You started UpCircle with your brother back in 2016, at just 22. How did the brand came about?

“We noticed how many coffee grounds were being thrown away by cafés every day and began wondering whether that ‘waste’ could actually have value. Coffee is packed with antioxidants and is fantastic for exfoliating skin, so we started experimenting with turning used coffee grounds into a natural face scrub. This quickly grew into something much bigger as we started collecting coffee grounds from cafés and creating our first product. Our goal was always to prove that sustainability and high performance skincare could go hand in hand. That mindset still drives everything we do today.”

Do you think the beauty industry is finally waking up to their responsibility to be sustainable?

“To a degree. When we started the idea of upcycled beauty ingredients was still very niche. At the time we were explaining the concept constantly, because most people had never heard of by-products being used in skincare. We’re proud to now be upcycling more than 60 by-product ingredients into our range. Now the conversation has shifted significantly. Consumers are far more conscious about waste, sourcing, and environmental impact. That means the beauty industry is starting to respond. But there is still a long way to go. True sustainability requires brands to rethink supply chains, packaging and production. It needs to go deeper than surface level claims.”

How do you source your repurposed ingredients? 

“We look at industries that generate natural by-products and ask whether they might have beneficial properties for skin or hair. For example, we work next door to florists, and noticed their bins filling with unsold roses – so we now upcycle rose petals into our bath salts. We work with countless suppliers in this way, identifying ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. We design for performance first – because sustainability that underperforms will not scale. For example, our Shampoo Crème is made with upcycled pink berry extract from the fragrance industry and delivers three times the washes of a standard liquid shampoo while using 50% less water.”

UpCircle achieved a £18m valuation during a successful crowdfunding campaign – how did that feel?

“It was an incredible experience for us. Seeing people believe in what we were building enough to invest was hugely emotional. We closed the round overfunded in less than 48 hours!”

You also received investment from Dragons’ Den’s Touker Suleyman and Tej Lalvani. Why do you think you succeeded where so many fail?

“We actually never accepted their investment! Yes, we shook hands on air, but after meeting with the Dragons following the show we decided not to proceed. Upcycling was not just a marketing message for us. It was the foundation of the business and something we genuinely believed in.”

With the business thriving, are there any luxuries you allow yourself which you couldn’t before?

“One of the biggest luxuries is simply having a brilliant team around us. In the early days my brother and I were doing everything ourselves, from packing orders to attending trade shows. Now we have an amazing team who bring expertise across different areas of the business. That allows us to focus more on the bigger picture.”

Affordability is also very much part of your brand’s ethos. Why is this so important to UpCircle?

“Sustainable choices should not be reserved for a small group of people. If we want sustainability to become the norm, it has to be accessible. That is why we work hard to keep our products competitively priced while maintaining high quality ingredients and responsible sourcing. We want customers to feel that choosing a more sustainable option is easy rather than a luxury.”

What are your top sellers?

“Our absolute top sellers include our Eye Cream, Face Moisturiser and Peptide Serum. The Peptide Serum is made with upcycled custard apple and blood orange water, and is clinically-proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% in just 14 days, which is HUGE! Customers often come for the sustainability story, but stay because the products genuinely work.”

And finally, what has been your most rewarding moment?

“It’s so hard to choose! Being commissioned to write a book filled with my DIY skincare recipes, being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30, winning £250,000 for my idea for UpCircle’s first ever TV advert – these are all things that I can’t actually believe happened! Seeing how the brand has grown from a small idea into a global business is something I feel very proud of.”

The post Interview: Anna Brightman: Co-Founder of Sustainable Skincare Brand UpCircle appeared first on Best of Living.

You come from retail royalty. What would you say is your earliest memory of the shop floor?

“I suppose it would be when I got a Saturday job at Browns under the ownership of Sir William Pigot-Brown. My family bought the business two years later, and while this was a lifetime ago, I still remember those early days and always try to lead by example. I don’t need to take boxes to the stockroom, but I do because it helps everyone.”

Your mother, Joan, was instrumental in bringing names like Calvin Klein to London. What are the style rules she taught you?

“I worked with my mother as an assistant from the age of 18 and learnt so much. ‘When in doubt, cut it out’ was her motto, and this always made editing collections easier.”

Selling Browns must have been emotional. What would you say prompted the move?

