From ballerina to journalist, television host and now jewellery designer, Lydia Kirkland has worn many career hats. While the latter was not a title the founder had ever imagined holding, Kirkland admits she'd always felt the urge to do "something" herself. That something would become apparent in 2018, when alongside her business partner (and cousin), Mizpah King, Kirkland co-founded accessories label GIMME (formerly Trove), an inspired yet affordable brand that offers chic, colourful and stylish ways for women to add to their sparkling collections.
From humble beginnings sewing handmade scarves on King's kitchen table, the duo saw its community quickly blossom, gathering groups of likeminded women with one common goal: to stylishly stand out.
"One thing led to another, our product range grew, the brand gained traction and I left my full-time job so I could focus on building the business it is today," Kirkland explains of taking her side hustle full-time. "It sounds simple when you put it like that, but there’s been a hell of a lot of hard work, late nights, long days, stressful mistakes and so on!”
As for the advice she'd offer others looking to take the leap into small business, Kirkland says — "Back yourself!"
"Don't be afraid to fail or of making mistakes. It's all part of it and it's the only way to learn."
Below, Kirkland shares a peek inside her favourite fashion, beauty and home picks right now.
Fashion Favourites
“I’m a simple, casual, comfort gal! I tend to rely on accessories (how convenient) to dress up an outfit. I also only try to buy pieces that I know will work with at least two or three outfits. I do have some special investment pieces, but I tend to go for classics rather than trend-driven styles, knowing they’ll be wardrobe staples for a long time.”
"This season, I'm most looking forward to wearing...
My GIMME hats!”
“The most treasured item in my wardrobe are my Chanel Slingback Sandals! They are just so comfortable. Also, slightly less boujee, but I’m holding on to an old pair of MLM Label denim jeans that I’ve had for about 6 years. They’re the perfect cut and am desperate for another pair, but they don’t make them anymore!”
"Right now, I’m addicted to GIMME's Romeo Heart Earrings (can never decide between the lime green or purple)."
Beauty Bests
“My most regularly repurchased beauty item is the Estee Lauder ANR! Although I’m hooked on Ultra Violette’s new Dream Screen tint, so she could be the new frontrunner.”
"A typical day in my skincare routine looks like...
“In the mornings I cleanse with JS Health’s new vitamin cleanser, followed by a good layer of ANR and Dr Spiller Hydro Collagen Cream. Then, I do two layers of UV’s Dream Screen 50+ SPF if I’m working/exercising/Mum-ing, but if there’s something special on, I’ll do one layer of Dream Screen and then my usual Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and the rest of my makeup!"
“At night, I’m using the MCo Beauty Salicylic Foaming Face cleanser to remove makeup and SPF in the shower. Picked it up on a whim as I’d run out of some expensive stuff, but it does the trick! On the bod, I’m a sucker for NIVEA’s Body Lotion from the supermarket.”
"If I had to pick three makeup staples, they would be...
"UV Dream Screen (I swear they’re not paying me, it’s just so good!) – for sun protection of course, but I also like that I can build the coverage. Concealer – I mean, what a hero. Mascara – Stila Extreme Lash Mascara (same brush as Better Than Sex, but a bit cheaper). Mascara makes me feel ‘done’."
Treasured Homewares
“A fancy candle (can’t beat Tom Ford) and I’m not sure if they’re considered ‘homewares’, but good speakers. We have five SONOS speakers in our apartment (which is total overkill, but very enjoyable!).”
