Last week I hosted a small gathering to celebrate the launch of my new ring collection.  In the past I would have gone all out and invited everyone I know, however given the current situation our way of life is rapidly changing and this was simply not an option.   But as it was the first launch I had done since October 2019, I still did not want to let the occasion pass me by. Working mostly on my own at home for the last few months has meant that maintaining personal connections and taking small steps out of isolation have become very important to me.

As you may know, I’m never one to pass up a styling opportunity and this was the perfect way to let my creativity out. Inspired by this season’s fresh produce and blooming flowers, I set up a small Gin and Tonic bar, with grapefruit and rosemary as a garnish (recipe below). I used roses from my garden and raided the lavender bushes in my pots for the fragrant stalks that graced the table. As a gem lover, I also added a rough rose quartz as a gift for each of my friends, as it's the stone most often associated with self love. 

As a group of Latin women entrepreneurs, mainly from Venezuela, we know all too well how an economic crisis can affect our businesses. For us it was important to discuss the challenges that lie ahead during this economic downturn, as well as brainstorming together on what we can do to help lift each other. Having life coach Solvy Hernandez there was a soothing presence.

We toasted to creativity, inspiration and camaraderie over our gin and tonics. Erika brought us tequeños from Liqui-Liqui to nibble on and then we feasted on the iconic marinated Chicken from Masion St. Casien, Roasted Butternut Squash and Puy lentil salad and curried roasted aubergines with jewelled pomegranate seeds that I made following recipes from Ottolenghi’s cookbook, Simple. For dessert I made a Pavlova with fresh summer berries that looked amazing with a Cake Topper that my friend Carmelina brought from her new company: My Cake Topper Design.

There were many giggles and laughs and plenty of images snapped. Giovanella’s designer’s eye was key to getting those great shots! During these uncertain times where circumstances can change any second, being surrounded by people who support you is essential. There are so many more friends that I am looking forward to having around this table in the future.  Whatever happens in the big economic picture, what I know is that if we can stay inspired, keep creating and uplift each other, we will get through this.