Kelly Hoppen, MBE
Kelly Hoppen is an interior designer and entrepreneur whose designs feature on www.kellyhoppen.com. As a dragon on BBC 2's Dragon's Den, Hoppen influences and mentors a new generation of entrepreneurs. She has designed interiors for everything from hotels and homes to yachts and private jets and was named Woman of the Year at the 2014 Women of the Future awards.
1. What was your biggest career break?
There are a couple at different stages of my career. The first one was undeniably when I got my first job at 16 in design. I always wanted to be an interior designer and it opened the door for me to move forward in my career in a job that I was incredibly passionate about. Then when I wrote my book East Meets West – soon my style was everywhere. Also winning awards like the Andrew Martin Award and my MBE.
2. Have you had a notable mentor – and if so what was it about them that was so inspiring?
My mother. She taught me a lot personally and professionally. She is and has always been inspiring and passionate, and she is still working as hard as ever!
3. What one piece of advice would you give to the 20-year-old you?
Never limit yourself to what you think you can reach. You can go as far as your mind lets you! All you need to do is believe, get started and don’t stop moving.
4. What qualities to do you look for in new recruits?
Confidence is key. I know it's a cliché but it's true. If you don’t believe in yourself, how is anyone meant to believe in you? It is also important to be passionate and driven; self-motivation can make a real difference in the design industry.
5. Who do you admire and why?
Oh I admire so many people! From Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan for their amazing work and philosophy, to John Frieda. They have all achieved so much and stayed true to their brands. Needless to say I’m a big admirer of my girls Natasha, Sienna and Savannah – they are all so talented and work incredibly hard.
6. What does the future of your industry look like?
Bright! The design industry is forever evolving, that’s what is fabulous about this industry. There are so many interesting concepts coming from all over the world and I feel constantly inspired when I travel.
7. If you hadn’t chosen your current career, what would you have done instead?
I’ve always wanted to be an interior designer - it’s what I feel I was born to do. I wasn’t very academic at school, but I loved art and design and it has always been a passion of mine. I guess if I had to choose another career, I would have loved to get into acting.
8. What is your biggest extravagance?
My biggest extravagance is always holidays – I work very hard so when I go on holiday I want the best and I make sure I really enjoy every minute.
9. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and why? (you can invite three people – they must be alive)
I would say my dream dinner party guests would be Pharrell Williams, the Dalai Lama and Sir Terence Conran. I think all of them together would bring a very interesting dinner conversation.
10. What do you do to relax away from work?
My favourite way to relax is to spend time in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle. I love to spend time with my partner and my family, eating, drinking and generally spending quality time together without work distractions.
11. If you could change one thing about Britain today, what would it be?
I recently supported the Anti-Bullying Week campaign as an ambassador to raise awareness to this cause in Britain. I was so inspired by the courage of the children I met and I and came away with a renewed view on how we can end this within the classroom.
12. What would your last meal be?
Anything that my daughter Natasha cooks is amazing and also super healthy – I love her food.
