Amanda’s hard work, coupled with her strong entrepreneurial flare, has inspired her to set up her successful and expanding brand – Connock London.

Connock London exclusively uses natural ingredients in the making of their linen sprays, candles and diffusers. The unique fragrances are ideal for bridal shops looking to scent their boutiques. Shops can then upsell the fragrances to their brides who will be reminded of their special shopping experience every time they use the scent.

The master-mind behind the brand, Amanda, tells us about her fascinating background in business.

What inspired you to set up Connock London?

With a background in horticulture and biochemistry, my parents Alan and Elizabeth Connock used their 12 years of technical experience in the industry to set up the family business A&E Connock in 1973.

I spent my childhood sampling perfumes, making scented bath salts and creating floral waters in buckets from rose petals and cherry blossoms with my brother and sister. After completing a university degree, I joined the family business where I gained valuable knowledge and experience in sourcing speciality cosmetic ingredients and working with producers from all over the world.

I realised there was an opportunity to create a legacy beyond the family business and to develop products using my experience and family heritage in the world of beauty and fragrance. It was from here that Connock London was born in 2010.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting Connock London?

I have three key lessons: Trust your gut instinct, if it does not feel right, don’t do it and surround yourself with people you trust and who share your passion. I have also learnt that passion and creativity are essential, however, you will only achieve your goals through hard work.

Who are your most inspirational women?

I am lucky to have lots of inspirational women in my life. My mother is top of the list followed by my sisters and my best friend. Then there’s also Tracey Woodward (CEO of Aromatherapy Associates), Nancy Cruickshank (British entrepreneur), Angela Rowley (British entrepreneur) and Charlie McCorry (CEO of Perfect 10 Black Label), who have all helped me to believe in myself and changed my life in different ways.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Making a difference to someone’s everyday life through Connock London products gives me the most satisfaction. I received a note recently from a client saying how the Connock London Wonder Balm was the only thing that soothed the very sore eczema around her eyes. In fact, I regularly receive emails from brides thanking me for creating the scent they wore on their wedding day - those moments definitely make it all worth it!

What does your typical working day look like?

A typical day starts with an early rise at 6am for breakfast with my son Harry, daughter Ava and husband James. E-mails are always flooding in by this point, however, I really try to spend this precious time with my family and not looking at my phone. I arrive at the office in the New Forest for 8.30am and immediately check my e-mails and calendar to prepare for any meetings with the team or externally.

My days can vary a lot which I love, however, typically I am working on new product development, speaking to press, meeting with potential retail partners and working on collaborations and partnerships. I try to always be home to collect the children from preschool, bath and bed time and then I work for a few hours in the evening. I try to fit in some exercise too, especially if I have been in the office all day!

5 Interesting Facts About Amanda:

1. I set up Connock London from a small and very cold garage at my family home.
2. I met my husband James while on a temporary contract at Crabtree & Evelyn before I established Connock London – he is now a commercial pilot.
3. A family trip to the North Shore of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands was the inspiration for my first fragrance collection, Kukui.
4. I grew up in an old Mill House which is the former home of artist Ben Nicholson, and Lucien Freud was a frequent visitor.
5. My guilty pleasure is French cheese and going on a cheese tour around France is on my bucket list!

We hope that Amanda’s entrepreneurial and motivated outlook has inspired you this Wednesday. If you know a Wonder Woman within or external to our industry, then get in touch with Bridal Buyer’s Content Assistant, Sophie, at sophie.braybrook@oceanmedia.co.uk.

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