Joanna, Holistic Silk founder shares her journey.

I’m dedicated to a creative lifestyle whilst being immersed in the Holistic Silk mantra ‘Relax, Restore, Rejuvenate’.  I swim every morning and love to unwind on long walks.  I like to relax and enjoy simple pleasures such as music, food and quality time with friends and family.  I naturally don’t stop being inspired or captivated by colour, sound and form no matter where I am and I must admit that I drive those around me to distraction at times with my incessant questions and reasoning. 

So what’s next? 

When I created Holistic Silk I used many of my own designs within my pieces.  But in-between growing the brand...and raising my children...it has become ever harder to find the time to dedicate to this.  But 23 is my lucky number and with Holistic Silk turning twenty three in 2023 it had to be a sign that now was the time to go back to the brand's roots.  So I have been busy in my studio sketching, painting and drawing new designs to use within my pieces once again or sitting at the sewing machine creating a new style of fabric packaging; re-usable of course. So watch this space for some truly, back to my roots, designs and changes in 2024.

 

It's so inspiring to know that my creations are appreciated and enhance people's lives, this is what I set out to do.  Everybody needs joy and to talk about it more!  If you ever have any feedback, thoughts, or questions I’m always here.

 

I noticed a gap in the market for more luxurious wellness products and thought that I could fill it. At the time the Princes Trust were offering loans and mentors to young people, so I thought why not try! I was lucky enough to be successful so armed with their support and a lot of gumption I created and launched my first product and here I am almost 25 years later creating new products and loving every moment of it. 

Holistic silk pieces are always Fair Made in the most sustainable way even if that does increase overheads. Ergonomically thought through with attention to quality and detail I extensively test everything myself to ensure they are truly effective otherwise they don’t make it to the collection.

I usually sketch or visualise an idea, but often just go straight to fabric. Cutting directly from cloth and stitching, as that really is how the magic happens. I’m impatient to try things out once an idea comes to me.
Funnily enough I usually keep my own prototype and never end up with the finished pristine article to use myself!

Most of my products are made in India through our partner NGO who offer training and employment to people who would otherwise struggle in the workplace; offering pay and working conditions far better than average. They also work tirelessly to empower female start-ups through both financial and practical support. 
 

Nature and living very close to it brings me daily inspiration.  I was so inspired by the plants and coastal views on my last holiday that I based my whole Spring Summer 2023 collection on them and have now carried that through to my forthcoming Autumn Winter 224 collection too. 

Being in the Harvey Nichols window very early on and then being featured in Vogue gave me confidence that I was on the right track!
These days I take more pleasure from the fact Holistic Silk is still an independent brand that has grown and survived for so long whilst experiencing a very diverse set of retail years. Having the same values, I started with I’m hopefully getting older and wiser and moving with the times.

My recent travels to Greece inspired me to paint and draw the beauty around me leading to quite a few well filled sketch books. Looking through them with friends when I returned, I wanted to share that inspiration and appreciation of natural beauty through my products and so I incorporated my favourites into my iconic Eye Masks.

In all honesty, no, not really. Sleep, relaxation and stress relief are always required, and no trend will change that! As a low-tech brand based on ancient rituals and natural materials, new trends don’t always fit so I tend to submerge myself in what I think and see is required 
 

I usually sketch or visualise an idea, but often just go straight to fabric. Cutting directly from cloth and stitching, as that really is how the magic happens. I’m impatient to try things out once an idea comes to me.
Funnily enough I usually keep my own prototype and never end up with the finished pristine article to use myself!

Anyone who recognises that investing time in their own wellbeing is a necessity in modern life! To be honest most of our customers are women but our male customer base is growing rapidly which is fantastic as everyone needs better sleep, wellbeing, and relaxation in their lives. 

Creating and seeing the products come to life is fabulous but I have never been able to get over the joy I feel when I speak with a customer who tells me that one of my products has changed their life, be it through sleeping better or being able to relax easier.