Interview with Jen, TDS Founder & Lifestyle Editor

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a 33 year old mum-of-one who would forget her head if it wasn’t screwed on. I love being outdoors, and you’ll usually find me wandering through the pinewoods with a hazelnut latte, or at the beach. I also love yoga, although I can’t say I’m particularly good at it!

I’ve always been interested in astrology and crystal healing, but over recent years I’ve gotton really interested in herbal and plant medicine, and I’ve really been enjoying learning more about the natural world around me, and sharing some of the more ‘magical’ aspects of it on TikTok over on @craftcottagegarden.

It sounds crazy to a lot of people, but I relax by painting… walls. When my little girl isn’t keeping me busy, I’m usually decorating my house (the bolder the better), or upcycling old furniture.

How long have you been part of TDS?

Sam and I founded TDS back in 2015 whilst working at a marketing agency together. I’d always dreamed of being an editor of a women’s magazine, but never thought it was on the cards, especially as I began to drift away from the career in journalism that I had planned, and into the marketing world.

At first, TDS was just a creative outlet for us to share our opinions and learn a little more about bloggers for our job, but it quickly grew into so much more than that – and 6 years later my childhood dream is a reality!

What do you love about being part of TDS?

I love researching potential articles and finding stories. When I was younger I always fancied myself as the next Louis Theroux, so I love the investigative side of things here at TDS.

What is your day job?

I’m Head of Marketing and PR at Orange County CBD. Having been a huge advocate for CBD for years, it was a natural role for me to step into. It’s a really fast paced environment, and every day is different in this exciting new industry!

What does a typical day look like for you?

As the mum of a very energetic toddler, I’m always awake before the birds! We start every day with a cup of tea in bed, (and a few episodes of Hey Duggee) then get ready to start our day.

Generally, I work from the office, but I’m often out and about meeting with editors and content creators, and I manage my hours around my daughter so every day looks different. One thing that never changes though, is a bedtime story in bed to finish the day off. Hansel and Gretel is flavour of the month at the moment!

How do you spend your weekends?

I co-parent my daughter with her dad, so we alternate our weekends with her. When we’re together, you can usually find us in the woods having a teddy bear’s picnic, swimming (read: splashing!) or at the soft play.

When I’ve got the weekend to myself, it’s usually spent on long walks, grabbing coffee with friends and catching up on housework – it’s wild out here!

Where did your love of nature come from?

My mum has always been a keen gardener, so I spent most of my childhood outdoors. But it’s only since I started researching more about the healing benefits of various plants and herbs that I’ve enjoyed spending so much more time out in the garden growing my own.

If you could only ever use one wellness product ever again, what would it be and why?

I’m really big on my supplements, and I try to take magnesium, CBD and vitamin D every day – but if I could only take one forever, it’d have to be probiotics. 95% of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut, and I never quite feel myself when I haven’t taken it!

What is one thing you absolutly could not live without?

Lash extensions.

What makes your day better?

My little girl’s laugh, the best sound on earth, (except when it’s in her sleep at 3am, that sh*t is scary!)

What is your greatest achievement?

It’s corny but, my daughter. Watching her growing into such a happy, kind little girl makes me proud every day.

And now for some fun quiz style questions…

Favourite food?

Pasta bake.

What is your all time favourite film?

I like to tell people it’s Snatch because it sounds a bit cooler than the truth: Forrest Gump. I’ll watch literally anything that’s got Paul Rudd in though.

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I was raised on Matilda and Charmed back in the 90s, so OBVIOUSLY it’s going to be telekinesis!

What 3 items would you take to a deserted island and why?

A lighter.

Would you take it if you had the opportunity to be immortal?

God, no thank you – I’ve seen Death Becomes Her!

If you won 1 million £, how would you spend it?

Of course it goes without saying that I’d make sure my family were set up for life – but I’d also love to get a state-of-the-art VW camper van for me and my little girl to have some real adventures in!

What is the most stupid thing you’ve done in your entire life?

I do something stupid every single day, so we’d be here all night. I do lose sleep over calling the make up brand, ilamasqua, ‘llama-esquire” to a room full of beauty bloggers though.

What’s your favourite time of year?

That’s such a hard question because I love watching the garden grow and change with the seasons, and there’s something to look forward to in every month. But if I had to choose I’d say Autumn. Spooky season, crunchy leaves and mushrooms everywhere – love it.

What are your pet peeves?

WHISTLING. I hate it.

What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘bucket list’

Travelling the world!

And finally…

What are your ‘daily struggles’ and how do you overcome them?

I have ADHD, and I struggle particularly with the hyperactiviy side of things. It can be really difficult to relax my body and mind, especially at night – but CBD helps, and I try to do at least 15 mins of yoga before I get into bed.

Painting is my go-to when I’m feeling really overwhelmed – it lets me relax my mind and switch off from everything, while still keep my hands busy.

Who inspires you?

I’m grateful to have some amazing women around me who inspire me every day, but none more than my mum. If I’m even half the mum she is, I’ll have done a good job.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Besides being happy and healthy, who knows. I’m excited to see what the next 5 years have in store!