An Interview with Harriet Inglis, Fabulous Female Founder of Spacemasks
Harriet Inglis, recently shortlisted at the NatWest EveryWoman Awards 2019.
Harriet, tell me a little about yourself and life before Spacemasks?
I’m very much a Londoner, born in Westminster in the mid-seventies, and brought up in Clapham. Devastatingly, my father died when I was barely 11 so I moved, with my mother and brother, to a small flat in Chelsea next to Foxtrot Oscar (a legendary restaurant that was owned by Michael Proudlock and Rex Leyland where I worked for many years). It was here that I caught the restaurant bug and went on to Bournemouth Uni to study Hospitality Management though tragedy struck when I was 22 when my mother died at the early age of 48.
After FO I had a memorable stint working with Michael Whitehall (hilarious father of Jack), agent to some amazing actors such as the late, great, Richard Griffiths, before I fell into restaurant PR and worked with the brilliant Elizabeth Crompton-Batt on clients such as Nobu, Hakkasan and Mr Chow. In 2003 Robert and I had our first of four daughters and left the PR world to work from home.
My daughter Tilly won’t go to bed without a Spacemask, which is proving to be rather expensive, but means she gets a great night sleep.. Tell me when and how did you decide to start up Spacemasks?
Whilst at home being a Mummy I catered for friends and made delicious brownies for local cafés, before realising that my little black book and never-ending energy, was suited for the job of a virtual PA, a really rewarding job which gave me the idea of becoming a homestay host. So I started having overseas students, mostly from Japan, to stay during the school holidays to learn English. One of these students brought me a warming face mask as a gift and from that moment the idea for Spacemasks took hold. Having suffered from depression, panic attacks and anxiety in my 20’s I instantly understood the potential for a calming warm eye mask to bring respite from screens, lack of sleep and online stress and I decided on the space theme to emphasise the escape from earthly worries.
Where did you get the inspiration for your design and brand?
Then the hard work began as I spent months searching for a supplier with the right environmental credentials to make the product, and ultimately needed someone who could give the eye mask a subtle fragrance without requiring a large first order.
The rest, as they say, is history. Spacemasks has gone from strength to strength since launching in May 2017, making thousands of people much happier, more relaxed and less anxious. I’ve received hundreds of messages telling me that Spacemasks help those undergoing medical treatment, those who find it hard to sleep, those with headaches and migraines, and others who simply want to take some time out from their hectic lifestyles.
I’ve recently launched a subscription for Spacemasks which fits through the letter box and arrives every month.
An object you would never part with
Cliché but my phone. I love the fact that I can run by business from the side of the pool/bus stop. I’d also be lost without my two wire-haired Dachshunds.
An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to in the past year
Whitstable. I’m lucky enough to share a house there with my wonderful Godsister Sophie (we share the same Godfather) and I only truly relax when I’m there. We also took our 4 daughters to Japan last year which was spectacular.
Where would you like to go next? Would it be very boring of me to say Whitstable? Unlike my brothers who travel adventurously (one lives in Argentina and the other lives in Moscow) I am a real home bird. I adore London and Whitstable. If I had to travel, I’d go to NYC. I love it there and we were meant to be there for Easter but, thanks to COVID-19, we had to postpone.
What are you dreaming of?
Being allowed to swim again.
Three travel essentials
My panama, sun block and Spacemasks.
Train or Plane? Train! I am terrified of flying.
What else do you use to help you sleep? A hot, candlelit bath.
Your favourite website
www.beautybible.com (https://www.beautybible.com)
A recent “find”
Carole Ridley shop in Whitstable. Just up my street, fashion-wise.
The last music I downloaded
Mmm. I only really ever listen to Prince, Squeeze and Tina Turner…. I really need to move with the times.
In my fridge you’ll always find…not very much! I used to be a domestic goddess but since Spacemasks (https://www.spacemasks.com/) came along, the fridge is pretty bare. Luckily our two eldest daughters quite like cooking and, living in central London, we have some excellent restaurants/take aways.
The beauty staple I’m never without
Origins Skin Guardian with White Tea. I’ve used it for over 10 years. It’s like silk.
Favourite hotel…
I’m very sentimental about Cowley Manor (https://www.cowleymanor.com/) in Gloucestershire. We recently stayed at Slieve Donard (https://www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-resort-and-spa/) in Northern Ireland which was charming and has the greatest spa. We foolishly took all of our children so I wasn’t able to spend enough time in the spa. I’ll do better next time.
What book are you reading?
Clare Pooley’s The Authenticity Project
Favourite smell.
Almond