James Reed

That was how you started.

So before we go further, you said you studied as an artist and you started out as an artist.

Mm-hmm.

And then your sort of focus, let's say, changed gradually in a way.

You went from one type of artist to another type of artist, and then to design, furniture, and then to artisan work.

You just needed to make a living.

But you arrived in London effectively, from what you just said, Penelope, with two young children, recently separated, divorced, and so effectively on your own.

And you had to fend for yourself.

And build a business from the ground up on your own with these two little children in tow.

I mean, that's a big ask.

So how did you do that?

But there was something about what you were doing that you really loved.

Because you obviously persevered.

What was it that kept you going?

The Cross is a great posh shop in Notting Hill Gate.

So you knew you were onto something here?

I don't think I did.

What did you think you would do?

To ask a crass question, how much was the order book?

So, yeah, definitely.