“Does wine count? Asking for a friend…” Emma-Jane Maclachlan on her favourite isolation snack
Emma-Jane Maclachlan is a freelancer in the wedding industry that I’ve known for some time (we met through the bridal shoe genius that is Charlotte Mills). This girlboss is known for her multi-tasking abilities (between me and you, I’m not convinced she has only two hands), including managing social media channels, whipping up click-worthy Instagram shoots, creating content and nailing branding for multiple clients. I also applaud her for mentioning vino at least three times in the below Q&A (something that is also very dear to my own heart #howhaveIdrunkhalfabottlealready). Read on to discover how ejm social is handling lockdown…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before: “Anxious. Frustrated. Overwhelmed.”
After: “Grateful. Inspired. Calm.”
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“I’m definitely taking my mornings a little slower, getting up around 8am. Since lockdown I now start my mornings enjoying a cup of coffee and reading for half an hour before heading to my desk to start work for the day. It’s so nice to have time to wake up without being in front of a screen first thing in the morning.”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“I’ve been very lucky with the fact I’m able to continue working from home and carry on almost as usual. I am missing working from coffee shops as a change of scenery though…
My job is done 95% online, so most of my days are filled with doing lots of client work, things like social media management and some at home photoshoots for Instagram, which has been great for having something to keep me busy! I’ve also been doing more virtual video calls rather than meetings in-person over coffee, which has been really lovely.
If you’re a brand in need of some help with your social media or branding, then I’d love to help, drop me a DM on Instagram and we can chat!”
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
“I enlisted Georgina’s help a few weeks ago with some alterations for a family cruise, which was meant to be happening this month and has now been postponed till next year! Georgina is a friend I met through Instagram, that creates beautiful bespoke bridal pieces and also does alterations. My dresses will be all set for my 2021 cruise!”
No.2 The Art File
“A local Nottingham stationary and greeting card business, that is actually based just down the road from our flat. I did an order of a few cards a couple of weeks ago, so I’m all stocked up for friends lockdown birthdays.”
No.3 Effy
“As soon as lockdown is lifted, I’ll be heading straight for a flat white at Nottingham’s most Instagram-worthy coffee shop.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“Does wine count? Asking for a friend…”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“A video call with my friends and a glass of wine! Or some phone free/offline time.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“Flour! I think everyone must be baking at the moment…”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“I gave my boyfriend a haircut…it was semi-successful!”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“WhatsApp!”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Not being able to see family and friends, and not having any outdoor space to enjoy the sunshine. And, cancelled holidays!”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Having more time to spend with my boyfriend, and way more make-up free days!”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My family, my best friend and her baby!”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“My birthday was during the first week of lockdown, so our plans went out the window. But my family drove to us to give me my presents (in the carpark of our flat building) while adhering to social distancing of course! It was very strange not being able to get close or hug them, but it was such a nice gesture that was really appreciated.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“I’ve been working on more branding projects with clients which has been really fun and exciting. So, this is an area of my business I’m hoping to expand over the next few months. And I’ve been focusing more on photography recently which has been really lovely, any new snaps and updates will be posted on my Instagram @ejmsocial.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “The internet!”
No.2 “The NHS.”
No.3 “That I can work from home, with minimal disruptions.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“Sexy Mama Loves Spaghetti – a great Italian in Nottingham.”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“I was actually ‘off work’ last week so I got through more Netflix than I’d care to admit.. but I loved Sex Education and Never Have I Ever. For a film recommendation, Netflix have added You’ve Got Mail, which is an all time fave of mine.”
#18 What would be on your quarantine book list?
“I’m currently reading #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amaruso, inspired by your recommendation! It’s really good so far, I’m about halfway through at the moment. And next on my list is Work Like a Woman by Mary Portas.”
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“Nothing beats a glass of wine for me, but if I had to choose a cocktail it would be a mojito,” says Emma-Jane Maclachlan.
Want to discover more about Emma-Jane Maclachlan and her freelance services? Click here.
Read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite brands and designers, big and small, here on Bridal Editor.
