When The Stars Align - Victoria and Grace

Victoria and Grace Sheppard are sisters and business partners and the inspiring founders of Queens of Mayfair; an artisan coffee shop with deep values connected to supporting responsible consumption and a welcoming community. In this episode, we speak of the importance of ethical values and how family help you define your legacy.  KEY TAKEAWAYS COVERED IN THE PODCAST  Working in the area and having roots there, the sisters felt something was missing in their Mayfair community in terms of coffeeshop options and was Grace who one day found herself in front of the family office building when the inspiration hit that there could be a coffee shop in that space and combined with their understanding the area and what people wanted, and their knowledge in branding and sourcing high products, they felt confident that they could tackle the project together. It was a space that offered a local place to meet while offering the highest grade products while supporting responsible consumption and high standards of ethical practice.  Legacy influenced the decision they made in opening Queens of Mayfair and started with the absolutely certain that their grandmother, who had recently passed, would have encouraged them to do it.  The tea they serve is the tea their grandmother gave them growing up and has ties to the town she grew up in, in Ireland. They also use products sourced from Dorset which is where they’re from.  They are mindful of the legacy of their grandparents and this influences them on a daily basis.  Legacy for them on a personal note is having a beautiful family and being able to provide for them, and offer inspiration.  But in terms of the legacy they want to leave with the business, there is still a lot they want to achieve with the brand, and will continue to grow organically and authentically.  But one element of that, is being part of the conversation that says, yes of course women can do that, of course women can achieve their goals.  Women succeeding in business is the norm, not the exception. For Grace, jewellery is sentimental and she generally won’t take anything off unless it falls off. She loved wearing her mum's engagement ring and only stopped when a stone got loose and she wears rings that belonged to her grandma.  Victoria loves her watches but two special pieces are an old-style diamond ring her mum gave her for her 21st birthday which in turn had been gifted to her by Victoria’s father to celebrate Victoria’s birth.  She’s considering having it remodelled into several pieces.  Another special piece is a necklace that her grandmother wore every day which has a diamond in her grandma’s star sign.  And while she doesn't wear it, she holds it often and it feels like a good luck charm.   Then there’s the necklace that Grace and their mum gave her for her 30th birthday which is special for the sentimental value but also because it’s a beautiful pearl Van Cleef shamrock and it reminds her of her grandmother. Grace has had a turquoise ring commissioned 10 - 15 years ago because she was on the hunt and couldn’t find one as she was very particular about what she wanted.  She also hopes to be involved in the design of her engagement ring.   Their parting advice to living a meaningful life - you only have one life so you need to have true passion, follow a vision and take that leap of faith and have the courage to break free from your comfort zone. Do things that have authenticity to who you are as a person.  LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE  Queens of Mayfair  Roseanna Croft Jewellery Website   Find Roseanna Croft Jewellery on Instagram  Find Me on Instagram