Kindred Tales | Paul, Niko and Piper | Earl of East London
Tell us a bit about the Earl of East and how it all started?
We started out in 2014 with the mission just to do something creatively together as a couple. Our concept was to curate favourite items sourced when traveling, however, it quickly became apparent that everything we loved was either scent or homeware based, and whilst curating was great we really wanted to create our own brand. Six months later we launched our own home fragrance line, and it kinda just went from there. Today we have 3 physical store locations, with our flagship in Coal Drops Yard, a small store in Islington, and our original spot here in Hackney. Our stores are multi-concept a place to grab a coffee, shop indie brands, or attend a workshop. We produce in our stores to reduce unnecessarily shipping across town and to bring our own craft to life.
Tell us about Piper and how he came into your life.
Piper has had quite a strange introduction to the world as he joined us just as the first lockdown came in to force. For the last 3 1/2 years we had been looking after another Frenchie Oscar, he very much became part of our family but the original owners returned to London and wanted to take him back. It was a very hard thing to get our heads around but we knew instantly that we couldn't be without the companionship we had become so used to.
We found Piper's litter through a friend but were actually going to look at another pup. When we visited he was determined that we were his new family and he instantly won us over, we were back within a couple of days to collect him, 2 days later we went into lockdown. He is incredibly loving and playful and a really quick learner, he has made this time at home so pleasant.
How does your Piper fit into your general working day?
Without a doubt having a new puppy means you need to add structure to your day, so there was no better time really as now we are working from home he has given us a set routine. He is still really young so he likes a lot of attention but in the past few weeks he has began to calm down, so after his mad half-hour he comes and falls asleep by our feet whilst we work. We are still fulfilling online orders to drive to the studio to pack them each evening, he loves the studio and collecting packing materials up after us whilst we work.
When you’re not working where do you both like to hang out with the dog?
We start and end each day with quite long walks up form our home to Epping Forest, and the flats. The weather has been great and having the woods so close means we can relax and let him explore and play, we can't wait to go a bit further afield, but for now, we are lucky to have some nature so close.
What essentials do you always have on you when heading out for a dog walk, and what do you carry them in?
We are very much in the midst of puppy training, so lots of treats and a tennis ball are his essentials, he has been really good at picking up commands and socializing with other dogs. He loves finding the biggest stick he can possibly carry, so honestly, he is quite easy to please.
