Out of Office

Hamilton & Inches' Victoria Houghton on her Out of Office essentials

In our Out of Office interview series, we speak to Walpole member and partner executives at the top of their game about how they live their lives away from their desks – the habits that help them decompress, the activities that re-centre their minds, and the little luxuries that they can't live without. This week, we talk gardening, getting away and the power of gold hoops with Victoria Houghton, CEO of Scottish precious metal-crafter and jewellery house, Hamilton & Inches
9th Jun 2023
Out of Office Hamilton & Inches' Victoria Houghton on her Out of Office essentials

Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?

Victoria Houghton: I have to admit this is difficult, especially as Hamilton & Inches is open seven days a week. I have worked hard to build a strong team who I trust and empower to enable me to separate work from my personal time. I have two young boys so juggling my work-life balance is always a challenge.

What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?

Every day is different, but I do find my boys help to distract me as we enjoy catching up over a family dinner.

What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?

I love running in the countryside as it really helps me switch off. I also enjoy yoga, which calms my mind.

What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?

A book I’ve read recently and loved is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, a memoir by the creator of Nike. It's a great story about how an ambition turned into an incredible business – such an amazing insight and so inspiring.

After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?

Being out in the countryside or by the sea. After a busy week at work, I like the calm of open spaces and beautiful scenery. 

On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?

I like to clear my desk and to-list as best as I can on a Friday, if possible, otherwise I feel it plays on my mind all weekend. Knowing I've planned the week ahead helps me to relax.

Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?

I am just back from a few days away in Cornwall with my family. Sun, amazing sandy beaches and delicious seafood – it was a real treat to get away!

The OUT OF OFFICE hotlist

Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Jeans and a shirt with Blundstone boots, trainers, Birkenstocks or heels – depending on the state of the UK weather!

Your happy place anywhere in the world: Snowboarding in the mountains, aprés ski drinks and amazing views. After working in a ski resort pre-university, it always makes me feel free and ‘at home’.

Your favourite bar or restaurant: Heron in Leith, Edinburgh. This restaurant is well worth a visit, serving impressive seasonal flavours. The restaurant is fresh, understated, and elegant much like the food. The sourdough and crab butter is enough to get me to return!

Something cultural/sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: The Ballet. My husband and I recently attended the Scottish Ballet to see Coppelia at Sadlers Wells and it was absolutely incredible.  

Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: When travelling for work I enjoy listening to Desert Island Discs. I find the interviews so fascinating and always come away learning something and feeling inspired.

A hobby you'd like to cultivate: I surprised myself last year by how much I enjoyed gardening and growing my own tomatoes, lettuce and herbs, so I’m keen to learn more. I went to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year and left feeling very motivated to get my gardening gloves on!

A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Jewellery! Even the simplest gold hoops help give me my identity and make me feel like I’m properly dressed.

Best luxury under £25: My weekend Financial Times subscription. Having the time to sit down and read a newspaper these days feels like a luxury. Needless to say, I don’t manage it every weekend!

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