Nails, nails, and more nails...

The most important thing in having well done nails is finding your 'one'. In other words, find a nail salon and technician you can trust. I go to the same place time after time, usually once every two to three weeks. Try to have an image you can show the technician, or be able to describe exactly what you want. 

My nails are acrylic extensions, and I'm loving the claw stiletto shape. I started having them made into claws over a year ago and I'm still not bored! 

The images above are just some of the nails I had in 2013. 

The hunt now begins for a new shape. 

Nails done by either Andy or Mimi at Nail Icons, Middlesbrough, UK.

Global Entrepreneurship Week...

James Caan & Myself

Attending GEW at the Westminster Hub in London recently I got the opportunity to meet James Caan, well known for the programme Dragon's Den. It was a great day organised to celebrate the 10,000th Start Up Loan, and a good networking opportunity for small businesses like myself. 

The press were very kind and my business was featured in a few publications, some of which I've featured above. 

Having been one of fifteen out of ten thousand people picked to attend the event, it was a great privilege to hear both James Caan and Vince Cable speak about the importance of small business. Listening to motivational speakers is always good to encourage your own productivity. To me, waking up to a small inspirational quote on Instagram can change how I feel about my day. Surrounding yourself with positivity, although hard at times, is so important, and thats exactly what James Caan managed to achieve.

Tip for London: taxi drivers do not like Haymarket in morning rush hour, my journey was cut short at The Mall. I walked the rest of the way in the pony skin wedges below, like I said, comfy.

Full Articles: The Journal, Northern Echo, Hispanic Business 

Crow's feet...

            

Boots Autograph by Marks & Spencer

Couldn't quite believe my eyes when I seen these pony skin beauties on the Marks & Spencer website, of all places! However, Autograph by M&S are designing some amazing pieces. I've also just bought a leopard print faux fur coat (post to come soon) from the Limited Edition range. That's something else as well! Hats off to the design team. 

Another plus... they're comfy. Not that, that has ever stopped me when it comes to shoes!

Me...

Before I started Aphrodite and Ares I was almost set on becoming a solicitor, or lawyer, a career definitely surrounding Law. At school I was always doing well, but I knew from then that I wanted to be my own boss. I started college, studying Law, Business, Politics and English Language. The first year went well and I was still on track to becoming what I wanted to be. However, my second year came around and I began to loathe college, I wasn't enjoying it and it was becoming a chore. I had loved education up until this point. I'd hit a plateau in my learning, the thought of another eight to ten years of hard studying filled me with dread. How could my thirst for knowledge just come to an abrupt stop. By this point I'd decided I definitely didn't want to go to University, although receiving an offer to do Law, it wasn't going to be for me. It's amazing how things can change. 

I'd worked part time jobs since 15 years old, and to do this day have only been unemployed for one month whilst transitioning between jobs, I liked to be able to earn my own money. I'd worked for 4 years in vintage clothing from leaving college to setting up my business earlier this year. My love for fashion has always been present. Whether it was cello-taping wooden building blocks to my Barbie slippers to make a pair of heels at 4 years old, and walking down the street without breaking my neck, to buying my first Vogue, it was a part of me. 

I've always had a hunger for success and I'm not afraid to work hard for it. My ambition to be a motivated businesswoman, whilst doing something I love is a dream come true. It's hard, don't get me wrong, working from home can sometimes mean 11am wake up's, no make up and pyjamas. Motivating myself is still my greatest hurdle. 

It's a journey, but I'm excited, and with only being in my first year of business, you can imagine, I'm still finding my feet. But I have a vision and know what I want to achieve. I'm a strong believer in positive thinking, and the 'ask, believe, receive' mantra, working hand in hand with hard work. For me mixing fashion and business was a natural step, and with help from my mentors, family and boyfriend, I've managed to create something I'm proud of. 

Be happy with what you do.

Autumn's here...

zara coat, h&m leather trousers, primark jumper, matalan high top sneaks

I had a meeting in Newcastle today, seen all this amazing graffiti and couldn't resist taking a few snaps. I live in these leather trousers, they're so comfy. My other half calls them my 'trusty faithfuls'. How rude haha. I also never shop in Matalan but I went in on the off chance and found these gorgeous high top sneaks.

The coat speaks for itself, love it.

In the country...

aphrodite and ares jumpers, vintage fur coat, topshop leather trousers, french connection boots

A stroll in the good old English countryside for our Aphrodite and Ares Autumn/Winter lookbook. We managed to get some great shots, even though the weather was not on our side, windy and freezing.

Warning: swans aren't always great props. 

First things first...

Majorca, Spain

The trip to Spain this summer wasn't just sangria and calamari, unfortunately. As owner of Aphrodite and Ares, I decided it would be a great setting for our summer lookbook. We took some beautiful shots in Cala St Vincente and Sa Calobra, the most amazing, untouched places. They were really like different worlds, so I guess it wasn't much like work. It's definitely sad to say good bye to this summer, but personally I can't wait for winter, and the layers that come with it. 

Time to get wrapped up.