People often ask how I manage to balance running my luxury fragrance business while raising a family. Honestly, it all comes down to having a solid routine that keeps everything flowing smoothly. Life at Chandrika Thomas London is always lively, and my days are beautifully full, here’s a little glimpse into how I make it all work.
Right now, we’re constantly on the go. Since June, we’ve been busy exhibiting at the Hampton Court Flower Show, curating new oils, and perfecting our blends. Every day is a new adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My mornings start early, sometimes as early as 4 am. I love the stillness of those early hours. It’s dark and peaceful outside, and the only sound is the gentle chittering of birds, like nature’s personal alarm for me. Those quiet moments are when I plan my day. Staying organised is key for me; I can’t stand feeling rushed or unprepared.
After I’ve planned out my day, I roll out my yoga mat for a Vinyāsa flow. This type of yoga mirrors my life, it’s all about moving seamlessly from one moment to the next. Yoga strengthens me, both mentally and physically, and sets me up perfectly for whatever lies ahead.
Mornings are when my creativity comes alive. I’m usually immersed in production, revisiting projects like my upcoming tea range, enamel bracelets, or Shibori silk scarves. I’m always designing, tasting, smelling, or feeling, it’s a sensory feast. And of course, there are Zoom meetings sprinkled in to keep everything on track.
Once my family comes down for breakfast, I shift gears to mum mode. I check homework, pack school bags, and hop in the car for the school run. Ollie, our little pup, often tags along, happily perched on my son’s lap. While waiting for school to start, I read with my son, it’s a special moment for us before the day gets going.
After the school drop-off, I head to my boutique in Kew, which feels like a second home. It’s a beautiful space where my creativity flourishes. Ollie has his special pillow to lounge on while I dive into orders, work with my marketing team, and oversee production. For lunch, I might pop into Gail’s for an almond croissant or a salad, or visit The Kew Inn.
Afternoons are for recharging and inspiration. Ollie and I often take a walk by the river or in the park, it’s therapeutic for both of us. Sometimes, I visit Kew Gardens to clear my mind and draw inspiration from the lush greenery. It’s here that many of my ideas are born.
Back at the boutique, it’s full steam ahead with admin, designing, and creating. Before every Zoom meeting, I spritz on one of my fragrances. it’s my mindset in a bottle, and I feel incomplete without it. However, when I’m developing new scents, I avoid wearing perfume to keep my senses sharp and my ideas fresh.
By 5 pm, I’m usually back home, helping my son with his homework or cheering him on at swimming or rowing. Dinner is always a family affair. I love making a tajine, it’s quick, creative, and perfect for our busy evenings. We all sit down together, with Ollie gazing up at us from under the table, hoping for a little treat.
Evenings are my time to unwind. I might do Yin yoga or treat myself to an Ayurvedic massage, it’s the perfect way to relax after a long day. Then, I settle in to watch a lifestyle programme, Monty Don is a favourite of mine, before drifting off to sleep around 10 pm, ready to rise early and do it all again.
Every day is a dance between family and business, and while it’s busy, it’s also incredibly rewarding. This balance is what keeps me inspired, grounded, and endlessly passionate about what I do.
