Lucy Choi: the designer and niece of Jimmy Choo on juggling business, family... and shoes
The niece of Jimmy Choo, 43, runs her own eponymous shoe company. She lives in Notting Hill with her husband, Jonathan, and two sons
I usually wake up to an inbox full of emails that have landed overnight from my international customers and my suppliers in Spain, Italy and Hong Kong. I like to deal with them first thing, but before I do I give Jonathan a kiss and Thomas, five, usually comes in for a cuddle too.
After emailing, I jump in the shower, which is where I get my inspiration. I’ll suddenly think, ‘I need to have a lime-green shoe for spring/summer.’
Before I dress, I’m back on my emails – a member of my team removed her email alerts from her smartwatch, as it was constantly pinging at 7am! I like to walk Thomas and Harrison to school and nursery. I tend to wear flats (cherry ones from my collection) for the commute, then carry heels in my bag ready for the office.
On Saturdays Jonathan and I head off for a long walk. It’s a relief to enjoy quality time together after a hectic week
After I’ve dropped them off, I’ll take an Uber to my office in Paddington so I’m not sweaty. I’m usually in back-to-back meetings all day, so I’ll bring lunch with me – usually home-made chicken broth, a salad and coconut water. Each week, we buy fresh produce and occasionally we treat ourselves to a chef, who comes to our home and helps us cook it.
I try to get home by 6.30pm to put the children to bed, but then I head back out until about 10pm, as we have events three times a week in my stores. Afterwards, I’ll see Jonathan then jump back on to my emails.
Weekends are devoted to family time, though. We love The Sir Charles Napier, an amazing restaurant in Oxfordshire, and the children like to play on the traditional steam train nearby.
Then, on Saturday evening, Jonathan and I put the children to bed, leave them with a nanny and head off together for a long evening walk for two or three hours. It’s a relief to enjoy some quality time together in an otherwise hectic week.
Lucy’s tips to get to the top
I always remind myself of all the things I have that I’m grateful for.
I try not to be too critical of myself. Instead, I focus on the good qualities I have.
I also make sure I’m not critical of others and keep in mind that everyone has their own skill set.
Getting caught up in the small stresses of everyday life wastes energy. I focus on the bigger picture.
When I started my business, I sold my flat. If I decide to do something, I commit to it entirely.
At night I use…
Decléor Hydrating Oil Serum
I love the luxurious feeling on my skin. ￡48 (decleor.co.uk)
In the office I wear...
High heels
I like to wear ones from my Elphaba range. ￡225, Lucy Choi
My bathroom always has…
Lime Basil & Mandarin Exfoliating Shower Gel
I use it every morning. ￡30, Jo Malone
My make-up bag essential...
By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eye Shadow
I also use it as an eyeliner. ￡29 (spacenk.com)
My style icon
Audrey Hepburn
Everything about her is perfect and stylish.
