Brighton Diaries
VOL.2
GEM’S WHOLESOME KITCHEN
BRIGHTON DIARIES
VOL.4
GEM’S WHOLESOME KITCHEN
BRIGHTON DIARIES
Gemma Phillips-Ogston
In our second instalment of our Brighton Diaries series, we speak to Gemma Phillips-Ogston author of The Healing Cookbook – a plant-based recipe book featuring nourishing dishes that make you feel better and stay well. We discuss her considered approach to picking seasonal produce as well as what she’s working on next.
Photographer: Betty Maguire.
Brighton Diaries
Gemma
Phillips-Ogston
In our second instalment of our Brighton Diaries series, we speak to Gemma Phillips-Ogston author of The Healing Cookbook – a plant-based recipe book featuring nourishing dishes that make you feel better and stay well. We discuss her considered approach to picking seasonal produce as well as what she’s working on next.
Photographer: Betty Maguire.
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen born?
GWK started when we were living in Barcelona nine years ago. I started cooking for travelling DJs making bento box picnics for long-haul flights. The little business grew, and soon, I had set up a takeaway business from my apartment and started cooking every day. We moved back to Brighton two years later and I set up GWK from home. Word of mouth spread, and the business grew. The rest is history.
Describe your typical day.
Every day is so different for me – one day I could be catering for an event for a brand and the next working with the council to create recipes for schools. Recently I have been concentrating on book three, recipe development and brand collaborations.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
Take your time and don’t rush into saying yes. Learning to say no has been the biggest and most important lesson for me. Also following my gut instinct and only taking on work that aligns with my values.
What challenges have you faced setting up your own business?
Covid was a huge challenge for me. My husband was also working with me, so trying to carry on with the business and having the kids at home was so hard. The cost-of-living crisis has hit small food businesses – my business has changed so much over the past few years, and I am still finding my feet again, but I am so lucky to have found new opportunities and am looking outside of the box for working in a different way.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen born?
GWK started when we were living in Barcelona nine years ago. I started cooking for travelling DJs making bento box picnics for long-haul flights. The little business grew, and soon, I had set up a takeaway business from my apartment and started cooking every day. We moved back to Brighton two years later and I set up GWK from home. Word of mouth spread, and the business grew. The rest is history.
Describe your typical day.
Every day is so different for me – one day I could be catering for an event for a brand and the next working with the council to create recipes for schools. Recently I have been concentrating on book three, recipe development and brand collaborations.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
Take your time and don’t rush into saying yes. Learning to say no has been the biggest and most important lesson for me. Also following my gut instinct and only taking on work that aligns with my values.
What challenges have you faced setting up your own business?
Covid was a huge challenge for me. My husband was also working with me, so trying to carry on with the business and having the kids at home was so hard. The cost-of-living crisis has hit small food businesses – my business has changed so much over the past few years, and I am still finding my feet again, but I am so lucky to have found new opportunities and am looking outside of the box for working in a different way.
What do you love about Brighton?
What don’t I love? I love the colours, the attitude, the vibe, and the sense of community spirit. Brighton is the best place to live and have a small business. I have been so supported by the local community, and I feel blessed to live here and to bring my kids up here.
What do you take into consideration when selecting produce?
I like to use local and seasonal produce because it supports the community, and seasonal is how we are supposed to eat. We recently got an allotment so we will be growing our own soon. It’s such an exciting project.
Wardrobe staple?
Must be dungarees when I’m cooking. It’s kind of like my uniform – I have so many pairs and LOVE the ones I just got from ALIGNE.
Favourite piece from ALIGNE?
Obsessed with the Gabriella denim dress. It’s so cute and you can dress it down with trainers or dress it up with ankle boots. It’s so me, I love it.
You’re known for your considered approach; how does this impact your decision when curating your wardrobe?
My wardrobe is very eclectic with pieces I have collected over the years and most of them have a story to tell. I love colour but am trying to curate more key pieces and finally build a capsule wardrobe.
What’s next for you?
Family is a priority for me now. Being a teenager these days is so hard, so being there for my kids is number one. Workwise, I’m focusing on book three and carrying on delicious cooking for all sorts of people. Community work is very important for me, and I work a lot with the schools and council to help educate the community on how to eat better for less. I am also an ambassador for the charity, FareShare, and Young Minds UK, which is a mental health charity for young people. So exciting work with both charities coming up.
What do you love about Brighton?
What don’t I love? I love the colours, the attitude, the vibe, and the sense of community spirit. Brighton is the best place to live and have a small business. I have been so supported by the local community, and I feel blessed to live here and to bring my kids up here.
What do you take into consideration when selecting produce?
I like to use local and seasonal produce because it supports the community, and seasonal is how we are supposed to eat. We recently got an allotment so we will be growing our own soon. It’s such an exciting project.
Wardrobe staple?
Must be dungarees when I’m cooking. It’s kind of like my uniform – I have so many pairs and LOVE the ones I just got from ALIGNE.
Favourite piece from ALIGNE?
Obsessed with the Gabriella denim dress. It’s so cute and you can dress it down with trainers or dress it up with ankle boots. It’s so me, I love it.
You’re known for your considered approach; how does this impact your decision when curating your wardrobe.
My wardrobe is very eclectic with pieces I have collected over the years and most of them have a story to tell. I love colour but am trying to curate more key pieces and finally build a capsule wardrobe.
What’s next for you?
Family is a priority for me now. Being a teenager these days is so hard, so being there for my kids is number one. Workwise, I’m focusing on book three and carrying on delicious cooking for all sorts of people. Community work is very important for me, and I work a lot with the schools and council to help educate the community on how to eat better for less. I am also an ambassador for the charity, FareShare, and Young Minds UK, which is a mental health charity for young people. So exciting work with both charities coming up.