The design icon and entrepreneur on childhood escapades in Bembridge, cooking mussels on the coast in Scotland, and why she is still drawn to the sea today
INTERVIEW Susie Atkinson Photography Chris Floyd, Shutterstock
My relationship with the coast began early. I spent blissful childhood holidays in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, staying in a terraced house where my cousin and I once set up our first ‘shop’, selling baby carrots and green strawberries from the kitchen garden to unsuspecting passers-by. We made £1, promptly got told off, and were made to donate the proceeds to the RSPCA. It was the scene of my first (slightly rogue) retail venture, and maybe the seed of something bigger.
The Isle of Wight still tugs at my heart. My grandmother, who inspired my new brand, C. Atherley, grew up near Shanklin, and I’ll be returning this year for the Isle of Wight Literary Festival to talk about my story and how I built my company, one scent and geranium at a time.
Another special place for me is the wide, open beaches near Aberystwyth in Wales, where we moved when I was young. Later, our family spent summers on the west coast of Scotland, foraging mussels on the rocks near Ullapool and cooking them in cider over a camping stove. It was wild and unforgettable.
I’ve always been drawn to the sea – it grounds me, resets me. These days, I swim in the sea when I can. But even just walking by the water is enough. After leaving my original business, what I appreciated most was seeing the sky and feeling the seasons.
The outdoors is still my creative fuel – whether I’m swimming, gardening or dreaming up a new scent. The sea reminds me of who I am.
Cath Kidston will be appearing atthe Isle of Wight Literary Festival, 9-12 October isleofwightliteraryfestival.com.
