To celebrate the opening of our new space, we thought what better way than to launch our new At Work With Series. We interviewed our founder Stephanie Hannington-Suen in our new studio in North Greenwich and found out about her inspirations, goals and how she balances home and work life.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what led you to start homework?
Hello, my name is Stephanie and I’m the founder of homework. My background is in graphic design and after working in the industry for 9 years for larger brands that weren’t aligned with my beliefs, I decided to start something for myself.

Growing up, my parents ran an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic which I would help out at on weekends. In some way, homework is an homage to them and I wanted to use my experiences to create a line of natural skincare and toxin-free home fragrances that apply a modern approach to ancient Chinese philosophy to help find balance.

The concept of timelessness and minimalism is at the forefront of your brand, what is it about it that inspires you?
I’ve always been a fan of minimalism and timelessness in graphic design and I think this has transferred into everything else I do. I think both of these concepts also help with the impact we as humans are having on the environment. I strongly believe in buying less but buying better. To not follow trends and to buy items that are timeless 
and designed to last. In turn, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

Talk us through a typical day at homework?
For anyone who knows me, they know that a typical day for me will always start with a to-do list. I find them so helpful with organising the day ahead. I usually get into the studio for around 9.30am and start with answering emails, admin and packing orders. For the second half of the day, I work on the production and manufacturing of our products. If it’s a bit quiet, then I get to have some fun and experiment on new products.

During the quieter periods, I get to work on the marketing of homework, planning shoots, working on our emails and social channels.

How do you find balance in your daily routine?
I’ve never been one to enjoy working in the evenings and I would say I’m definitely a morning person. I believe in the importance of taking time out for yourself and so to find balance, I make sure that I work only during the day and then have evenings off to myself. Whether it would be meeting up with friends, cooking a meal or watching TV.

Have you got any exciting plans lined up for homework?
We’ve recently launched our creative workshops in our new studio. First up is a natural perfume oil making class and we are planning many more. From candle to bath soak making. We hope to grow these next year so that people can come in and make their own cosmetic moisturisers and body oils too.

What are your aspirations for the future of homework?
One day, I’d love to develop our product offering especially our skincare apothecary range and perhaps look into even growing our own ingredients. At the moment, we’re taking each day as it comes and learning a lot along the way.

What is your favourite Homework scent and why?
It’s very difficult for me to pick just one favourite scent. I like to use different scents depending on the mood I’m feeling. If I could pick one product category instead of just one scent. At the moment, it would have to be our collection of bath soaks. I love our Wood Bath Soak when I’m wanting something restorative. Or our Garden Bath Soak when I’m wanting something luxurious to unwind or our Grove Bath Soak when I want something refreshing and uplifting.

You can shop Stephanie’s favourite homework products here and visit the studio by appointment. Simply send an email to info@homeworkstore.co.uk to arrange a time.

Follow homework on instagram @homework.store.