When I’m being good to myself I’m up at 7am, I’ll make a quick coffee, scribble in my journal and head out for a run. This is probably five days of about 30 though haha! For the most part I’m up around 8am and head straight to the studio still dazed” Lucy Menghini of Six Stories on her lockdown daily routine
For Six Stories, tying the knot is “more than the day”. It is, in their words, “the moment you get engaged to when you check into your honeymoon suite” and they feel strongly, that “you shouldn’t have to wait until the day to feel like a bride.” Stocking everything from super luxe BRIDEY garms, to decadent CHAPTER hair silks, Instagram-worthy journals and dreamy tutu’s (just perfect for the little ones accompanying you down the aisle), Six Stories should be clicked on (and bookmarked) as soon as he pops the question. Behind-the-scenes of this unique brand is founder and creator, Lucy Menghini and a small team of passionate women who care deeply about every aspect of your day. I caught up with Lucy herself to get the low-down on her 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: “Disbelief, overwhelmed, reflective.”
After: “Proud, focused, eager.”
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“My days are a million times busier! I’ve been trying to be a lot more disciplined but I’m forever battling with myself to actually stick to a routine! When I’m being good to myself I’m up at 7am, I’ll make a quick coffee, scribble in my journal and head out for a run. This is probably five days of about 30 though haha! For the most part I’m up around 8am and head straight to the studio still dazed 😂.
I plan the day using my CGD London Getting Stuff Done planner and get straight into it. My eyes usually don’t leave my laptop until 6pm – ladies please tell me how you manage it all!”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“At the beginning of March we were gearing up to have our biggest three months ever, we had exhibitions planned, new products launching for our flower girl range and our seamstresses were prepping for the wedding rush of excited brides ordering the cutest tutus for their flower girls.
However, when Boris announced plans to close down the UK to combat Covid-19 the doom slowly sunk in. My husband Ross and I made a middle of the night mad dash from our home in Manchester – kitten on lap – to our hometown in Wiltshire where our studio and seamstresses are based in an attempt to switch things up and push through as best we can. I think the daunting responsibility of keeping our staff in their positions whilst all weddings were being cancelled just propelled us into absolutely smashing lock down.
So, life is incredibly different! I’ve gone from mainly managing our customer service, social, planning cute wedding shoots, etc. to unloading pallets, negotiating terms with new suppliers, photographing new products, shipping hundreds of sacks of BRIDEY garms and doing my best to support our brides.
Although we’ve managed to pull through it’s been a very swift great change to Six Stories.”
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “Lost Stock – millions of workers in countries like Bangladesh who are unpaid, and at risk of starvation. Go and support them asap!”
No.2 “Pop The Love – perfect wedding favours.”
No.3 “The NAP Co – a must for every girl.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“Haha, it’s very specific: a peanut Lion Bar.”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“When I’m feeling low it’s usually because I’m burnt out or overwhelmed so to combat this I’ll actively not follow any news and get off social for an extended amount of time.
I also break into my bible, The Book Of Joy, it’s the best.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“Hmm nothing foodie (Mother-in-law is keeping us very well fed) but definitely trying on fresh linens in Zara – swoon.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“The change in the business has been the greatest oddity – but a good very one! It’s helped to sharpen my focus on the direction we’re headed, so I guess through this great adversity we’ve adapted the business for the better.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“Good old WhatsApp.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Not being able to see my gorgeous best friends.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Spending so much time with my husband.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“Nanny 💔 she turned 84 on Tuesday and although socially distanced cream teas was lovely, she definitely is in need of a huge hug 😭”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“The insane support from all our brides, we’ve had the sweetest messages and gifts sent into the office. This time has really brought a community of wonderful girls together. It has kept me going when I’ve been so unsure about what the hell to do.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“Oh my gawdddd – the new jewellery we’re launching mid-July. We have the dreamiest collection of 14k gold & pearl earrings, necklaces and bracelet designs. They’re going to make amazing gifts for the girls, beautiful jewels for the wedding day and statement pieces for the everyday. I’ve not taken any of it off. I’m incredibly excited and cannot wait to show everyone what we’ve been up to!”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Having such a solid, happy relationship with my husband.”
No.2 “The sunshine over this period!! God can you imagine if it was awful!?”
No.3 “Our team, although it’s been a bit shaky we’ve stuck together and are pulling through stronger than ever.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“Tattu in Manchester.”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“I’m rubbish at keeping up with the latest on Netflix. I’m probably on my 100th series of Friends!”
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
“Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge – if you read one book this year let it be this. Also, Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight and Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari.”
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“Miraval Rosé (but I’m gagging for a good Marg!!)”
Want to discover more from Six Stories? Click here.
To read more WFH Diary entries from some of your favourite bridal brands, designers and boutiques on Bridal Editor, simply click here.
