A Conversation With…
Kerys Augbaya
1. Tell us a little about yourself. We’d love to know who you are and what a typical day looks like for you.
I’m Kerys, former lawyer of 17 years and I have recently left the profession to pursue my dream of working in fashion. A typical day is very different for me right now but it’s starts at 6 with a workout and a walk, followed by creating/editing social content to build my personal brand. I live with my husband and I have two gorgeous step children that keep me busy!
2. Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, analytical, happy
3. What does confidence mean to you?
Trusting yourself enough to be seen, take risks and keep going, even when you don’t know if it will all work out.
4. What’s one lesson life has taught you recently?
Life is short - say yes, step out of your comfort zone and surround yourself with your people
5. Where do you go when you want to feel inspired?
I go on a hike - living in Wales I have some gorgeous walking routes on my doorstep so when I need some reflection and inspiration I will go for a long hike and get my creative thinking going. I do love London as a city for inspiration too, so vibrant and no two areas are the same so I always try to stay somewhere different each time to take it in and feel inspired.
6. What’s your favourite restaurant, café or hidden gem that you’d recommend to everyone?
The central square in Seville is one of my favourite places in the world! Surrounded by orange trees in summer, I love to sit at one of the tapas bars, people watch, eat chilli and garlic prawns and drink chilled rose. I recommend that to everyone.
7. Is there one piece in your wardrobe you’ll never part with? Tell us the story behind it.
I have a beautiful Stella McCartney coat that I bought about 8 years ago to mark hitting a key milestone in my career. It was a particularly special shopping trip as it was the last time I was able to take my mum away before she got too poorly. She was beyond proud that I had worked so hard to be able to afford Stella McCartney! She was so happy for me. Her motto was always ‘go for it girl’. Now that she’s passed away, I hear that voice ALOT in my head and I find it so comforting.
8. What’s always in your handbag?
Lip balm! I can’t go anywhere without it!
9. What are you currently reading, watching or listening to?
I'm listening to Ladies who launch. It is my Wednesday ritual when the new episodes land and I love the Sheerluxe pod too.
I’m reading some Marian Keyes, the Walsh sisters crack me up along with Emma Grede Start with yourself.
I’m watching Money Heist - brilliant show!
10. If you could tell every woman one thing, what would it be?
Don’t get caught up in what other people think about you. Just do what makes you happy. I spent far too many years worrying what people thought and when I turned 40 I let go of all that and I feel so much happier for it.
Kerys’ story is a reminder that it’s never too late to take a different path, trust your instincts and choose something that makes you happy. From leaving a 17-year career in law to pursuing her dream of working in fashion, her journey is one of courage, confidence and knowing when it’s time to go for it.
We’re so grateful to Kerys for sharing her story, her perspective and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
This is Women of Atelier. A celebration of the women who inspire us, their stories, and the journeys that make them who they are.