Emily Pugh, Fabulous Female Founder of Tangerine Dream
Why Tangerine Dream?
It took ages to come up with a name that a. Wasn’t taken and b. Evoked a sense of colour and happiness and also it’s what I call my husband as a joke sometimes (he is Ginger).
When did you start it?
2016 How quickly did you get it up and running? From idea to launch? Quite quickly. I started it with a friend in London, but the distance was an issue as I live in Cambridge, we had lots of fun for a few years, and then we parted ways, and I took over the business by myself in 2019.
How do you decide on the collection?
I love bright colours, I sell interesting, unique gifts that I would want to receive myself. I source products from far and wide, at home and abroad. I also design in-house. The collection is functional and makes people happy.
How many products do you have?
About 200. I try to cover all gifting bases! I tend to have more girls items in stock, but I have been told that people go to my shop purely for boys present ideas too.
What were you doing before?
I worked at House & Garden Magazine, then had children and started my own sewing business which was very time consuming, as I did all the sewing myself, but I loved the creative side of it.
Has Tangerine Dream done better than you expected?
It’s had its ups and downs. The more you put into an online business, the more you get out of it. There’s always lots to do, constantly having to post on social media, having good photographs and having to strike a balance but all in all, I have a faithful, lovely following of customers. During lockdown, the gift wrapping service has taken off.
What gets you up in the morning?
Besides my fat cat lying on me, I really enjoy what I do and the creativity it affords me, there is always something to do!
An object you would never part with
My father gave my mother a piece of jewellery on their wedding day that was given to me on my wedding day. My father died when I was younger and so it is very special.
The biggest female influence in your life
My mum who is always so cheerful and positive and kind.
In my suitcase, I packed..
A pretty dress from my other company Ozzie & Clementine. This is my other company and our Summer stock is off-the-scale pretty and beautiful!
Where would you like to go next?
My sister has a house on an island in Croatia and I’m dreaming of returning. The sea is crystal clear. It is very unspoilt.
The last album I downloaded
Isles by Bicep. We are listening to a lot of music in these lockdown months, but this album I can listen to over and over, night and day. It makes me dream of going to a festival again one day.
Bestseller?
At the moment it’s probably the things that are keeping families entertained. Games, Huckleberry range. Penknives, chalk markers, campfire popcorn makers. Basically forest school stuff and games. Things to entertain the kids who are at home at the moment. Also the needlepoint sets. My lips cards are always a best seller, especially now in the run-up to Valentines Day.
Your favourite website (which isn’t yours!)
mollymahon.com who does beautiful colourful Block Printing, Lucy Simmons Jewellery who designs some of our Jewellery range, her delicate pieces are so pretty.
A recent “Find” or brand
BrewBoard Beer. They sell excellent craft beer, in cans which are works of art in their own right. They sell fab gift packs which are a great present for anyone who likes beer.
In my fridge, you’ll always find
Milk, (I live with 4 boys!)
The beauty staple you’ll never without
Orange Blossom perfume by Jo Malone and my own Tangerine Dream, Orange and Jasmine Hand Cream is pretty good too!