WFH Diaries | With Jade Alexandra

“So, groundbreaking news, I’m not really a hugger. It’s just not my thing, I think I’m too lanky or something for it. Although my little niece Penelope will be getting a huge squeeze when we are reunited!” Jade Alexandra on the first person she’ll hug when lockdown is over

She’s the owner and curator of a pink pampus-filled bridal den situated in Coleraine, Northern Ireland and a coveter of badass, breaking-the-rules bridal style: Jade Alexandra is a bossbabe with a serious amount of style. Having opened the boutique last year (a glorious, GLOSSY, cool bridal haven where those with a ROCK on their finger can lounge around on pink stuffed sofas amongst epic bridal designer dresses and glimmering neon lights) Jade Alexandra is set to turn one this 2020 (in a rather strange time, admittedly). So, we wanted to kick-start her birthday celebrations early with a WFH Diary entry and get her lockdown lowdown…

#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. Nervous. Unsure.”

After: “Motivated. Grateful. Hopeful.”

#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…

“Life has definitely slowed down, and is it bad that I’m kinda enjoying it? I note down a to-do list every evening for the following day and I feel that has kept me on track. Don’t get me wrong, there has been top-knot-PJ-days but usually everyday consists of shipping orders from our online store and social media!”

#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?

“Ah it really is heartbreaking and so many of us are all feeling the same. At the end of this month our business will be turning one, so this sure has financially affected our first year of trading. Positive mindset brings positive things, so I am always thinking of new ways to grow the business – and people are incredible. I am forever grateful for the support J/A has received since we opened our doors and I am hoping our brides and the industry will cheer us on!”

#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…

No.1 “Ivy & Gold – we have recently collaborated with our BRIDEY bracelets and I love working with her!”

No.2 “Millson & Berry – my pampas queens! The girls bring all my visions to life!”

No.3 “Lori Muldoon – her fresh, aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed has been so inspiring during all of this. I just love her vibe and her jewels!”

#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?

“So, it started with sweetcorn fritters every morning (I’m obsessed with Emma Louise Connolly, and whatever she does, I do!) and now it’s Nutella…by the jar!”

#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?

“Vino is always the answer. Jokes! Luckily, I live right on the beach, so my pick-me-up is heading out for a big walk or cycle with a banging playlist and I return my usual sassy self!”

#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…

“This is so funny as I found it today and danced in the aisle. It’s also a super random one, nectar agave for my margaritas!”

#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…

“Realising that I actually enjoy cooking. My boyfriend is a chef, so it’s just the daily procedure that he does all of the cooking in our house. I am usually really impatient, so now I have the time, I’m kinda loving it!”

#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?

“Whatsapp & FaceTime is a saviour right now!”

#10 Name your lockdown hate:

“How I seem to spend every hour cleaning, tiding or organising the house and before you know it, it’s messy again!”

#11 Name your lockdown love:

“Frozen margaritas!”

#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?

#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?

“Our J/A Bride Tribe have been unbelievable, their kindness has been totally overwhelming with their online purchases from our website to support me.”

#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?

“I’ve been working on a lot of things BTS – we have recently announced that we are adding two brand new designers onto rails – Love Story & Evie Young. It’s so nice to have something new to look forward to when we can reopen. We also have an exciting new product coming to our online store soon, something which I’ve been meaning to create for ages and it’s nice to now finally have the time!”

#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:

No.1 “Front line workers & our NHS. We really are so fortunate!”

No.2 “To live right on the beach, especially when the sun is shining! It’s making my lockdown daily exercise outings dreamy!”

No.3 “Forever grateful that I followed my heart and opened my studio last year. Life is so precious and I’m missing my lil pink den, my job and of course my brides so much! It’s clarification that this is where I’m supposed to be in my life, doing my fashion-forward bridal thaaang!”

#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?

“Ah, well my boyfriend and his family run a complex of restaurants so I’ll be the first gal there! So hard to choose but I think I’ll opt for tapas at Basalt, so I can order everything and have no guilt.”

17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?

“I’ve gone old-school and have restarted Gossip Girl! XOXO.”

#18 What would be your quarantine book list?

“Becoming by Michelle Obama, This is going to hurt by Adam Kay, & Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams have been my top three so far.”

#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?

“Obviously, I’ve gotta go for my frozen margarita, don’t wanna put my own tiara on…BUT I’m the queen at whizzing them up!”

Want to discover more about Jade Alexandra? Click here.

Read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite brands and designers here on Bridal Editor.