Lucy Head & Jason Russell

Name: Lucy Head and Jason Russell
Age: 31 and 34
Born: The Wirral and Surrey
Lived in Scotland: 12 years and 20 years

"When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel invasive. Even when it’s complete chaos and takes over your life!"

Which is just as well, since Lucy Head and Jason Russell are busy turning their lifestyle into their business.

"Being in business is a creative process and we’re creative people. The fact that we’re also a couple and we work from home…I’m not sure where the work-life balance is but it works for us!"

After running their own successful businesses for a number of years – Lucy in textiles and embroidery, Jason in garden design – the pair have now decided to join forces.

Busy

"I had this lovely picture in my head of us working away together in the studio and making decisions as we pottered in the garden.” Lucy laughs at the idea.

"The reality is I’ve hardly seen Jason since we launched because he’s been busy working on two big garden projects on the west coast!"

They both believe that Scotland is the right place for their latest venture, a design company and retail studio that combines interior and garden design.

Quality of life

"Scotland is the perfect place to start something like this. People up here have a fantastic quality of life and tend to have more outdoor space to play with.

"I don’t think we could even contemplate starting this somewhere like London. The cost of living and rates would just be prohibitive."

Plus there’s been the support of organisations such as Scottish Textiles and Scottish Enterprise.

Trends

"They provide free access to the same trend library that people like Armani and Donna Karan use. They courier round these massive books and leave them with you for a couple of days. So, we get to see the global design trends three seasons ahead. It’s priceless and we get it for nothing!

"I don’t have authority issues or anything," laughs Lucy, "but I can’t imagine working for someone else any more. Now Jason and I get to work as a partnership from this beautiful location. What could be better?"

It’s no surprise they’re both full of enthusiasm for the future.

Insider Info:

Lucy says: "Inverewe Garden in Wester Ross is one of our favourites – the contrast between the garden and its landscape is extraordinary. A great place to get lost for the day." www.high-lights.co.uk/gardens/inverewe

See Jason’s garden designs at: www.twig-design.co.uk

If you like the sound of running a business in Scotland, why not find out more about it?