Julie Leonard , founder of THE WELSH GIRL returned to her homeland after 25 years in London to pursue her love of traditional crafts, sewing and Welsh textiles and created a lifestyle brand of limited edition handmade wares including the iconic TWG poncho.  Here she tells us how she manages her busy days…

Q: How do you start your day?

A: I get up at 7am most days and each day begins with a cup of hot water and lemon.

Q: What gets you going? (exercise/ wellbeing routine)

A: Depends on the time of year. In late Spring / Summer I swim in the river that’s very near my home; in Autumn and Winter I swim (indoor pool at the B & B opposite) some mornings and other mornings I take a brisk walk along the river and across the fields for anything between 20 – 45 mins, depending on my day ahead.

Q: Where you are most inspired?

A: When I am surrounded by Nature, when I travel and by people.

Q: You are a successful business woman now, but what advice would you give your younger self?

A: Don’t let people put you off…. listen and trust your inner self and follow your passion.

Q: What cause are you currently championing?

A: Artisans… I strongly feel that we should Buy Less and Buy Better.  Health wise it’s anything cancer related and the menopause…

Q: How do you relax and switch off?

Walks in nature and swimming regularly as I find it most meditative.  Socialising and having a giggle with friends and of course music / dancing around the kitchen table with lovely beings.  And a damn good holiday!

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

A: Red wine…

Q: You have to choose only one beauty product to use for the next 7 days, what would you pick?

A: This is a hard one as I’m a lotions and potions junkie.  Okay if it’s just one then it would have to be a good natural facial moisturiser, currently using Aurelia… and I’d be indulgent for the week and put it on my body too!

Q: Do you sleep well, what is your bedtime routine?

A: On the whole I tend to sleep okay but some nights I get a chattering head. I always cleanse, tone and moisturise my face.  On a week/work day I like to be in bed by 10.30pm with a cup of Pukka Herbal Night Time tea.  Some nights I read… invariably the same page over and over again though as it makes me fall asleep!

Q: And the final question… you favourite Holistic Silk item and why?

A: My Silk Lavender Eye Mask…. It’s the perfect travel companion along with The Welsh Girl poncho of course! And for those nights when my head is chatting, I don my mask and breath in the lavender; It’s super comforting.

See Julie's beautiful collection of ponchos, scarves, cushions and bags on her website www.thewelshgirl.com

Follow Julie on Instagram @thewelshgirl.hay & Facebook www.facebook.com/THEWELSHGIRL