with Equi I’ll take up watercolours.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity...
AM: Equi, of course! It’s not hugely expensive at £60 for 30 days, but something well worth adding into your monthly spend. Our formulas are a complete supplement plan in one product, offered in different forms depending on your main cause for concern, whether it be energy, skin and beauty, menopasue, weight management or pregnancy. Think of all of the nutrients you’ve heard that you should be taking, such as probiotics, vitamin D, collagen, spirulina, magnesium (plus 48 more that you may not have heard of), all combined in one daily expert formulation that powers up the body and makes you glow.
Best luxury under £25...
AM: This comes for free, but ensuing you are well-hydrated all day. We are made up of 60 per cent water and this needs constant renewal for the body to repair itself and function at its optimum. If you’re at the point you’re feeling thirsty, you are likely already a little dehydrated. So a reusable water bottle that keeps you drinking throughout the day will help with a clearer, sharper mind, better mood, better digestion, sleep... you get the picture!
Connect with Alice Mackintosh on LinkedIn.
Connect with Rosie Speight on LinkedIn.
More information at equilondon.com
