capturing whimsy

This is the perfect episode for February, the month of Valentines. Kara and her husband own the Green Label Kitchen, a commercial private hire kitchen and catering company situated in the Bad Hand Roastery warehouse in Bournemouth. Living together, cooking together and raising their kids together they have built a forward thinking vegan kitchen as well as a thriving community on love and a shared enjoyment in cooking, wellness, food and community. In this episode Kara joins me to talk about her journey as a chef and as a vegan, her experience slowly building her own personal chef brand and collaborating with her husband on Green Label Kitchen. We also talk about quality time, imposter syndrome, new projects and finding balance between home and work.Kara Hayward Vegan Chef websiteKara Hayward Vegan Chef InstagramGreen Label Kitchen websiteGreen Label Kitchen InstagramRecorded on ZoomIntro music credits | Calvin Clavier This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Simon Gudgeon is the perfect guest to kick off 2026; as well as being a highly acclaimed sculptor he is also a trained breath work instructor, yoga instructor and sound bath practitioner. Simon is also the co-creator and co-owner of Sculpture by the Lakes with his wife, Monique. As well as creating a gorgeous one-of-a-kind sculpture park in their back garden, (Sculpture by the Lakes is a specialist botanical garden; working with Kew Gardens and Edinburgh Botanical Gardens to ensure the safe preservation of endangered species.) they have also expanded into the wellness sector, introducing Simon’s brand The Sculpted Soul which specialises in retreats, sound baths and more recently courses you can do from the comfort of your own home and routine.So if you’re looking for something fresh, insightful, motivating and unique then welcome to this first episode of 2026. Simon and I will be talking about the reality of being a sculptor, taking a chance, following your gut, burrowing down rabbit holes of (healthy) obsession and (of course) his brand new course with The Sculpted Soul: From Thought to Destiny which you can purchase via the link below.Sculpture by the LakesSound baths and Wellness Retreats at Sculpture by the LakesThe Sculpted SoulSimon Gudgeon SculpturesThe Sculpted Soul SubstackThe Sculpted Soul: Thought to Destiny CourseThe Sculpted Soul: Nervous System ResetRecorded at The Old School House, BoscombeIntro music credits | Calvin Clavier This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Join me this month for a bubbly and informative chat with Dannie from Blotted Ink Photography and Dannie Carter Photography.We’re talking wedding photography, considering trends, the impact of AI on photographers, inclusivity in the wedding industry, books and bubble baths.Dannie is a queer photographer based in Devon focusing on diversity, love in all its forms and making wedding photography as inclusive as possible. She also offers business and personal photography packages so whatever you’re looking for get in touch with her and check out all the links below!Blotted Ink WebsiteBlotted Ink InstagramBlotted Ink FacebookBlotted Ink Portfolio Dannie Carter Photos Instagram Dannie Carter Photos Website A Novel Evening PodcastA Novel Evening InstagramRecorded on ZoomIntro music credits | Calvin Clavier This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Join me this month on the Solemniko Podcast with my guest Emma Roff. We’re chatting all things whimsical, dreamy and independent, as well as of course covering Emma’s photography journey and practice.Emma offers photography services to independent creatives and business owners who want their products or their professional portraits to accurately reflect their work. She has also recently opened up spaces as a wedding photographer, so make sure to check out her amazing business via the links below.Substack: https://substack.com/@emmaroffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaroffphotos/?hl=enWedding Photography Gallery: https://emmaroffweddingphotography.myportfolio.com/galleryWebsite: https://www.emmaroff.comIn the episode Emma mentions Josie Mitchell Jewellery, you can find Josie’s work via this link: https://josiemitchelljewellery.comIntro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded at The Old School House, Boscombe, Bournemouth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I am joined by the lovely Polly Callder. Artist, musician, writer and folklore enthusiast; she also has a passion for the colour blue (but more on that in the episode!). Polly and I have a cosy chat about art, inspiration, the importance of positive associations with creativity from a young age, role models and moving through the creative markets as an independent.This is an insightful, authentic and wonderfully generous discussion on how to be an artist in a world where the idea of ‘art’ and an ‘artistic life’ is quite fixed - and why this shouldn’t be the case.Discover Polly’s Substacklinktr.ee/pollycallderInstagram: @pollycallderLéonie's Website | https://www.leoniecronin.com/Polly’s Playlists:Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by an old Uni friend. Harry Penwell works as a professional writer by day and runs his own theatre production company and freelance writing services in his free time. His first play (written, produced and directed by him) has just debuted with his production company ‘Harry Penwell Presents’. For anyone who missed the first showing of this beautifully original piece, there is a second run at the end of September! We talk about plays, going down the less traditional route of self-publishing, balancing a business with full-time employment, movies and why we still need human writers despite what AI seems to offer.Tickets for Once Upon An Autumn https://mkgallery.org/whats-on/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harryp_presents/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577935800925LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/harry-penwell-presents/Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/HarryPenwellWritesWebsite https://harrypenwellwrites.wordpress.com/websites-and-useful-links/Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I am joined by Ana from The Universe of Ana and Collage Types. As well as being a collage artist, Ana is also a poet. With a book of her poems published and a second edition hot off the press, there’s a lot to be excited about.In this episode we talk about poetry, performance, self-publishing, art and changing paths. Ana even gives a live performance of her favourite poem for us!Buy Ana’s book on Amazon | Planting Seeds for the SoulFollow her on Instagram at The Universe of Ana and Collage TypesOr discover more on the Solemniko DirectoryRecorded at The Old School House in Boscombe, Bournemouth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Surfer, teacher, mentor and free spirit Dani from The Soulty Surfer is my guest for this month. We talk about Buddhism, sitting with silence, life paths, rock bottom, speaking our truths - and lots lots more!The Solemniko DirectoryThe Soulty SurferNewsletter signupWant to know more about Dani’s work, events and classes? Find everything you need in the SOLEMNIKO Directory. Alternatively head straight to her website.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded at The Old School House, Boscombe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I am joined by Rakhee Jasani who teaches me all about Qigong and yoga. As a teacher of both she also brings insights into how our modern world has left behind the true meaning of these ancient practices. So get yourself a cup of something comforting and dive right in.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to know more about Rakhee’s work as a Qigong and yoga teacher? Find everything you need in the SOLEMNIKO Directory or go to Rakhee’s audios for a calming meditation session. Alternatively head straight to her website at Rakhee Jasani Qigong & yoga This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Join me for a cosy and informative chat on candle-making, archaeology, the power of our olfactory senses and why sustainability is about more than the credentials on the box with my guest this month: Ash Airey owner of Ashwood Candles.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to know more about Ash’s work with Ashwood Candles? Find everything you need in the SOLEMNIKO Directory or go straight to Ash’s website at Ash Wood CandlesRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com