Biz Extra
Published: July 12, 2023 | Updated: 11th July 2023
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another 20 Questions, the weekly format which sees us posing some of Dorset’s leading lights a series of part fun, part serious questions.
Taking the hot seat this week is sustainable stylist Alice Nichol, Founder of Buddy and Noo Styling and Co-Founder of clothes swapping event Swish It.
She’s an advocate of loving your wardrobe who hates bad driving and being patronised, and there’s so many people she’d like to share a car with she’s had to fill every seat…
What is your favourite TV show?
Schitt’s Creek. We discovered it in lockdown and, although it took two or three episodes to get into, I just want to keep diving back in to it because there’s little bits you miss.
Who would you like to share a car with?
I’m using all four available seats: Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, my Grandfather and Christian Dior.
I’m quite into history, and particularly that era. I think the conversations you could have with all of them combined would be amazing.
The best bit of my job is..?
Showing people how to feel good, using their wardrobes.
And the worst?
Admin. I’m a creative, it’s just not my natural place.
Who was your childhood hero?
Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing. It was such a massive film for me as a kid. Her as person, what she goes through, the dancing, the aspirational side… no doubt.
What’s your favourite smell?
Rosemary, especially on a warm day somewhere like the Mediterranean, the rosemary just smells fantastic.
Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?
Anywhere by the sea, but especially West Bay, Bridport and Bradstock. I love it round there.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?
Be prepared to go on a bit of a journey of self-discovery, and don’t be afraid of change. If something shoves you in a different direction, go with it.
What was your first record/CD?
Oh dear… Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl. The first album was probably Oasis’ What’s the Story, Morning Glory? But yeah, the first single was Peter Andre.
What makes you angry?
Injustice, and being spoken to like I’m stupid, being patronised – it makes my blood boil.
Do you have a favourite piece of music?
Can’t Hold Us Back by Macklemore. Whenever I need a mood lift or a bit of motivation it hits the spot!
What qualities do you look for in a new employee?
With what I do, they have to be personable, amiable and friendly, but they also have to be able to think on their feet because a lot of it is instinctive and thinking in the moment.
What’s your favourite food or dish?
Anything involving seafood. Give me a big plate of seafood and I’m happy as anything and if it’s got a lovely glass of Chablis on the side then even more so.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
My journal, my favourite denim shirt and probably old photos – I love looking through a pile of old photos.
What’s the best thing about living/working in Dorset?
The sea, I relocated from Kent and London to be here. My grandparents lived here when I was a kid, and as soon as I was able to I moved here, and a big part of that is for the sea.
What would surprise people the most about you?
I used to play competitive Badminton for Kent, I tried out for the England squad. I might have gone further if not for boys.
What’s your biggest frustration?
Bad driving. It can effect so many people. Hogging the middle lane really winds me up.
Where’s your favourite holiday location?
Lindos in Rhodes. It’s my happy place, it’s where I got married. Sometimes you go somewhere and instantly connect – I go there and I don’t want to be anywhere else in the world.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
With multiple Swish It locations and being the leading sustainable stylist in Dorset, Hampshire and the South West.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Bringing the wardrobe love. It has such a knock-on effect. If people love their wardrobes more, they’ll feel better, they’ll have more money, it will help the environment because there will be less of a demand for fast fashion.
The difference it would make if even 5,000 people loved their wardrobe a bit more would be massive.
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On 20 July, Alice will host a Sustainable Style evening at Two Rivers Refill in Christchurch, including drinks on arrival, a talk exploring 3 areas of sustainable fashion and a question and answer session.
For more information and tickets, click here.