I've always wondered if going into business with your other half really works, or is it just a can of worms waiting to explode!!?
I recently asked this very question to the gorgeous duo, Jesse Steven and Ainjali Fine, the guys behind the brand Finest Seven, who specialise in making divine eyewear out of seven of the finest materials (it's all in the name!).
What are your roles within Finest Seven?
Ainjali –
I am the general manager in charge of the day to day running of
the business.
This includes Sales, Styling, Colouring, Design direction.
Jesse –
This includes Sales, Styling, Colouring, Design direction.
Jesse –
I look after the design and production components. There is heaps
of overlap of course, but these are the main delineations.
What's the best and worst aspects about
working together?
Ainjali –
The worst is probably if one of you is having a bad day, it very
easily affects the other person. But the best part of working
together is being able to do our own hours. If it’s nice
outside during the week, its great to take a few hours out and enjoy
the sun (which is hugely important in London) and know that we can make up
those hours in the evening or on the weekend. Having that flexi
time together is a real treat.
Jesse –
What she said!!
What she said!!
Best advice you could give couples who want to start up their own brand?
Ainjali –
Make sure that you love each other
unconditionally. And also re-learn to be polite to each
other. I started off with a lot of “oi, come here and look at
this!” which very quickly turned in to “ Excuse me Jesse, when you have a
free moment, please can you look at this?”
Jesse –
I think you have to have a good communicative relationship. Excellent
communication is the foundation of being able to work together in a
positive way. Loads of people thought we were crazy when we
told them what we were going to do – but so far so
good (As long as I keep buying Ainjali shoes).
Where do you both shop in London and where
is best to eat?
Ainjali –
I am definitely a mix and match girl. Zara has some
wicked AW14 designs currently in store – I know it's not black, but there
is a light pink furry gilet that is off the charts amazing. I
am also currently obsessing with the French brand Maje. Their editorials
make me want to buy everything. I have banned myself from Liberty so
many times, but if I am ‘browsing’ I am not actually shopping…I fool
myself every single time.
In regards to food I tend to go back to food that I love over and over again – Viet Grill Vietnamese on Kingsland Road is always a winner, Turkish Tas Firin on Bethnal Green Road, Sushi in Soho and Yalla Yalla Lebanese Street food.
Jesse –
In regards to food I tend to go back to food that I love over and over again – Viet Grill Vietnamese on Kingsland Road is always a winner, Turkish Tas Firin on Bethnal Green Road, Sushi in Soho and Yalla Yalla Lebanese Street food.
Jesse –
There is a little menswear shop on Roman Road that I like to go
to. For denim jeans they have a great selection + I am supporting
the local economy. For shoes, you cannot beat
‘Sneaker Street’ in Hong Kong (I don’t know the real name) or a
trusty pair of slip on Vans never fails.
For food I am happy to go where Ainj likes to eat, (she won’t admit it, but she is totally a picky eater). That way I get to eat and be happy. Happy wife = happy life. I like saving up and going out to a really nice restaurant every now and again. We recently visited Les Trois Garcons, which was a great experience.
For food I am happy to go where Ainj likes to eat, (she won’t admit it, but she is totally a picky eater). That way I get to eat and be happy. Happy wife = happy life. I like saving up and going out to a really nice restaurant every now and again. We recently visited Les Trois Garcons, which was a great experience.
How would you describe your personal styles?
Ainjali –
I like to wear black, which is generally quite boring. But if you choose different textures of black…it makes all the difference! Although now and again I will throw in a bit of colour to surprise myself.
I like to wear black, which is generally quite boring. But if you choose different textures of black…it makes all the difference! Although now and again I will throw in a bit of colour to surprise myself.
Jesse –
I like to be comfortable, so I count myself very lucky that I don’t have to wear a suit to the office. I wear jeans/tee/sneakers, or I jazz it up a bit with a shirt if I go to meetings. Unlike Ainj, I am super high maintenance!!
I like to be comfortable, so I count myself very lucky that I don’t have to wear a suit to the office. I wear jeans/tee/sneakers, or I jazz it up a bit with a shirt if I go to meetings. Unlike Ainj, I am super high maintenance!!
Five items you
can't live without?
Ainjali -
My prescription glasses enable me to see clearly (very
important!)
Aēsop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream and also their Damascan Rose Facial
Treatment
Passport – We love to travel, both for work and pleasure
Music – Friends laugh because I still buy CDs
He isn’t really an item, but our beast of a cat Ninja Star, to us he is
the coolest dude in the world and we couldn’t live without him.
Jesse –
Ainjali obvs (she is hovering near me as I write this)
Design inspiration = Diversity and change (This is why I love London)
Great food and wine
Being creative and making things with my hands
My fav pair of sunnies, although I am now over a ‘certain age’ where
looking at menus brings on an acute attack of ‘long arm syndrome’ and lots
of squinting. Looking forward to my first pair of optical frames!
You're amazing, great photo coordination and great outfits!
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www.fungiexpress.com
Wonderful photos and outfits! Lovely blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.MARTAsFASHIONdiary.com/
Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteVery unique and lovely post :)
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You look very nice together! So stylish..:)
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