In our How She Does It column, we talk to inspirational mothers about work-life balance, their favourite travel destinations, travelling with children, and how they really do it all. This month, we caught up with Jenna Elsby.
As a creative director and artist Jenna Elsby looks for inspiration in everything she does. Here she tells Citizen Enfants about the joys of a blended family, how she combines work with her home life in the Cotswolds and where she will be travelling to next.
About Your Work
Tell us more about Jenna Elsby, you, the Studio..
I am a creative director, stylist and artist living in the Cotwolds with my husband, our respective two children (we’re a blended family) and our goldendoodle Bertie. I’ve been in the creative marketing & events industry for over 15 years, in Australia and the UK, and started my own business, Studio Collective, three years ago. We work with luxury lifestyle brands on a whole range of creative projects – from branding, to events and launches, styling, content creation and general creative direction. We have been fortunate to work with incredible brands, from Clarins and Charlotte Tilbury to the Savoy Hotel and Moët Hennessy.
My work as an artist evolved naturally as I would sketch out my concepts and ideas to present them to clients. This then led to them asking me to provide illustrations for menu designs and decorative touches for an event or campaign. One client asked me to create a special series of artworks to be displayed at the Tower of London as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and this opportunity gave me the confidence to pursue my art with more time and energy. Having created pieces for both individuals and brands over the past few years I finally set up Jenna Elsby Studio, my first art and homeware boutique, in September of 2024. Here we sell original artworks, prints, stationery, hand painted gift wrap and we aim to launch more hand painted decorative items over the next 18 months. I apply everything I have learnt in the industry over the years, and create pieces that people can use to add artistic touches to their own homes.
What’s your working life like?
My work life is very varied, which I love, as it certainly keeps me on my toes and life fresh and interesting. If I’m not on site styling and overseeing an event, or with a client, then the team work from my home studio in the Cotswolds. This is where we come together to collaborate on live project work and where I paint and illustrate for Jenna Elsby Studio collections.
Pre COVID I used to travel a lot for work, but since then so many meetings can be conducted remotely. This means I’m able to be in the country a lot more now, much to the relief of my son! I have a wonderful client we work with in Saint-Tropez, so we do visit a few times a year to meet with the team and art direct any content shoots or events that may be taking place. I also host workshops on a range of creative topics from styling, illustration and space design, so usually around spring and Christmas I will be booked out at various locations running these. I do love the balance between being at the studio and ‘out and about’ at events and meeting clients old and new. I feel incredibly lucky to have created a life that enables me to be creative everyday and meet so many interesting and inspiring people.
How would you define your creative style?
I would say my creative style is pretty eclectic, certainly colourful and with a hint of nostalgia. I’m drawn to things with heritage or with an interesting story – whether that’s a piece of furniture I’m sourcing for my home or an item of clothing. My family and friends also say I was born in the wrong era as I will choose old and interesting over new and shiny any day of the week…or even form over function if I’m honest! I love great, well thought out design – in interiors, tailoring, architecture, ceramics, fabrics – regardless of the medium I gravitate towards interesting and beautiful objects. I’d definitely say there’s an element of whimsy and romance in my own artistic style. I’m so inspired by rose-tinted memories, travel, ideas on love and connection – all of these find their way into my work and give it colour and (I hope) positivity and joy.
You have Studio Collective. Tell us about the brands you work with and how you make them stand out.
We like to say we work with brands that exist on that intersection between luxury and popular culture, brands that are of style and substance, with that “cool factor” and often an artistic undertone. A lot of our creative event design work over the past few years has been through large event production agencies and this has enabled us to work for incredible brands such as Pernod Richard, Manolo Blahnik and Cartier.
With our branding work we have had the pleasure of working with an incredible private aviation company about to launch the world’s first electric jet next year. We created an experience platform for them that saw them take a prototype of the jet around the UK to various social events, such as Silverstone, to raise awareness about this ground breaking product. When you’re working with brands that are on the cutting edge of design, or innovation you have to keep the ideas flowing and constantly think about creating rather than following trends. We always try to create concepts that tell stories and pull through the individual quality of the brand, so that the work feels authentic and relevant without being contrived.
What’s the most fun you’ve had/done for an event?
Dressing the Savoy Hotel in London for Christmas a few years back. It was mad! We did the whole install overnight so that the guests staying at the hotel woke up to find the hotel had been magically ‘Christmas-ed’ overnight. We were able to start the set up at around midnight and had to be finished for early breakfast service at around 6.30am, so it was a manic rush. As part of this project I created two characters based on imagined hotel guests from the 1930’s and these illustrations were depicted on the window panes at the hotel entrance. I also illustrated a children’s book that was given to all children staying at the hotel over the festive season and read to young guests at various reading sessions throughout their stay. It was such an incredible experience and a wonderful project to have been a part of.
