This Valentine’s Day we’re focusing less on chocolates and roses, and instead, examining what makes relationships special – with our partners, and (perhaps more importantly) ourselves.
Esther Perel, renowned relationship psychologist, author and therapist, firmly believes that “the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives”. We love her suggestions on how to create meaningful change and get the most out of our interactions.
January has us intimate with two powerful entrepreneurs… who happen to be great friends!
Samyukta Nair’s upbringing in hospitality has prepared her well. She forges her own path with sleepwear label, Dandelion, a concept store in Mumbai called Clove, and London restaurants Jamavar and Bombay Bustle.
Pooja Dhingra, Founder and Head Chef of cult patisserie and cafe, Le15, has built a mini empire herself. It started with introducing macarons to Mumbai and now includes a flagship cafe, multiple patisserie stores, a studio workshop and a line of best-selling cookbooks.
Here, they talk sleep, comfort and what’s exciting in 2020:
It’s those first sparkling days of the New Year, and our hearts are full with the endless possibilities that come with this fresh start. The turning of a New Year is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, and how much we have yet to achieve. If you’re like us, you’ve probably set multiple resolutions over the years – some proudly accomplished and others long forgotten.
Most people set New Year’s resolutions, but the problem is – they don’t keep them. Psychologists say that resolutions have a shelf-life of only two weeks, and research shows that only 8% of people achieve the goal they’ve set. Despite the stats, we’re not ones to give up. Our belief for successful goal-setting is to keep it simple, measurable and meaningful. Choose a few that you really care about, and watch as the change moves from effort to habit.
Below, some ideas we believe are worth sticking with, for 2020 and beyond:
Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth are the creative forces behind Klove: a Delhi-based boutique luxury practice that specialises in custom lighting solutions.
We enjoyed being let in to their gorgeous 4,000 sq. ft home-studio which reflects their deep knowledge of light, form and space:
What gets you out of bed every morning?
Prateek: We’re morning people. I wake up by six, work out and take piano lessons. By 9.30am, we’re both ready for the day.
What’s it like living in a home-studio?
Gautam: Amazing. We’re blessed to be able to work where we live.
Prateek: During peak season, it becomes a creative madhouse because we’re usually working on a new collection. Otherwise, it’s a regular office.
Eventful to say the least, this year has been about burning the midnight oil towards a vision for Himêya and trusting the process along the way. It’s been a worthwhile challenge of finding a fulfilling balance between work and play.
Interior designer Vinita Chaitanya’s impeccable taste lends her the ability to transform any space. It’s only natural that her Bangalore residence and holiday home in Coorg have an unmistakable warmth and character that feed off her infectious energy.
At her home in the city, Vinita talks sleep, the pleasures of slow living on her estate and more:
Your relationship with sleep?
I’m a morning person. Sleep is an essential for me, but I never stay in bed for more than 6-8 hours. I’m in tune with my body, and know when it needs rest.