“I returned to London in 2008 having spent 20 years living and working in Paris for Sonia Rykiel — and after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the retail business was tough. The pub next door was demolished and replaced by Bosideng, and tunnelling for the Elizabeth Line was going on underneath our store. It was a crazy time with so much happening.”

How did you survive?

“It was thanks to a strong retail and online presence. However, what was becoming apparent was that we were trailing behind our competitors like Matches and Net-a-Porter in terms of online business. So, when José Neves of Farfetch approached us, it seemed to be the right move for everyone for him to acquire Browns, as clearly we lacked the experience and funding to match our competitors.”

Your business, The Place London, now resides on Brown’s original spot on South Molton Street. What’s your vision for the brand?

“When I opened The Place London in 2015 in Connaught Village, I wanted to continue to find talent and give designers a showcase to express themselves. I made a conscious choice not to go after any big brand but to offer ‘affordable luxury’ with a combination of craftmanship and technology, often with a timeless style to customers.”

How are you finding it?

“Customers are often pleasantly surprised to discover brands that they have never heard of. Mii and Cord are just a couple of examples of great designers offering original collections and great quality at affordable prices.”

You also have a branch in Paris. When there are there any places you always like to visit?

“Paris is my second home, and I fell in love with the shop located in the heart of St Germain, which is on a beautiful street called Rue de L’Odeon, which leads up to the Jardin du Luxembourg. My three daughters live in St Germain, so I usually hang out in the neighbourhood. There are so many good restaurants to choose from, along with galleries and small museums, which I love.”

You continue to champion independent and emerging designers as your mother did. How do you select designers for The Place?

“I do an awful lot of research, mostly at trade fairs where I can spot designers that have a strong identity that matches the ethos of The Place London.”

You also acquired Leathersmith of London in 2015, which recently received the Royal Warrant. Tell us about the brand.

“Leathersmith of London encompasses everything I champion. Heritage, craftmanship, technology, quality and good value. Instead of retiring after selling Browns, I did quite the opposite. I was a minority shareholder in Nealedataday Ltd., a family-run business producing Leathersmith and other brands in Canvey Island. Unfortunately, the company ran into financial difficulties, and it coincided at the time with the sale of Browns, so I was able to save it. Today we have a beautiful modern bindery that the Duchess of Edinburgh opened two years ago. The Royal Warrant was granted to Charfleet bookbindery for the calendars we supply to Buckingham Palace.”

You work hard — which must afford a few luxuries. What is your biggest indulgence today?

“My real luxury is to be able to do what I am doing, travelling a lot to interesting places. I realise that I will never make more money with my current businesses than I did with the sale of Browns, so it is a labour of love. I am indebted to my parents and sister for all the hard work they did over the past 40 years.”

When you do get a moment to unwind, what is your favourite way to spend the day?

“I love to go to the markets: Portobello and Goldborne road in London, or Vanves in Paris on a Saturday morning. I like to do some food shopping, buy the weekend newspapers and have a late breakfast nearby. I am also a keen tennis player and a member of the Campden Hill Lawn Tennis Club, so I often play there on a Saturday afternoon. But if I’m being honest, relaxing at home with my partner after a busy week and putting my feet up is my absolute favourite way to unwind.”

The post Interview: Luxury Fashion Retailer and Business Icon Simon Burstein appeared first on Best of Living.

Quality over quantity 

“We’ve noticed the multi-million-pound sales that used to dominate the headlines have slowed down recently. The real action now sits in the mid-market – strong works between £100,000 and £1 million. I think collectors are being more selective, but they’re still buying quality.”

Fresh talent

“There’s a real shift toward emerging names with serious momentum; artists backed by solid galleries, with growing online followings and credible exhibition histories. They’re not household names yet, but they’re attracting competitive bidding and healthy resale interest.”

Auctions are global

“Online bidding isn’t a side act anymore; it is the auction room. Around four out of five bidders now take part digitally. That’s opened the door for younger buyers and global participation. The energy of the room feels different, yes, but it’s just as exciting as you’re now competing with people in London, New York, and Hong Kong all at once.”

Less is more

“We always tell clients to buy better, not more. A single standout piece with strong provenance will hold its value far better than a handful of average works. Collectors are far more interested in what’s important, not what’s simply available.”

Private value

“When the open market tightens, private sales tend to flourish. Christie’s reported a rise of over 40% in private transactions last year. Discretion and certainty are key now: people still want to buy, but they want to do it quietly and smartly.”

