This week on #TheBite, we're chatting to Founder of Beacon & Armour, a company founded to celebrate design and honour craftsmen in selling small-batch limited edition products that are meaningful and transparent. Ash Stephenson talks to us about the importance of prioritising relationships and the secret to finding balance when life gets busy.
Tell us a little bit about what you do and how you came to be doing that?
Since I remember, I've always been trying to solve problems and improve the world as we know it. As the years have gone by, I've been involved in starting multiple projects: a library music app, fashion brands, modular housing and financial solutions.
What drives you to do what you do?
Transformation, seeing results and change.
Following this past year of COVID19 and the global upheaval we've all experienced in different ways, we at BOBBIE'S feel that as a result we're really feeling the need for more 'balance' in life; balance in the choices we make, balance for a healthy mindset, finding balance in the things we enjoy and balancing what we all do with the way we put back into society and support others.
How has your perspective on life or work perhaps altered given your experiences of this past year?
If anything, this year has highlighted the importance of relationships and how we prioritise our lives and resources around them. What is life without relationships, and what is work without life?
Where you do see the need or the advantages of balance in your own work/life perspectives?
To learn to be present at all times. As entrepreneurs, we often think about the future and allow the present moments to pass us by.
When it comes to balancing treats and moderation -
What's your biggest #treatyoself indulgence?
A tub of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough, lol.
Your self-care non-negotiables?
A good nights sleep, keeping my space in order, allowing myself to feel - in whatever way I need to in the moment and a day off every week.
During a busy period, how do you stay balanced?
I remember asking a very busy friend once how he is so successful in all he does. He said, "time management". I know that sounds cliche, but self-care, work/life balance is all about managing your time at the end of the day.
What do you do to relax? (activities, sports, indulgences, tv, cuisine, etc…)
Surf, coffee shops and reading a good book.
Your no.1 tip for a healthy mindset?
Celebrate your progress.
Your ideal brownie combination?
Salted caramel yumminess.
Now for your recommendations, tell us about your favourite…
Dish you're loving?
Bowl of ramen
Series on Netflix?
Stranger Things
Podcast you're listening to?
BibleProject
Most recent guilty pleasure?
Rewatching The Office US
Thanks Ash!
You can find and follow Ash at @ashwstephenson and @beacon.armour