You talk about branding a lot. What is your best advice for brands (new or looking to refresh)?
So many people assume that a brand is a logo, and maybe some fonts and a colour palette – but it’s so much more than that. The most successful brands that really connect, have built and amplified their own unique story and character. The story is always the starting point and how that looks, sounds and feels can then follow. So my advice is to truly think about who you are, where you have come from, what you offer and why you are in business before you craft a visual and verbal language to make up your brand identity. We help a lot of brands with this, both start-ups and established. I love finding the soul of a brand and then creating a world around that for people to relate to and experience on their own terms
Room Service, your YouTube series, is debuting in 2025 What can we expect?
I’m so excited for this! It’s a project I’ve had in my mind for a while, so it’s been so amazing to see it come together. Room Service is designed to shine a spotlight on all the amazing talent within the creative industries, and I get to chat to incredible people from designers, musicians, performers, artists and everything in between. It’s sort of my excuse to meet and pick the brains of all the people I admire. Each episode is filmed on the bed in a hotel room, as me and my guest order room service and chat about their unique journey to success in their particular field. I can’t wait for people to see it.
The three things that help you juggle everything?
My phone! It’s terrible to think how essential these things are, and I have a serious love/hate relationship with mine, but it allows me to keep on top of emails and messages when I’m away from my desk or have treasured Facetimes with my family when I am away for work. My team: especially the lovely Laura, who has been by my side over the past 18 months whilst the business has made some serious growth and changes. She keeps me organised and sane, plus she is a lovely human to be around. My husband and parents: as a single mum for a number of years it felt impossible to be able to pursue my career aspirations whilst being present as a mother. Now my husband does the school run and has my boy when I am away or working late, so I can do my thing whilst knowing Charlie is safe and happy at home. It’s been a game changer in my life.
About Your Work-Life Balance With Children:
Have your career goals and aspirations altered since becoming a working mum?
If anything, they have become more passionate and ambitious, because now I’m not wanting to build something for myself, but for my son and his future. I also want him to think of me as a strong female, who works hard and has a great work ethic. I want him to be proud of me and be inspired to make his own mark in the world as he grows.
If you could give your past self one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?
Rest assured that it gets easier and be kind and patient with yourself. I beat myself up so much about having dreams of my own and wanting to work, but now I feel proud of those ambitions I had and still have.
If you had the power to change one thing for working mothers, what would it be?
More flexible working conditions and more affordable childcare options for families, not just mothers. It’s a hugely challenging juggle in this country. I would also get rid of the stigma that generally still seems to exist in the work place – and society generally – that once a woman has a child she is a risky hire or somehow not as committed or right for the role.
If you have a day to yourself, what do you do?
My goodness! I’m not sure I’d know what to do with myself at first! It would certainly involve some sort of exercise as I get such a mental boost from working out. Whether that’s a pilates class, a session at the gym or a long dog walk in the countryside where I live. I’d then meet friends at one of my favourite brunch spots and indulge in lots of yummy food and coffee on tap. I’m a frequent visitor to Soho Farmhouse as it’s not too far for me, so I might go for a class or lunch there, or even a massage. They have FaceGym there, which I’m addicted to – it’s a workout for your face and feels so good afterwards. Then my fantasy evening might involve cocktails and dinner out somewhere or a comfy night at home in front of the fire with a glass of red and a good book. Bliss.
Heading ‘out out’ – where is your favourite spot?
If I’m heading ‘out out’ locally, it will often be a bar called Gin & Juice which is a cocktail and gin bar in the heart of Cheltenham. It’s where my husband and I went on our first date, so it has some lovely memories plus they always have a great DJ who pumps out all the classics to get us on the dancefloor. The Nook on Five is a rooftop bar in Cheltenham that serves cocktails until late and has great views across the town, so that’s a favourite haunt of ours. If I’m in London I always gravitate towards Soho – Ronnie Scotts or Chotto Matte…somewhere with a DJ or live music.
Tell us about the best holiday you’ve taken with your children?
We are a blended family, who came together during the pandemic when we couldn’t travel anywhere, so bigger family trips are only just starting to happen. During those strange years we managed to explore the UK and went on some lovely seaside adventures to Durdledoor in Dorset and Devon. It was all very Enid Blyton and wholesome, as we spent the days crab fishing, eating ice cream on the beach and going on lots of coastal walks.
