Podcast

Intro

Hi Zoe. We have travelled from Plymouth to be with you today in your beautiful new shop and community space. Thank you for welcoming us. It is an honour to take this trip and witness your beautiful space. Me and my friends have spent some time with you and you have been the kindest person. You are an artist, a visionary and a business women. You have community in your heart. We can't wait to learn from you all about these things - and much much more. Let's get started!

 

Q1

This space that you have created is spectacular. The colours, the design, the lighting. Can you talk us through what made you set up shop in Buckfasteligh of all places, and what has inspired you to create this most wonderful creation?

 

Q2

What is The Doe? Who is it for? How do you think people will use this space? How do you want people to feel who visit, and what is your dream for your family and your time in Buckfastleigh as a business women?

 

Q3

You clearly have a strong sense of who you are. Your values are written on a slate that we saw as we walked in. How do your values play out in life every day and what do you do to ensure this magical space stays true to these? (Have you ever come across a time when people have not acted appropriately in your space? What did you do about that?)

Q4

Who are your ultimate role models and why?

 

Q5

We go to a brilliant school that lets us think differently about how a school could be run. Our school encourages us to ask questions about education and how we can make a mark on this world. Could you tell us more about your schooling? We think that you attended a Steiner School? We would also like to know how you have grown up to make big bold marks on your world?

 

Q6

Many people would say that your home should be a sanctuary. What do you think about this statement and how do you go about designing spaces that make people feel safe?

 

Q7

Zoe, there is something about you that is very special. You have the warmest nature and make us all feel so great. Every day seems a good day when around you. But, I wonder, do you have bad days? Do you have days when things seem too much or too hard? If so, what do you do to manage these moments and what top tips can you give us for staying topped up on positive energy?

 

Q8

We study design at school. We are making a community cart that can be used for serving things like community coffee. Some of us have even been to visit a Coffee Roastary. We aren't old enough to drink coffee, but the design process is super cool to be involved in. What projects would you still like to take on in life? What is next for you and how can we help you achieve this?

 

Q9

In your book, you mention that to you vintage means romance. We are too young for all that, but what advice have you got for us as we grow and notice the more romantic or should we say, more beautiful things in every day life?

 

Q10

You must have ideas everyday. We are encouraged to get our ideas down on paper and share them with people. The podcast team was an idea. Mr Sammels struggled getting it offer the ground and people to believe in it. But, it needed action and we all came together with this idea - and, now here we are. How do you get your ideas off the ground and what methods do you use to organise them?

 

Q11

How do we stay curious and creative like you as we get older?

 

Q12

You seem attached to nature. Your space and designs feel super earthy. How do the seasons impact you and the way you live your life?

 

Q13

This space at the Doe is so inspiring. You have renovated it from being an old sopor convenience store into this new gorgeous space. Which bit of this redesign was the hardest to achieve? Which bit was the most fun? Which bit is your favourite? What is next?

 

Q14

Our environment is so important to us. How do we get rid of all this plastic that surrounds us? How do we design things that last a lifetime and keep our world a healthy place? Will design ultimately see an end to our earth or can we stay true to nature and create a better place for us all?

 

Outro

 

Bio

Zoe Ellison was born in a rural mining village in Wales where her father was shepherd and her mother led an alternative community where they lived. The family relocated to Devon where Zoe spent her childhood and received a creative education, before moving to Brighton, on England's south coast. This is where Zoe and her mother Hazel established Igigi in 1999.