Five Minutes with Coco & Wolf Studio Manager, Paula

As most of us are at home with a little more time on our hands than usual it's the perfect opportunity for you to make a cup of tea, find your favourite comfy spot and get to know the team behind Coco & Wolf. After introducing you to our founder, Amy, a few weeks back, today you're able to get acquainted with our studio manager, Paula. The sewing fanatic's days are spent overseeing the seamless production of Coco & Wolf's infamous, beautiful heirloom products made from Liberty fabrics. 

Tell us a little about your role as Studio Manager for Coco & Wolf, what does a typical day look like?

"A typical day usually starts with a staff meeting - talking through anything urgent and updating the office team on which Liberty Fabrics need restocking. Once the morning admin is done studio production starts; working through recent orders and deciding which of the sewing team will make which item. After a productive day, I usually spend the last hour or so working on new season items - either sewing samples in new fabrics or designing and making the next season's products in preparation for photoshoots."

Has sewing always been a part of your life?

"I have loved sewing for as long as I can remember and at just 9 years old I started making clothes. When I was 17, my career in dressmaking began at a local bridal boutique where we made bespoke wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride outfits. Creating the bespoke dresses taught me everything from designing and pattern making to fittings and embellishments, and my days were hugely varied. Woking with brides was challenging yet rewarding and I stayed with the company for ten years until my daughter was born in 2005. That didn't stop me sewing though! Whilst raising my children I ran my own business as a seamstress for local shops and customers, continuing my sewing and alterations whilst not missing any of my children's milestones.

I joined the Coco & Wolf team 4 years ago, and I absolutely love working as part of a team again. It's a huge sense of achievement to see the skills and knowledge I gained throughout my career help shape and grow the business."

"It’s incredibly satisfying to start the day with a roll of fabric and end it with a beautiful item on its way to a new home where it will be loved and treasured."

Which is your favourite Liberty fabric and why?

"Honestly - they tend to change with the seasons as there are so many beautiful fabrics. At the moment I love the delicate design of Edenham in lilac, the pale colours are very pretty and give a fresh springtime feel."

What do you enjoy most about your job as Studio Manager?

"Sewing is my passion and with everything at Coco & Wolf made in-house I get to enjoy the entire process from start to finish. It’s incredibly satisfying to start the day with a roll of fabric and end it with a beautiful item on its way to a new home where it will be loved and treasured. Receiving wonderful feedback and photos from happy customers also makes my day!"

Which Coco & Wolf product have you loved so much it's had to come home with you?

"We recently collaborated on the Floribunda collection exclusive to Liberty of London and I just had to have one of the stunning patchwork bedspreads we created. It lives in my living room and is perfect for snuggling under when the evenings are chilly. It makes a beautiful throw to brighten up the room too! Looking at it reminds me of how hard the team worked to create the collection - very happy memories."

What things keep you smiling when you're not working?

"Walking is my tonic; we live in such a beautiful part of the countryside and I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such inspiring scenery, walking allows me to soak it all up. I love animals and as well as a cat, two rabbits and a budgie, we have a rescue dog named Bella. She has been with us for 3 years and loves the walks as much as we do. 

I don't know about you but I've loved hearing about Paula, especially hearing how her bespoke wedding gown seamstress days set her up for her Coco & Wolf role. And thank you Paula for the gentle reminder to appreciate the beauty of the landscape around us, especially in these times when our daily walk has become a little beacon of light.