This Sunday, we speak with the founders of Anna + Nina, part of the Chiltern Street community, to explore how wellness, creativity, and partnership shape their lives and work.
They share how their approach to self-care has evolved, making space for regular rituals like massages and mindful routines as life and business have grown. As co-founders and creatives, they reveal how their contrasting personalities complement each other, and why balance is essential in both life and work.
From slow mornings over coffee to winding down with books and tea, their daily rituals keep them grounded amid the fast-paced demands of running a brand. They also reflect on how Anna + Nina has shaped their approach to routine, creativity, and mindful living.
What does wellness look like to you at this stage in your life? Has it changed over time?
These days, I spend much more time on wellness than I did a few years ago. Now that the kids are out of diapers, I finally have more time for myself — regular massages and a facial every six weeks have become part of my routine.
As co-founders and creatives, how would you describe your dynamic? How do your individual strengths complement each other in both work and life?
Anna and I have a similar work/life balance. We’re both creative and involved in marketing and translating our brand into our collections. An is super passionate, and I’m usually a bit more realistic — which makes us really complementary. When we both believe in an idea or product, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a success.
Running a brand together must be an intense and fast-paced journey. Are there any daily rituals that ground you, practices that bring you clarity or calm before the day begins?
Our moment of the day is having a coffee together after the morning chaos at home. That’s when we talk about everything — personal stuff. From that moment on, we’re ready to take on the day, which is usually filled with meetings, shoots, and events.
We believe sleep is the foundation of wellbeing. Has sleep come easily to you, or has it become something you’ve learned to prioritise more intentionally?
Sleep is everything to me. During the week, I often head upstairs around 9 PM. Even then, I still end up sleeping until 7 the next morning. With our busy lives, I’ve realised how essential it is — and I can really tell it helps keep my immune system strong.
What helps you unwind in the evening? Are there any scents, rituals, or moments of stillness you return to?
Anna kept pushing me to read a book before bed to unwind. I finally started doing it recently, and it really helps me fall asleep easily. But honestly, watching a good series on TV works just as well — especially with a cup of tea and honey.
In what ways has building Anna + Nina shaped your approach to routine, balance, and self-care?
Because our lives are so busy with Anna + Nina, we’re kind of forced to keep things calm during the week. We both try to work out once or twice a week and plan just one social event. If we don’t, life quickly turns into a race against the clock and we start to feel like we’re just going through the motions. Taking time to slow down helps us live more mindfully and actually enjoy the success of Anna + Nina.
At anatomē, we connect fragrance and scent with emotional function. Do you see colour, texture, or design in your collections carrying similar meaning to yourself or your customers?
Our tagline is escape the ordinary. We try to give everyday products that little something extra — something that makes our customers smile or feel inspired, whether it’s through a fun quote or a unique print.
Looking back to when you started Anna + Nina, what lesson or challenge has most shaped the way you live and work today?
Do something you're passionate about and don't be afraid to make mistakes — the rest usually falls into place. Trust the power of your intuition, stay positive, and focus on solutions.
Lastly, our latest Functional Parfum Campaign invites you to choose your emotional intention for the season. Each of our six fragrances is designed to support a specific state of mind, from clarity to calm, focus to release. With that in mind, what do you want to feel this summer?
I want to head into this summer feeling more mindful and calm.
Join us this summer: anatomē's Exclusive Summer Workshops
This summer, we're hosting a series of immersive events at Maslow's Members' House in Soho. Join us for workshops that explore the intersection of movement, scent, and mindset.
