The Caro Podcast

This is the last episode of series 3. I have absolutely loved chatting to all the guests and feel very grateful for having met such inspiring people. Today’s conversation is with Rosanna Philpott, founder of Pygmalion, a dinner candle company launched in August of this year. Lighting a tall dinner candle in anticipation for the arrival of guests, really is the moment before the fun is about to commence. Rosanna has developed candles that capture this magic with designs that are modern, fun and look great placed on any table or mantle.Rosanna and I chat through the story behind the name Pygmalion and how her painting and travels to Kenya have inspired the candle designs. I hear about how hard it was finding her factory and the disasters she’s had along the way. Rosanna really is finessing the art of multitasking. Not only does she run Pygmalion but she has a full time job as a features reporter for a large news network. Incredible. I am delighted to say that Pygmalion candles are part of the pop-up I’m doing in Bruton at the moment and they are flying off the shelves. They are the perfect gift this Christmas. Please welcome to the podcast, the very dynamic Rosanna Philpott. 

Freight HHG has been on my radar for many years. With a paired back and tactile aesthetic, the acclaimed shop based in Lewes, Sussex understands the importance of materiality, beauty and the importance of creating atmospheric spaces. Launched in 2014, mother Helene, and daughter Adele, seem to have formed quite the duo with a wonderful mix of discernment, technical ability and the art of editing. Freight HHG - standing for Household Goods - have been a benchmark for me with Caro, as my team will have testified, so it was an absolutely privilege to chat with Adele - especially as she only gave birth 5 weeks ago to her son Kit. With a business model based in uk production, I was curious to hear how they have got on amongst the turbulent few years we’ve had - but also about the journey they’ve had growing a business that has confidence and an abundance of charm.Adele has such an eloquent way of talking shop. I am thrilled to say, I am selling their beautiful wares in my Pop Up - which is on now at The Space in Bruton until the 21st December - as well as on carosomerset.comPlease welcome Adele Adamczewski.

Zara Peters is the lovely face behind the name Queen of Bows. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but bows are featuring in quite a gib way at the moment and I am certain that it is something to do with Zara’s bows because her’s aren’t just any bows. From giant, oversized bows to bows to put on cars, mantelpieces and front doors, Zara hand makes to order in a beautiful range of understated, natural fabrics. I am overjoyed to say that her bows, as well as her scrunchies will be at my pop-up starting this Saturday - at The Space in Bruton, please see my instagram profile for more details - Zara’s bows just have this way of making everything feel festive and special.We have such a lovely conversation with rather a funny moment in the middle when we clear up a confusion we had around her thinking I called her a giant Elf - thank god we cleared that one up. As it’s Christmas, I ask a few festive inspired questions which had a heartwarming turn this episode - I have been inspired talking to Zara about her take on Christmas and the traditions she invites her family to take part in.Lot’s jingly bells to all of you and enjoy this festive episode.

The next few guests on the podcast are the founders of brands that I have invited to be a part of the Caro Pop-Up running for 2 weeks, starting on the 7th December in The Space in Bruton.Katie Leamon, was the first stationery brand I bought for Caro. Introduced to me by a mutual friend, I remember the eponymous marble collection selling out extremely fast. You can now find her greetings cards, wrap and notebooks in a number of luxury stores across the world including Harrods, Fortnum & Mason & Selfridges as well as many independent shops.We meet online and talk about the beginnings of her business - catapulted in 2010, after Liberty picked her up at one of their Open call days. We chat about how she’s grown her brand and seen various iterations of what that looks like as well as where Katie Leamon is heading. We chat about the memorabilia that inspires her and how her designs organically evolve with her aesthetic but also her customers. I am excited to introduce her ReLove Christmas Collection to the pop-up, with traditionally illustrated fathers Christmas’, reindeer and snow-topped cottages - it truly brings that nostalgic feeling we all love at this time of year. 

