I actually discovered Allison Sadler through another favorite creative, Charlotte Jacklin, who we interviewed earlier this year. I was immediately drawn to her free spirit and earth mama vibes. Even through a small square on your phone, you can feel the positivity and creativity radiating off of her. She’s someone you want to be friends with, the kind of person you want to call when you have a crappy day. Allison is a free-spirited creative with a heart of gold. So let’s get into the interview!
Can you tell us a bit about you?
I’m a free-spirited creative, empath and mentor, guided by my heart to create a freedom lifestyle I love. I am led by my soul to radiate kindness to others. My sensitivity and big heart are my superpowers! :)
Born mixed race in the early ’70s to my single Jamaican mother, life wasn’t easy and there was certainly no natural place for me to fit in, so I’ve spent my whole life standing out. My rebellious teenage days were wild and crazy and I refused to be tamed by the system. Instead, I gave ‘myself’ the gift of self-acceptance and found true happiness embracing who I am. I’ve never looked back!
Every quirk and mood is explored and every aspect of my creativity is celebrated. I wouldn’t feel complete without staying true to myself. I have always loved living life on my own terms—no rules, no pressure, just doing what comes naturally and feels right for me. Being my own boss for over three decades (I know I don’t look old enough!), starting out when I was just 17 (I was keen!), has enabled me to do this.
Freedom is my fresh air and I’m not prepared to compromise it for anyone!
Born mixed race in the early ’70s to my single Jamaican mother, life wasn’t easy and there was certainly no natural place for me to fit in, so I’ve spent my whole life standing out.
You are a lifestyle mentor, can you tell us more about what that looks like and how you got into it?
I’ve been a lifestyle and creative business mentor for about 8 years—way before it became trendy for everyone to become a coach! It was a natural progression for me to share my life experiences as I had already been advising and guiding through my work previously without realizing I should probably start charging for my time and knowledge. Spiritually and intuitively, this feels like my calling in life.
Nothing makes me feel more happy and alive than uplifting everyone around me! It’s a gift to be able to make people feel good and confident and comfortable about themselves and to help them find the freedom to live as they choose.
Whether that’s a warm and cozy chat with peppermint tea and cake at my kitchen table (pre-COVID) or by friendly Zoom chat, my mission and purpose is always the same, to have a positive and meaningful impact on someone else’s life.
One of my legendary hugs is usually the best kind of therapy, but until I can do that again IRL, I’ve perfected my virtual ones for now.
Do you have any creative hobbies?
Gardening, gardening and more gardening! Growing stuff keeps me grounded and connects me to nature. That constant seasonal cycle of new life is so good for my mental health and wellbeing, I honestly can’t live without it.
I’ve been growing lots of stuff to eat, too, walking from my kitchen to my teeny tiny vegetable patch to pick fresh spinach and salad leaves will never not bring me joy!
This month, we’re talking about “embracing your weird” and celebrating your individuality. What does embracing your individuality mean to you?
See question one! Embracing your individuality to me means accepting ALL of you as you are—we don’t constantly need to be hustling and striving to be better. It’s OK to just let yourself be. Each part of you (good and bad) is worthy of your love and acceptance.
We are all only human trying our best, but sometimes this world would have us believe that’s not good enough. You are ALWAYS good enough.
Do you have a morning routine? How do you like to start your day?
Scrolling social media…I know, I know, it’s not always the best way to start the day, but I like to catch up with everything and respond to any messages from my online family. And it does make it a little easier that I work from home, so I scroll in bed, in my pajamas. My gorgeous husband Christian always brings me peppermint tea and fruit toast, so it’s actually really lovely and very very slow…just how I like it.
If I’ve had a bad night’s sleep or woken up feeling anxious or uneasy, then I’ll add in a little meditation to calm and change up my vibe.
Nothing makes me feel more happy and alive than uplifting everyone around me! It’s a gift to be able to make people feel good and confident and comfortable about themselves and to help them find the freedom to live as they choose.
Can you tell us a bit more about your shop? How did that come to be?
Back in the ’80s after I left school, I met my husband, soulmate and business partner Christian. We were studying fashion together at art college and went on to design and produce our own womenswear clothing label, which we sold at markets and indie stores up and down the country. We started out selling ’90s club wear—catsuit anyone? It’s all about the jumpsuit now, how times have changed!
In June 2000, we opened the ‘award-winning’ People Shop voted Birmingham’s best independent store two years in a row. We sell our simple slow fashion clothing collection alongside beautiful handcrafted homewares and accessories championing the work of other indie designer makers, too.
The brand also has an ethos of supporting social issues through various campaigns and charity work, too, just recently in June raising 10K for Black Minds Matter UK, a new organization supporting mental health in the black community.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl, but owls scare me a bit, can I be late-night dreamer instead?!
