Welcome to my 5th journal, a little later than planned. I was originally due to share it with you last week, but following the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests taking place around the world, it became clear that the right thing to do was hit pause and take a step back to reflect.
As a business, we have been re-examining who we are and how we behave so that we can become the very best version of ourselves. To that end, the team have created a new initiative called ‘Inclusive style, now and forever’, an extension of the philosophy that lies at the heart of ME+EM. Its purpose is to analyse everything we do at the most granular level: the way we recruit, promote, and interact, the schools we speak to, the organisations we affiliate with, the charities we support and more.
A significant part of this for so many of us is education. For me, that education isn’t just as an employer and the founder of a business, but as a mother. That’s why I wanted to share just some of the things that the ME+EM team have been listening to, watching and reading as part of this education. I would genuinely welcome any more suggestions and additions you may have, so please do get in touch to let us know at enquiries@meandem.com.
Contributors
Listen and learnDiscover just some of the works that the ME+EM team have been reading, watching and listening to in order to gain a better understanding of Black history and current context.
Read more
Book smartIf you’re sitting at home staring at the piles of books you’ve accumulated over the years, you may be looking at a decorative goldmine. Interior designer Joanna Plant explains how you can turn your reading collection into a pleasing focal point of your home.
Read more
Model citizenGetting to know model Poppy Okotcha on set, I discovered her extraordinary commitment to living sustainably. She has so much knowledge, so we have interviewed her about life on her boat and the easy ways we can all live a greener life.
Read more
Book clubIn her latest book club selection, author Gill Hornby spotlights the award-winning novel An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, a crucial read that will open another door to a deeper understanding of Black lives in contemporary society.
Read more
Sourdough successWith a sudden national obsession with bread-baking, we thought we’d enlist a renowned professional to teach us how to bake the perfect sourdough bread. Claude Lamarche is Executive Pastry Chef at The Arts Club in London – and he also happens to be the husband of ME+EM’s very own Senior Garment Technologist, Ursula.
Read more
The HardihoodI’ve been obsessed with raw dessert company The Hardihood ever since they made my birthday cake last year. Here, co-founder Daisy Payne shares their recipe for a delectable Salted Chocolate Chickpea Torte, the perfect sweet treat for the weekend.
Read more