Cefinn Sirens - Laura Normanton
HOW DO YOU KEEP A GOOD WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
I love reformer Pilates and find it a great way to switch off and have an hour to myself focusing on my body and breathing. I also love walking and I'm trying to walk to and from the office at the moment - a great way to switch off from work in the evening.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO GIRLS LOOKING TO GET INTO YOUR INDUSTRY?
Do lots of work experience - every summer holiday during university I did a work experience placement, including a stint at a PR agency, with a designer, at an architect's firm and eventually at Condé Nast with House & Garden, which I immediately loved and basically never left! Work experience is a great way to work out what you enjoy, where your strengths lie, where you want to focus your attention and it is also a good opportunity to meet people and build contacts.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
This is embarrassing to mention but it is probably getting a first in my university degree (Architectural History at Edinburgh University) and also working for my favourite magazine, House & Garden. I feel very lucky to have my dream job!
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Be kind and be true to yourself.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
PA to the Publishing Director of House & Garden. I have been here for over nine years, slowly rising up the ranks and developing my role with time. I feel very lucky to work with such an inspiring and lovely group of people - the majority of whom have been here longer than me!
WHAT IS A STAPLE IN YOUR WARDROBE YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
White trainers (current favourites are from Common Projects), a good white t-shirt (the best ones are from James Perse) and a hardworking dress for the office (Cefinn's techni voile ones are perfect).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO TRAVEL?
I love Italy with its art, culture, architecture and food...but I also love going to new places, so every year my husband Rory and I try and go somewhere neither of us have been. We have just had our honeymoon, where we walked in the Himalayas in India which was a trip of a lifetime. For those interested in a similar experience, we travelled with Shakti Himalaya which is a great company offering luxury but authentic trips to the Himalayas.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX?
Put some music on, light a candle and have a bath filled with bath oil (Aromatherapy Associates, Diptyque and Jo Malone are my favourites) or go out for dinner with my husband Rory.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE GALLERY AND WHY?
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. I love the architecture of the building itself and, located on the coast outside Copenhagen, it is as wonderful outside as it is wandering the collections inside. My favourite room houses the collection of works by Alberto Giacometti.
WHAT BOOK DO YOU ALWAYS RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND?
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer. A charming story about a blind French girl and German boy who meet in occupied France during World War II.
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