HOME & WORK WITH KIM & DANNY

A creative couple with a passion for independent business

Kim and Danny have long been friends of Earl of East, supporting us since our early market stall days. During that time we have gotten to know each other fairly well, and we have always been inspired by their love for independent brands and businesses. Like a lot of Londoners, neither of them originate from the city, but they have made it their home, and the sense of community they have is very kindred to our own.

Danny is the Editorial Director of Courier, the magazine and media brand about working better and living smarter. Kim is a marketing and events pro and Founder of Kim Does Marketing, a consultancy for startups and small businesses.

For them and a lot of other couples, the past year has meant some adjusting to both living, and working together. We caught up recently to chat about just that.

Tell us a bit about yourselves, how long have you both been in London and how did you meet?

Kim: We’ve been in London for 10 years now – I’m from the south of France and Danny’s from the suburbs of New York. We met at Monocle magazine where we both worked. I was on the third floor organising events and Danny was always locked up in the radio studio, as he hosted and produced podcasts there. We were both constantly on the road for book launches and parties, interviews which is where our paths eventually crossed – in Hong Kong, for a company event.
We had lunch together at a tiny noodle bar on the side of the road.

You moved to the Barbican last year. It is such an iconic area, has it always been a dream to live there?

Kim: I wasn’t fond of Brutalism before coming to London. I come from a tiny village in France where all the houses are yellow, orange or beige, where there’s lots of wood and terracotta, and everything’s surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. So it’s the exact opposite of the Barbican. But weirdly enough, there’s something peaceful and majestic about a big slab of concrete.

Danny: I’ve always been peripherally aware that people actually lived in the Barbican – and that it wasn’t just a giant cultural center – but I never had a sense of what life here was like. Kim and I were living in Haggerston and, in the middle of summer, during the pandemic, decided we wanted a change of scenery. We visited a few flats around London until we saw a listing for a newly-renovated flat in the Barbican. We were literally the first couple to view it and our lease offer was accepted that day. It was only then that we went down the rabbit hole...

What is it like to call it home?

Danny: It’s a totally weird but lovely place to live. The estate was built in the 1970s as a modernist housing complex in an area that got clobbered during the Blitz. There’s something like 2000 flats here across 15+ buildings. From the outside all people see is concrete, but there’s actually tons of greenery – parks, ponds, sections of ancient Roman walls, a secret wildlife garden I recently discovered. It’s all smashed up against the City of London’s office buildings, which are now abandoned, so we actually haven’t been here when the City is in full swing. There are quirks inside the flats too – tiny sinks in the bathroom, a rubbish collection system from the Jetsons. It’s not for everyone, but we love it so far.

How has your notion of home changed from childhood to adult life?

Kim: I’ve lived a seriously nomadic life, moving home more than 20 times since I was born. I love changing scenery and discovering new neighbourhoods and cities. The notion of home for me hasn’t changed. Home can be anywhere. It’s a place where I can rest, stay calm and do things for myself.

What is your favourite object in your home and why?

Kim: A paperweight I bought on Wilton Road. There was a little stationery shop there about 8 years ago – I’m not sure it’s still open – and I found this beautiful dandelion crystalised in resin. There’s something serene about it.

Danny: We’ve got a massive Kokeshi Doll – one of those Japanese wooden statues with no arms/legs and a giant head – that we picked up at a vintage market in Stoke Newington. It’s so heavy.

Do you have any rituals you swear by?

Kim: I’m a big fan of incense so I usually burn some on Saturday morning to make me feel like it’s the weekend. It sets the tone and helps purify the atmosphere and my busy mind. We use Earl of East’s sandalwood sticks.
Danny: I make a fresh cup of Aeropress coffee in the morning, right after I wake up, and drink it on our terrace overlooking the park. It helps me focus and start the day right.

Let's talk food and drink. Tell us about your favourite meal and the drinks that accompany it?

Kim: I’d say some barbecue grilled lemongrass chicken with lots of sticky rice, a light Asian lager (Tsingtao, Tiger or Asahi), and a chocolate eclair for dessert. It’s a mix of the best of my Laotian/French heritage.
Danny: I’ll revert to my Italian-American upbringing. Rigatoni with ragù, loads of parmesan, a big bottle of chianti.

What are your favourite scents and why?

Kim: I love the scent of mimosa flowers. They remind me of the south of France. They’re soft and powdery but there’s something warm about them. Like feeling the sun on your skin.
Danny: The smell of wood burning on narrow boats in Regent’s Canal.

Working from home has become the norm these days, how have you adapted to becoming colleagues as well as partners?

Kim: Easy – we were colleagues before being partners!
Danny: Kim has had to cope with near-constant podcast interviews which I do from my makeshift home recording studio (i.e. my desk).


How do you switch off from work?

Kim: I usually turn off notifications from my phone (work email, social media) and put the phone far away from me.
I read fiction and a lot of surrealist novels. I love escaping reality to refresh my mind and disconnect from work.
Danny: I’m not gonna lie – I struggle in this arena!

Kim:
I can confirm… he’s very bad at this.

Talk to us about what it means to be creative?

Kim: Looking at things differently, being open to new perspectives, searching for inspiration everywhere and not being afraid to let your imagination take over your reason.

If you could take us on a trip anywhere, where would you take us and why?

Kim: We’ll start in LA, then hop in a vintage car and take you guys deep into the desert – Joshua Tree, then Palm Springs to check out the mid-century modern houses, and we’ll end up with tacos and cocktails by the pool at the Ace.

Yes Please!

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