How do you describe what you do and what do you love the most about it?

I oversee the running of the bakery, run the social media and marketing side of the business and head up strategy. I love the variety of work, my team are the best and the interesting customers that I meet.

What morning ritual or habit have you developed that sets you up for a better day?

Morning rituals need some work - but a cupof coffee is an essential start to my day and more often than not, a pain au chocolat.

What’s your daily uniform?

Baggy trousers and a long sleeve tee.

Where are you local to, and what’s your best neighbourhood recommendation?

Ladbroke Grove is my local area as I actually live on the same road as Layla. Canteen is a really welcome addition to the Golborne Road. There is always a great vibe, delicious house white and Jess cooks up the most incredible food.

Which modern convenience couldn't you live without, and why?

Tragic, but my phone. It's my alarm, wallet, camera, source of news, most of my work. I dream of a world living without a phone but would equally be lost without it.

What’s your favourite piece of art (regardless of medium, e..g painting, design, movie)?

Everything by Fiona McAlpine, my favourite artist based in North Wales. She uses a vibrant colour palette to depict flowers, vases and the Welsh hillside.

What are you currently coveting, reading, watching and listening to?

I'm in the midst of a Bridget Jones deep dive... having seen 'Mad About The Boy'. I have just finished watching the 'Being Bridget Jones' BBC documentary from 2020 - Helen Fielding's personal archive and am devouring the Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy podcast. Her books are next on my list.

How do you protect your time and attention from the constant demands of modern life?

My kids help a lot with this, I have a window each day from 4-7 when I try to focus fully on them and everything else must wait.

How do you maintain human connection in an increasingly digital world?

Running a bakery I talk to hundreds of people every week.

What makes your life materially better?

My two babies.

Follow Tessa

@layla_w10

laylabakery.com