Walpole says: "Sharp-eyed luxury lovers will have spotted Aiveen's beautiful work at Northacre's House of Walpole. Her craftsmanship elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary."
Walpole: What’s a great piece of helpful career advice you’ve been given, that you’d pass onto others?
Aiveen Daly: I worked with a lovely mentor called Yvonne Fuchs who said when communicating with clients don't talk about what you do, but why you do it. People love to work with others who are authentically passionate about what they do. That and don’t be afraid to fire clients who are either unprofitable or just too heartbreaking!
What moment in your current job really cemented your passion for what you do?
To be honest I have had a passion for textiles since I was a child but never imagined I could make a career out of it. The passion cemented the job but of course it took a while and a lot of bumps along the road.
What professional achievement have you been most proud of over the past year?
Featuring my designs in the beautiful House of Walpole collaboration showcasing the finest of British luxury.
What is a key professional goal you’ve set for yourself over the coming year?
Time out to work on my own personal art projects to expand on my recent Coralation ribbon sculpture series.
Personally, what highlight is on the horizon for 2023?
Going back to New York to see clients as haven’t been there since pre-Covid. And there may be a milestone birthday, but couldn’t possibly reveal which one!
Walpole says: "Meave's artistic and intuitive sense for aesthetic living elevates every home and interior that she touches."
Walpole: What’s a great piece of helpful career advice you’ve been given, that you’d pass onto others?
Maeve Doyle: Joanne Good of BBC London talks about “the power of the pause to give the audience time to reflect on your words and start making connections of their own”. I have found this advice to be incredibly useful when interviewing; the way silence is used is as important as what you say. It is inspiring to observe new ideas forming in both the audience and the interviewee in moments of reflection, its what makes a conversation memorable.
What moment in your current job really cemented your passion for what you do?
Hosting the 'Women in Art: Brilliant Breakfast' panel at Louis Vuitton in aid of The Prince's Trust. Everything about this event reflected the passion I have for the industry I love, from curating the panel which included artists and art world experts, to gathering an enthusiastic audience of women that are keen to learn about and support the development of women working in art.
What professional achievement have you been most proud of over the past year?
Continuing to produce and broadcast my weekly podcast Maeve Doyle's Private View, for which I have interviewed over 70 artists this year. I started the podcast in 2018 and it continues to grow. Our listeners love the intimacy of the conversations and the insight into how the artists work.
What is a key professional goal you’ve set for yourself over the coming year?
I will look forward to supporting the growth and appreciation of the contemporary art industry, particularly in London. Whether this is by nurturing artistic talent or leading art panels and walking tours of our great museums and galleries. London is a vibrant artistic landscape and there are so many opportunities to welcome new enthusiasts.
Personally, what highlight is on the horizon for 2023?
Maddox will soon open a solo exhibition by the talented artist Russell Young in Gstaad. As an aficionado of his work, I am particularly looking forward to interviewing Russell about his show The Glamour Game. It’s a study on society’s relationship with 20th century celebrity and features icons including Marylin Monroe, Muhammad Ali and Elvis.
Beyond that, this year will no doubt be another busy year for art, so I will look forward to taking some time to reflect and anticipate the great exhibitions on our horizon.
Walpole says: "Bursting through Savile Row's pin-striped ceiling when she became the Row's first ever female head cutter, Kathryn's eponymous brand has a much deserved cult following. It's rare for someone of such exceptional skill to be so charmingly modest."
Walpole: What’s a great piece of helpful career advice you’ve been given, that you’d pass onto others?
Kathryn Sargent: In the luxury service industry you must listen and learn as much as possible about people, keep notes on your clients’ preferences and truly understand them. Robert Gieve (5th generation of the Gieve family), who I was fortunate to know during my time as an apprentice at Gieves & Hawkes, taught me this, and it has been something that I have taken with me. His customer service was impeccable and his values have had an incredible impact on mine.
What moment in your current job really cemented your passion for what you do?
From the first moment I walked along Savile Row, I was completely taken by the craft of tailoring. At its core it is always about the craft; practising it and striving for excellence. The real joy in my work is when a client tells me how a garment has made them feel or when they have been complimented on a particular garment they have worn.
What professional achievement have you been most proud of over the past year?
The way the team is bouncing back and rebuilding after Covid. We have executed three very successful trips to visit clients in the USA this year, which is a great achievement. And similarly, the support of clients.
What is a key professional goal you’ve set for yourself over the coming year?
I’m going to expand my team and build. 2023 is the time for growth and development.
Personally, what highlight is on the horizon for 2023?
A party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the business. We were so busy with the Covid recovery last year, so this year is the time party and show our gratitude to our amazing clients and friends.
Walpole says: "Serena's multi-media brand is defined by its exquisite taste. She has taken the idea of a travel magazine and turned it into a way of life."
What’s a great piece of helpful career advice you’ve been given, that you’d pass onto others?
Recently at a retreat for founders, fellow founder Matt Celuszak shared with me that it's important for a leader to be clear on their own personal values. Your core values will not only dictate your goals but also how you and your team go about achieving them.
What moment in your current job really cemented your passion for what you do?
SUITCASE works hard and prides itself on showcasing and celebrating destinations, so I was incredibly moved in 2013 when I received my first piece of SUITCASE 'fanmail'. It was a letter from a reader thanking us for the representation of where she was from.
What professional achievement have you been most proud of over the past year?
Redefining our North Star after the pandemic (to "Discover What Matters") and watching collaboration grow among our team.
What is a key professional goal you’ve set for yourself over the coming year?
Creating the digital ecosystem and one-stop-travel-shop that our readers deserve.
Personally, what highlight is on the horizon for 2023?
Continuing learning with my EMBA at Imperial and watching my daughter grow up!