Two summers ago we did a big trip and took both kids to Disney World in Florida – which honestly was my idea of hell and a complete disaster as neither children liked rollercoasters! This past summer, I managed to take Charlie away with just my dad, and we chose a child friendly place in the Canary Islands. Whilst it wasn’t a destination that was on the top of my list, we made it all about Charlie and it was smooth sailing and completely wonderful as a result. We played by the pool, indulged in lots of lovely food, played table tennis and went to bed early every night. It was gorgeous to have that time with Charlie and he is of an age now where he is really starting to cherish travel just like his mum. We have lots of dreams about where to visit next and New York or LA, to see an NBA game, is at the top of his list.
Favourite hotel ever – with or without children?
I love a boutique hotel or privately owned guest house over a larger chain any day of the week. Having said that, the Four Seasons in Langkawi was sensational and the most lavish hotel I have ever visited for any length of time. Villa Cimbrone in Ravello was heavenly. It was the first stop on our honeymoon, which was spent exploring the Amalfi Coast. It’s an old monastery up in the hills, with breathtaking views and this old-world charm that was just magical. We have taken lots of inspiration from hotels on that trip in the design choices for our own home, which we are currently renovating.
What are your tips on things to do with children in London?
Throughout the year you can’t beat the Natural History Museum for inspiring awe and wonder in the little ones. Those dinosaur bones will impress anyone! There are so many wonderful free parks in London, Richmond is a favourite spot of mine and it’s great to go and see the deer and get a hot chocolate or ice cream.
Travel essentials with kids?
Patience and lots of it! Charlie is older now, and at 11 is much easier to handle on trips as he watches movies on his iPad or plays video games on his switch during long flights. Generally it’s all about entertainment, snacks on tap and comfort – so anything you need to fulfil those basic needs will make any trip less stressful.
And, travel essentials without kids?
Leave your guilt at home for a start. Every individual and couple needs time away without the children, if they can manage it, to reconnect with yourself and your partner again. I find I come back home with much more patience and energy for the children. My camera, I have an old school Minolta XG-1 film camera and hand held camcorder (proper 90’s style) that I take on trips with me to capture the scenery and memories. I just love the tone and grain of film photography so much and when I’m with the kids we are less flexible with going sight seeing to capture the sort of scenes I love.
Also lots of books! When I’m away with my husband we read A LOT and catch up on that delicious relaxation time. We also love to head to a cafe or bar to people watch and play cards over a few drinks, so a deck of cards is a travel must for us. Lastly, my sketch book and some charcoal or pastels so I can jot down and sketch any ideas or inspiration that comes to mind when I am away. When I have time in the wider world, away from the desk, I am my most creative and so I try to capture that as much as possible.
Top tips for travelling with kids?
Something I’m still learning is to embark on any adventure with children with no expectations and an open mind – that way if things don’t go to plan you will be less disappointed and embrace the chaos rather than trying to control everything.
Where is your next family holiday?
Currently the plan is to go to the Greek Islands this summer as a family of four. I have been a few times, but my husband and children have never visited Greece and are desperate to go. We’re planning lots of beautiful fresh food, days on the boat, ocean swims and those unforgettable Mediterranean sunsets.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Don’t compare yourself or ever judge other mothers. We all handle this role differently and have our own personal struggles with what it all means. Lift each other up! There is so much love and joy and sisterhood out there amongst mothers (and that includes, step mothers, aunties, grandmothers, honorary mothers). Mothers and mother figures come in so many forms and it really does take a village, so lean in and be there for each other.
Are there any women who inspire you?
So many and for different reasons. My mum, who has shown me how to be a caring, nurturing care giver to my own little boy. My older sister, who has spent more hours on the phone with me than any other human, listening to my trials and tribulations – she is always there for me and her unwavering support has literally got me through some of my toughest times.
Professionally, women who break through those societal barriers, challenge norms and create change are goddesses to me; Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Helen Mirren, Davina McCall and countless others who have confidently and eloquently spoken out against absurd beauty standards and views around ageing in the entertainment industry. Sofia Coppola and Greta Gerwig for being trailblazing female filmmakers and whose storytelling and perspective has shaped the face of cinema in the past decade. Vivienne Westwood, Tracey Emin and Debbie Harry for not only possessing intrinsic talent but for harnessing that talent and power to create awareness for causes they are passionate about, spark debate and challenge norms. I could go on and on with this question.
How do you do it?
I keep going. That’s it. I continue to breathe in and out and put one step in front of the other – and when life knocks me down or doors slam in my face I have a moment, but then keep moving forward. I honestly think that is all any of us can do, and then try to deal with whatever comes your way with humour and passion.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?