Kindred Tales | Celia and Puffin | Luxe + Hardy
Celia Bristow is Director and Co-Founder of Luxe + Hardy. A luxury and sustainable rest and sleepwear brand that was born out of the need for us to all adopt a regular restorative routine as part of a more balanced lifestyle. Joining Celia while working from home is Puffin, the relaxed Spaniel who enjoys nothing more then spending her day napping on Celia’s lap.
We chatted to Celia about the inspiration behind Luxe + Hardy and how Puffin has helped to add routine to her day while working from home.
Tell us about Luxe + Hardy and the inspiration behind the brand?
Luxe + Hardy is a luxury and sustainable rest and sleepwear brand that was born out of the need for us to all adopt a regular restorative routine (however short or infrequent) as part of a more balanced lifestyle and to achieve a healthier mind and body. This could not be more important for everyone right now.
The collection consists of beautifully designed clothing and self-care products that are made for you to enjoy at home to help you unwind, recoup, and feel relaxed and focused on enjoying the time you have to yourself.
I joined last year as Director and Co-Founder. A great friend and old colleague of mine started the business in 2018 and needed someone to take it on. It was quite a challenge doing this mid-pandemic, but it meant I literally learnt on the job! I’ve always been in publishing, so it was quite a change dealing with manufacturers and HMRC on a daily basis!
Our real USP is that the clothes are made sustainably and ethically, and our suppliers are fully traceable. We also believe strongly in our message and are just as passionate about the importance of resting as we are about creating luxurious clothes and products that help our customers make that transition to calm.
What’s your first memory of dogs being in your life?
My first memory was around five years old. We had a Border Terrier called Polly who was heaven and so patient. I used to strap her into a pram and push her around the garden and she just sat there – I think she even had a bonnet on. It really taught me how important it is to have children and dogs around each other from a young age.
Tell us about Puffin and how she came into your life?
We always planned on getting a dog in 2020 but coronavirus just fast forwarded the process. While we fall into the lockdown puppy category (we’ve had her since May), we did really think it through. Spaniels are hard work but with us both working from home we could dedicate time to training her. She is the best decision we made, last year would have been so much harder without her.
How does having a dog fit into your general working day?
Surprisingly well! I was so keen for her to not be too needy so taught her to be alone even if we are in the house. She switches laps during the working day, and it is great to have an excuse to leave the house to walk her. Considering how many times I was warned that spaniels are manic, she sleeps all day – a walk is a bit of an inconvenience for her. We might have a broken one!
When you’re not working where do you like to head out with the dog?
As walking seems to be all we can do at the moment we tend to try and mix it up at the weekends – although we are running out of options! Richmond is perfect as she roams quite far but it would be great to go a bit further afield when we can travel.
What essentials do you always have on you when heading out for a dog walk?
Poo bags seem to end up in every jacket pocket, some treats and that’s it.
What adventures do you have planned with Puffin and Luxe + Hardy for later this year?
As soon as we can go abroad, we are desperate to drive to Spain with Puffin, but we shall see! I think sitting in a pub garden with her will be as far as we get!
Such exciting times for Luxe + Hardy this year. We have our summer collection launching with our linen loungewear, perfect for home or the beach (fingers crossed!)