Spread your investments

“Think of your art collections like building a portfolio. A good mix might include established blue-chip names for stability, a few mid-career or red-chip artists for growth, and perhaps one or two design or edition pieces to keep things interesting. That type of balance keeps you covered in any market.”

Cool collector

“The best buyers are calm ones. Set your ceiling before the sale and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in the adrenaline, let others do that. When it comes to art auctions, a steady hand wins more often than not.”

Rethink tradition

“Global art sales last year totalled around $57 billion, which is down about 12%, but the number of works sold actually rose. That tells us the appetite’s still there for great works; buyers are just being more thoughtful about where they spend. The ultra-high end has softened, but activity online and in private sales remains very strong. This is a great time to widen your collection.”

Disclaimer: This article is for editorial and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Art investments can fluctuate in value, and returns are not guaranteed. Readers should seek independent professional guidance before making any financial decisions. Prices, market data and availability were correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

The post Now’s the Time to Invest In Art and Reap Those Rewards appeared first on Best of Living.

The innovative and passionate approach to legal problems

Fitz Solicitors is a boutique law firm that offers personalised legal support for individuals, families and businesses. Established in 2006 and based within easy reach of London, the team covers a wide range of legal areas — including commercial law, family matters, litigation, property and immigration.

With a client-first approach, Fitz Solicitors delivers expertise with clarity and care. Their team takes the time to build trusted relationships, offering practical solutions tailored to your situation. Whether it’s business planning or personal protection, they provide reassuring legal support every step of the way.

Visit fitzsolicitors.co.uk

Revolutionising divorce paperwork

By Personal Touch offers an intuitive online platform that simplifies the completion of Financial Consent Orders and Child Arrangement Orders for couples who’ve reached mutual agreements post-separation. Their fixed-price service is designed to support both parties efficiently and affordably.

Backed by expert support, the user-friendly portal helps eliminate legal jargon and unnecessary delays. Trusted by family mediators and rated highly by clients, it’s a modern alternative to the traditional solicitor route — with clear pricing and compassionate service.

Visit davisandcofairford.com

Blending tradition with profitability

Tomoka Fine & Rare offers a curated whisky cask and bottle investment service from its base in London’s Royal Exchange. The company combines heritage appreciation with a clear understanding of investor goals, helping clients buy, sell and securely store fine spirits.

As with all investments, capital is at risk. The value of whisky can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Clients are advised to consider independent financial advice.

Visit invest.tfandr.com

Running a business is hard, so let’s make it easier

Capital on Tap empowers small businesses with fast, flexible credit and integrated spend tools. From cashback-earning cards to real-time accounting sync, their services help over 200,000 UK businesses streamline financial management.

Business owners can issue unlimited free company cards, set spending limits, and receive 24/7 support. Capital on Tap is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit capitalontap.com

The power of an outsourced family office

JTC Private Office offers a holistic, outsourced family office service — helping families manage financial and non-financial complexities with confidence. The team supports luxury asset planning, family governance, cross-border relocation and succession strategy.

Whether you’re acquiring a superyacht or planning for intergenerational wealth, JTC Private Office brings clarity and structure to modern family life. Their approach is collaborative, discreet and tailored to each client.

Visit jtcprivateoffice.com

Award-winning and fee-free mortgage advice

Cooper Associates Mortgages offers bespoke, fee-free guidance to help clients navigate the property finance market — from first-time buyers to seasoned landlords. Their experienced advisers search the whole of the market to find mortgage solutions that fit your needs.

With a personal, end-to-end service and no hidden fees, Cooper Associates supports clients across the UK with clarity and care. All mortgage applications are subject to status and affordability checks.

Visit thecooperway.com

Will your retirement savings last a lifetime?

Manning Gee Investments helps clients plan for sustainable retirement income with strategies designed to guard against inflation, tax and market volatility. Their personalised approach aligns financial security with your individual lifestyle goals.

The firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 844546). Capital at risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Visit mgi-ifa.co.uk

Covent Garden FX: trusted currency exchange

Covent Garden FX is a family-run foreign exchange provider based in the heart of central London. Co-owned by Emma Hayes, the company offers strong rates, nationwide delivery and tailored money transfer services.

Whether you’re heading abroad or managing business finances, Covent Garden FX combines convenience, experience and customer-first service. Always check rates and terms before high-value transfers.

Visit coventgardenfx.com

The post Strategic Advice, Smarter Spending and Long-term Peace of Mind appeared first on Best of Living.