A wellness brand steeped in sustainability and innovation, Commune have an attention to detail & quality that brings a level of prestige to their products. From the formulations of their scents, to the metal pump of the bottles, there is a seamless and beautiful experience for those that use their products. I have been aware of Commune since their launch in 2022 but sitting down with founders Kate and Remi really illuminated the sense of storytelling that falls across everything that Commune do. From their typographic logo and the archway motif on their bottle, to the conversations they have, the alliances they make and their approach to sustainability, Commune push the boundaries of design despite the challenges that might bring. With an ethos that is inspired by the abundance and generosity that nature delivers, it was gripping to hear Kate talk about creating her scents and likewise, the meticulous consideration when it comes to Remi’s design ethic.With the opening of a physical space on Bruton High Street in the winter of 2023, Caro just missed the chance of becoming their neighbour. However, I am able to talk shop with them today - please welcome Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux of Commune to this weeks episode. 

Mud Australia is a brand known for their timeless porcelain homewares, minimalist aesthetic and their extensive colour palette. Since opening their first store in 2007, there are now 12 MUD stores all over the world. I am delighted to invite founder Shelley Simpson onto the podcast today. As a shopkeeper of just one little shop in Bruton, it was a privileged to chat to Shelley about how she grew Mud from making small runs of homewares to mass producing for a fleet of stores. From the conversation I had with Shelley, it is clear that she is not only a smart businesswoman, but that she has a fundamental ambition to work with people and on the ground, where the action is. We chatted about her personal experience in retailed aged 40, and how that inspired the ethos at Mud, and the different ways in which various cultures use her tableware depending on what they eat and the way they eat. We also talk about the Shelley Simpson Ceramic Prize held by Mud Australia every year - and this years winner, Alfred Lowe. I completely fell in love with Alfred’s pieces when I saw them - and more so when I read the inspiration behind them. He describes the importance of their bright colours and fun appearance in holding their presence in a room ‘ a presence that rejects expectations, ignores preconceptions and embraces a provocative sense of rebellion.’ It is initiatives like the ceramic prize that make Shelley Simpson a true inspiration. 

When I was introduced to the Amateurism Collective in 2020, Leo Walton’s records were a happy distraction from the isolation of the pandemic when he, alongside his 3 other friends launched the Amateurism 24/7 radio station. The knowledge that I was tuning-in with a community that were also listening was a warming respite and one that was reinforced when I read the gratitude in WhatsApp groups & on instagram. Leo was positively interrupting the status quo with music and creating a space for connection. We sat down in my kitchen and talked about the beginning’s of Amateurism and reflected on what makes a strong community. We chat about the art of discovery and the beauty of doing something for nothing. Leo is an astute, dedicated and passionate person - and a really good listen, I personally learnt a lot from our chat. I hope you get a chance to experience what he has created in the real at some point but for now, enjoy tuning in to him on this weeks episode.

My guest this week is the Interior Designer, Tom Morris. One of the many reasons i enjoyed this episode is because Tom and I worked together at the Monocle building in London before I moved to Somerset and it's been a while since i've seen him. Back then he was a Journalist and Design Editor but he now tells stories through interiors. His studio was recently credited as one of the House & Gardens top 100 design firms, no less. Tom’s interiors are incredible beautifully. They are thoughtful, confident and surprising. With craft being at the core of his approach, the materials, furniture and art that he curates gives each room a sense of rootedness and assurance. Perhaps it is his background as a writer but he has a way of describing a space that completely transports you away.We talk about creative expression, craft revival, confidence when designing and his considered approach to his projects. Tom is extremely talented, ever so charismatic and a joy to talk to. morrisstudio.co.uk

Bill Amberg is a name synonymous with quality, innovative design and a considered aesthetic. With a career spanning forty years, he has worked with some incredible people on a wide breadth of projects and taken his business across many landscapes. It is safe to say that Bill has seen the design industry through many times.It is an enormous pleasure and privilege to have him on the podcast talking candidly about the reflections over his career and difference between starting a business now compared to the 80’s when he began selling his briefcases to Paul Smith.Bill Amberg is passionate about many things - especially the business incubation programme that he is a part of at Cockpit Arts but also his family, food and the many variety of vehicle he has restored over the years.I have no doubt, that in listening to Bill, you will recognise what a humble and warm person he is. He even brought me a papaya when he visited to record the podcast. And a lime. Enjoy listening to quite the legend…. Bill Amberg.