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
Pajamas or my favorite comfies, my family, my favorite food and lots of trash TV! Gimme all the Gogglebox and first dates!
Coffee or tea?
Peppermint tea! All day, every day!
Current beauty routine?
Until fairly recently, I never used to have one, fortunate enough to have been blessed with my mama’s beautiful black genes so my skin has always been super soft. But now, it’s become a part of my self-care so I enjoy taking care of it as a kind of ‘time-out’ ritual for me. I tend to stick to all natural products where possible.
I’m currently using Emma Hardie skincare at night (a new one for me) the Moringa Cleansing Balm is dreamy and it absolutely smells lush—my skin is loving it. That is followed by a gentle scrub (every other day) and Origins High-Potency Night-a-Mins, I discovered the magic of vitamin C a few years ago, so that’s a skincare must now, too!
| Shop Allison’s Beauty Routine |
Do you have any self-care rituals? How do you take care of yourself?
Rituals and self-care are essential for wellbeing, so I take both very seriously! It’s not just about bubble baths and motivational quotes (although both are lovely). Taking care of yourself should be about doing things that make you feel happy and recharged. I think we all need to recognize the importance of including self-care into our daily lives.
For me, my home is my haven, it’s the place I can retreat and indulge in some quiet time away from the noise of the world. So I’ve created a soulful space to relax in…day or night, the candles are lit, the incense is burning and everywhere feels cozy and calm. As a creative, my mind can often be chaotic and busy so this is how I create a peaceful vibe.
I also like to spoil myself with a duvet day on the sofa—it’s such a simple thing but always feels like a treat. I’ve actually got a duvet stored in a cupboard downstairs now all ready for when I fancy an afternoon nap! Never underestimate the power of forty winks!
Quiet time, nano naps and practicing meditation, are all self-care rituals that help to fix me when I’m feeling a little flat. And gardening, always.
Let’s talk about style. What does style mean to you? Do you have a certain daily uniform?
My style is very Allison Sadler-shaped! I wear whatever I like and it’s usually very relaxed and easy-going—a bit like my attitude toward life! Your style should be a unique reflection of you and mine most definitely is.
I love calming natural colors and fabrics, comfortable shapes, stuff you can throw on and still look stylish without thinking about it. Think bohemian hippie, with a touch of street and loungewear in various shades of cream and beige! I’m a fashion designer so I’m lucky, I can create a wardrobe with myself in mind.
And I probably haven’t worn a pair of heels (or shoes) since my teen days (shudder shudder). I’m a trainer, Birkenstock or Teva girl through and through. Sandals + socks, it’s a yes from me!
Do you like to cook? What is your go-to recipe to make?
I’ve recently changed my diet quite a lot for health reasons, so gone are the rum cocktails and Krispy Kremes—now I’m into spinach in a big, big way! It’s especially good with a fish finger sandwich and homemade sweet potato fries.
When I want something more comforting, then it’s always Caribbean chicken, rice and peas, fried plantains and dumplings. It’s called soul food for a reason!
What do you always keep in your fridge?
Blueberries and almond milk.
What is on your bedside table right now?
Crystals, night cream and multivitamins.
Are you currently reading anything?
Yes, I’m not a big reader but lockdown life got me reaching for some books (I’m getting through them VERY slowly). I’m currently loving Plants for the People by Erin Lovell Verinder.
What are your all-time favorite, must-read books?
Not sure I have one…does Charlie and the Chocolate Factory count?!
Where do you go when you need to find inspiration? How do you handle burnout?
Cornwall and Cornwall. My spiritual home by the coast, it never fails to make everything better. When I need to find inspiration, I like to remove myself from everything and everyone so I can be still to think and feel…wide-open spaces, the beach and the sound of the sea allows my creativity to flow freely.
Are there any causes or movements you’re particularly passionate about?
I’m passionate about life and people, so sometimes it’s tough because I want to heal the world. It’s important to remember that’s not possible but we all have a part to play in making it fairer for everyone.
I lead with love and compassion and hope that I have enough room in my heart for whoever needs it. I haven’t always got an endless supply of energy to match, but I try my best to be conscious and kind!
I think there’s a lot going on in the world right now and social media can overwhelm us with content so we have to be careful not to feel overloaded. Right now, I’m focusing my attention and energy on BLM and doing whatever I can to raise awareness. Taking action to help create positive change feels good and donating 10K from my recent business campaign felt amazing! The support from my online community was a beautiful thing, too.
As a mixed race woman who has experienced different levels of oppression and racism my whole life, this is my movement for life. I will never stop fighting for equality.
Favorite quote?
Apart from “I love you,” it would have to be Queen Maya…‘my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion and compassion, some humor and some style.’
And the rebel in me has to break the rules right?…so here’s another one by me: ‘Freedom is letting go of the pressure to be anything other than you.’
Thank you, Allison! Connect with her on Instagram: @allison_sadler_
