Ghenet Randall is embracing the slow lifestyle dream. As a New Yorker-turned-Londoner, she has truly embraced the “slow” lifestyle, complete with extra dashes of cozy. As a lifestyle blogger and content creator, she has truly found her niche in the crowded blogging world. With a focus on slow styling and creating new recipes in the kitchen, she has truly embodied her cozy lifestyle. Read on to check out our interview with Ghenet and get to know more about her!

Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

Sure! I’m 32 years old and I live in South London with my husband and our cat, Rex! I’m originally from New York City, but I moved to the UK at the end of 2014. Gosh, sometimes it feels like I’ve been here forever, and other times, it’s been five minutes! What else can I tell you? I love to bake and I’m a total bookworm. My favorite Disney movie is “Hercules,” and I’m incredibly ticklish!

How long have you been blogging for and when did you get into it? 

I’ve had a blog in some form for years, but it didn’t become what it is now until around 2015, when I moved to the UK. I was unemployed and didn’t have much of a creative outlet, so I started blogging more. It became my little happy place, and in turn, helped me meet more people and really find my feet. What started out as a hobby and a fun way to fill my time has become a real passion!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Oh man, there isn’t really a typical day! It varies! Most days, I get up and have a cup of tea. Some mornings, I wake up early and exercise. Then I have breakfast—I can’t function without breakfast! From there, it just depends on what work I’ve got to do or what plans I have for the day. Some weeks, I don’t have as much to work on so I like to spend my time baking or reading, tidying the flat, just being, you know? Or, when I’m busy with work, that takes up my time! I always finish the day reading. It’s part of my bedtime routine and I’m pretty strict with it. I put my phone in the other room, turn down the lights and read for at least half an hour. 

Coffee or tea?

Tea every day, and a nice oat milk latte for social occasions or when I’m really tired!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Definitely a morning person. By 9 p.m., I’m ready to be in bed! 

This month, our theme is “embracing your individuality,” what does that mean to you?

I think it means being unapologetically yourself, even if society tells you that you should be something or someone else—not allowing anyone to make you feel small or less than. Appreciating your value, and nurturing your soul. 

What advice would you give your younger self about the importance of individuality and “embracing your weird”? 

The people you’re desperate to impress? They aren’t your people. Don’t waste your energy on them. You’ll lose yourself and it might take you a long time to find yourself again. 

Do you have any creative hobbies?

I’d say blogging is a creative hobby! I love writing, photography, storytelling…I’ve always been a creative person. I used to do theatre a lot, and I’m a big cinephile. I also love to explore. Wandering round bits of London with my camera slung over my shoulder is not an uncommon occurrence!

If you had an entire day free to yourself how would you spend it?

I’d probably bake something, then spend some time reading. I’m a bit of a homebody, so anything around being at home would be ideal. Take some photos, cook a nice meal, have a nice hot bubble bath, that sort of thing!

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up every morning?

Make a cup of tea. I’m trying to be better about going straight to my phone but it’s so hard at the moment! On the mornings I go for a run, obviously I get dressed and get out of the house, but the mornings I don’t, I try to be a bit more present and take a breath or two.

Let’s talk about style. Do you have a personal uniform or a go-to outfit?

I wouldn’t say I have a uniform, but I’m very big on making sure that everything in my wardrobe brings me joy. I don’t shop a lot, and when I do, it’s mainly secondhand or vintage. When I buy new things I make sure I can make three outfits with it. It keeps me creative and makes sure that everything in there gets some love.

What’s currently on your wish list?

Some bedding from Society of Wanderers. I love bedtime. My bedtime routine is essential to my wellbeing, so I want to invest in some nice cozy sheets! They’re pricey but they look absolutely amazing!

Current beauty routine?

I’ve never been great with a beauty routine to be honest. I wash my face before bed, but it’s decidedly unfussy. I use an oil cleanser, then a cream cleanser, and then I do serum and moisturizer. That’s it!

What does self-care look like for you right now?

Not watching the news. It’s too much at times, and I just need to give my brain a break. The emotional labor that comes with having to cope with all the crap going on in the world is too much. So I watch movies, I watch “The Hills,” I read books. I tune it out for a bit, so I don’t feel quite so overwhelmed. 

Do you like to cook? What is always in your refrigerator?

Unsalted butter. I’m not the most confident of cooks, but I do like it. Really though, I’m a baker. Cakes, cookies, pies…give me all the baked goods. It’s such a joyful happy thing for me, and I love sharing it with friends and family. So at any given time, there’s several blocks of unsalted butter in our fridge!

Currently reading?

I’m about ⅔ of the way through Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. It’s really interesting and a compelling read!

What are your all-time favorite must-read books?

I’m an avid reader. My list of favorites is pretty long, but I’ll limit myself. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams to name a few. I love to read so I’ve always got a pile of books by the bedside!

Shop Ghenet’s favorite reads:

Are there any podcasts you listen to weekly?

I’ve been listening to Potterless Podcast at the moment! I’ve listened to it from the beginning a few times and it’s a great one when you need a bit of distraction. It’s a guy from the U.S. who reads the Harry Potter books for the first time. It’s hilarious, he’s snarky about it but you also listen to him fall in love with the series and it’s really special. I laugh at so much of it, and end up binging!

Are there any particular movements or causes that you’re passionate about?

Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter. Trans women are women, trans men are men. Marginalized voices matter. Everyone’s experience is valid, and intersectionality is essential to understanding the world at large. My humanity is not up for negotiation.

What’s next for you on the horizon?

Gosh, I have absolutely no idea! That’s sort of cool though. I’m just riding the wave right now and it’s been a lot of fun!

Favorite quote?

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s my motto to live by, a nice reminder that you have to take time for yourself. Find those moments of joy and you’ll have a lot more to give. 

Thanks, Ghenet! Follow along with Ghenet on Instagram @ghenetactually.