Get To Know: Lisa From Edit 58

Hi my loves! So I have interviewed another of my favourite women that I discovered through Instagram and I wanted to share it with you today. Remember my personalised hat? And the “toys” basket in Mila’s nursery? They come from the online store Edit.58. Lisa Mehydene, the brains behind it, is one of the loveliest people I have come across on Instagram. I’ve never actually met her in person but  you know when you just know that someone is a good soul? Well thats her. And she is really funny. And down to earth. She has twins (one boy and one girl,) her business sells a small edit of homeware & accessories and her personality totally shines through on Instagram as well as in my interview. We have kept in touch ever since I first ordered from her and if you don’t yet know of Edit.58 (which I am sure most of you do!) then check out the site and her Instagram. I LOVE what she says about parenting too. Read on to find out more about her…

Tell us a little bit about your business – when did you start and how did you come up with the idea?

 My background is in advertising and I spent my twenties and early thirties climbing the ladder in advertising agencies in London, Dubai and Singapore. I thought it was what I wanted, but the more senior I became, the more I realized I was no longer close to the creative product/process, which was what I had loved most about my job in the first place. The hours were also insane. I reached board level and then became pregnant with twins. I knew I could no longer balance both and so I quit. I loved being a mum, and not working gave me the time to focus solely on them – but as the months rolled on I really missed having a career, something that was just mine.

We decided to move back to London and I knew once we were ‘home’ I could properly focus on starting a business of my own. I’ve always loved interiors and so I decided to start selling a small edit of products that I have in my home and had discovered on my travels; baskets, blankets, rugs, wallhangings and cushions. I was certain there was a gap in the market for artisan items that were unique, but well priced. It’s all well and good going to the high street, but I for one wanted a rug that no one else had (but I didn’t want to pay a £2000 price tag). If I wanted this, surely there were others like me out there?

On 31st July 2015 edit58 launched online. The response was fantastic and continues to be so. The original premise of edit58 remains true – we still only stock a small edit of products, but each is well considered and sourced with care and love. We also offer a rug sourcing service that helps to ‘connect’ buyers with the rug they’ve been dreaming about. I love it when we find a client their perfect rug and have the privilege to see it transform their room space. I know they’ll have it for years to come and that makes me beyond happy. 

What’s the most challenging thing about running your own business? And the most rewarding?

The most challenging (especially as a small, independent business) is undeniably that you have to wear so many hats; creative director, buyer, website/digital guru, customer service professional, photographer, accountant, PR specialist….the list goes on! It’s impossible to be an expert at all of these things, so you simply have to do your best.

The most rewarding is the positive feedback received from clients. 1.5 years down the line there is still no better feeling than receiving a lovely thank you email, being tagged in on an Instagram photo or delivering an item to someone and seeing their joy at what they’ve purchased.

On a personal level, running my own business has also allowed me the work/family balance I craved and that is also hugely rewarding.

How do you juggle being a parent (of twins!!) with running your own company?

Since September my children have attended school full-time (in reception) and this has made a huge difference in my ability to manage both work and parenting. I have from 9am-3pm each weekday to focus solely on edit58 and it has been a revelation! Prior to that, I won’t lie – it was much, much harder. They attended nursery for a few hours each day, but I would work late into the night to get things done and felt much more stressed.

Any plans to have more children?

NO! We feel very lucky to have twins, and a boy and girl at that. It is lovely to experience having both. We are most definitely complete as a family of four. I would like a dog though!

Favourite place to go for a date night?

Out for dinner. There’s nothing nicer than getting dressed up and heading out for a gorgeous meal and drinks, and having the chance to catch up properly with my favourite person.

Favourite way to unwind?

A fresh edition of a magazine, candles lit, fire on (in winter!) and some quality sofa time. I’m a total home body and love a cosy night in. Equally, fresh bedding and an early night……I really know how to live it up!

Who is your role model?

On a business level – Natalie Massenet. I admire her hugely for founding Net-a-Porter and changing the way we shop for fashion. She created a beautiful brand, a strong (female led) workforce and did so with passion, determination and style – all whilst raising a family.

On a personal level – my 102 year old Gran. She is an utter inspiration. Funny, independent, strong, clever and immeasurably kind. I can only hope to navigate life with her humour, compassion and charisma.

Travel with kids – yes or no?

An absolute….YES! I love travelling with them (except the flight, can we just skip that bit?!) It’s so fun to see them immersed in different cultures, visiting new places, trying different foods and meeting new people. They get so much out of the experience and it’s always fun to spend some quality time with them without the distractions of everyday life.

However, I’m also a firm believer in child-free mini breaks too! I look forward to those trips where it’s just my husband / friends and we have a chance to reconnect and let our hair down without the routine that invariably goes alongside having children accompanying you. I do think these kind of mini breaks are important for all involved! Not least because the children also have a chance (in our case) to spend quality time alone with grandparents/aunts/uncles…(whoever we can persuade to babysit for a long weekend!)

What are your tips for throwing a kids birthday party?

Honestly, my top tip would be to try and keep it simple and hire in professionals for the main bits! We just threw our children a 5th birthday party. We asked them what they wanted to do and they both agreed (eventually) on a Pirate party. So we hired a Pirate children’s entertainer, dressed the children in fancy dress costumes and got all the food from M&S (who knew they did such a good personalized Pirate cake?!). I must admit I love doing all the creative aspects (party baskets/room décor/table décor etc) – but that’s just me.

Ultimately, children would have a good time in a room full of balloons, so don’t stress about the detail. As with everything when it comes to children, keeping things simple is often better.

What advice would you give to Milla and George if they decided to start their own business?

My father runs his own business and has for my entire life, so I grew up seeing first hand how much hard work it is, but equally – the benefits of being your own boss.

If my children wanted to do their own thing, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to do so. What advice would I give to them? Do something you love/follow a passion. Don’t chase money. The saying “if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life” couldn’t be more true. I adore what I do and honestly have to pinch myself sometimes that this is how I make a living.

You are stranded on a desert island with your children – what one thing would you want to have with you?

My husband! I need to share the childcare and have some moral support!

Best piece of parenting advice you ever received?

Not so much advice, but a saying that I repeat to myself on a loop and it never fails to help me put things into perspective…..“the days are long but the years are short’.

On bad parenting days this always brings me back to a good place. I try to remind myself that they won’t be little forever, and blips are just part of the ‘joy’ of guiding these angels (ahem) through life. The days may seem endless sometimes, but the reality is, they’re not. I try to not get hung up on the small stuff/wish the time away, and instead enjoy and live in the moment.

Future plans for edit.58?

Ooooh! Lots and lots. We’ve just launched ‘Atelier58’ the candle brand with my friend Atelier BigJon, so there are two new scents launching for Spring. We have some new basket styles for Spring/Summer, lots more vintage rugs and cushions coming online which we have sourced and some exciting new product ranges. I can’t wait to share it all with our lovely customers. xx

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