Book review: If in doubt, wash your hair by Anya Hindmarch
I’ve just finished reading the first book from If in doubt, wash your hair from the very talented handbag and accessories designer Anya Hindmarch. A few years ago just after I’d started my design agency Tickety Boo Creative I got to meet Anya at one of her famous pop ups for the launch of her Labelled range. She made time for me and was very encouraging and inspirational. And after reading her book I now understand she has a passion for supporting young entrepreneurs. She made my day as she was interested in my art too. I showed her my typography and she loved ‘In a world you can be anything, be kind’ type design.
It felt like her book was written for me, she covers all topics from running a business to having a family, and how she balances it all (with help!). I love how open and honest she is about her experiences and Mum guilt (I’m sure all Mums have this at some point, I know I have). She shares her journey in life an in business, and you really feel like you get to know her and what drives her.
Anya on branding
As a designer in the branding industry, I thought it was interesting what Anya said about branding, she believes the word ‘brand’ should be replaced with the word ‘behaviour’.
“Your brand is simply how you behave, within your business and beyond it. You can define your brand all you like, but it actually means nothing if it is at odds with your behaviour - with all what is said and done and how it is done, repeatedly day after day.”
Anya Hindmarch
Embracing femininity
As a woman in business I found her story and experience enlightening. Anya shares her challenges and her high points and I totally agree with her thoughts on being a woman in a male dominated industry.
“I love being a woman. I love being feminine. Do I want to be a powerful woman in a meeting? Absolutely. Do I want to be able to have a crack at everything a man would. Absolutely. Do I want to be treated the same as a man is treated. Sure…. But I don’t want to have to be a man or act in a way that someone says is like a man to earn that.”
Anya Hindmarch
If you are happy, your children will be happy
Anya has written a whole section in the book about ‘If you are happy, your children will be happy’. This is such a great point of view, I love it, it’s so true. I love my family very much, but I need to be fulfilled in my life and work. It’s always my aim to make quality time for both, I love drawing with my son, long walks in the park with my little girl and lunchtimes with my husband. Then currently I do work during the day when my little girl is napping or in the evening. Anya got an amazing piece of advice at school from a nun called Sister Angela, when Anya was welcomed into the school, she said “I’m going to say one thing to you that I want you to remember girls. And it is this. If you accept that you will never be fully satisfied, then you will be very happy indeed.” This inspired me to do some artwork based on this advice.
Pop up book launch
To celebrate the launch of her new book, Anya did it in true Anya style with a fun memorable pop up. She created a wonderful retro 60s inspired hair salon. I was very lucky to be able to visit a couple of weeks ago. The details really made it from the flowery protective wraps, the music, the vintage furniture to the iconic posters ‘Good for your head’. I loved it all and the experience left me feeling inspired and energised, and I was pretty happy with me new hair too.
This book is a must read for women, women in business, working mums and anyone who want to know more about Anya’s story, it really is a manual for life!