Mon Pote Meets - Caroline Rowland
We catch up with Caroline Rowland, editor and creator of 91 Magazine to discuss future projects, interior design, homeware and our beloved Bristol. Read on below to find out Caroline's favourite way to spend a day in Bristol as well as how she styles her own interiors and of course her Mon Pote products picks.
Caroline started 91 Magazine after realising she longed for a magazine that covered all aspects of creative living, something that was missing from the mainstream magazines. 91 is now released biannually alongside content that's added to their award winning blog twice weekly. We love 91 magazine for its creative and independent spirit, dreamy interiors and inspirational articles.
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Photo credit: Jemma Watts
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... I think us small business owners should never stop learning and it's so useful to learn from other creatives in the industry
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It's been 6 years since we celebrated the launch of 91 Magazine with you! How has the journey been?
Yes, 6 years since we went into print - but in fact over 10 years since 91 began as an online magazine! I can't believe it really! What started out as a bit of a side hustle has turned into my full time job. I think like any small business, it's been a rollercoaster and as I'm sure you know, you just have to tackle things as they come. Living (and working) through a pandemic and now the cost of living crisis has certainly made things interesting but hopefully we will all navigate our way through to better times ahead.
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Photo credit: Georgia de Lotz
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Where do you see 91 Magazine leading you next? We loved your book The Shopkeepers Home! Do you have any more books on the horizon?
I tend to take things as they come, as you never know what opportunities might be around the corner. This year I've been working on a complete revamp of our website with Bristol agency Studio Cotton, so I'm really excited for that to go live soon. I would absolutely love to write another book and I have had various discussions with publishers about it, but nothing has been agreed yet. I have considered self publishing a book, but it is a huge financial commitment which I don't think is possible right now. I'm planning to relaunch our online workshops again once the new website goes live and add some new sessions as I think us small business owners should never stop learning and it's so useful to learn from other creatives in the industry.
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Photo credit: Albatros Cafe Instagram
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You recently visited Bristol and popped in to see us, which other Indie businesses did you enjoy visiting on your trip?
I absolutely love Bristol, it is definitely one of my favourite cities. Last time I visited I was with a friend I hadn't seen in a really long time so we spent a lot of it catching up over good food and cocktails and long walks! But we did pop into Truce homewares and we also bought a few vintage bits in Something Elsie in Wapping Wharf. We visited some of the galleries, and we also stopped by Albatross cafe which we featured in 91 Magazine back in 2018.
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Photo credit: Caroline Rowland
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We love getting a peek into your tranquil interiors on the @carolinerowlandeditor instagram account! How would you describe your home?
I would describe it as a work in progress! We bought it in late 2016 and it needed a complete overhaul. The bathroom was Mickey Mouse themed and one of the bedrooms had a statue of Liberty mural on the wall! Needless to say, it is quite different now. I always find it hard to describe my own style actually, but generally we keep things relatively neutral but add in playfulness and interest with artwork, nice ceramics and lots of plants! We are getting our main bathroom renovated this summer and I can't wait as it is the last room that needs to be fully transformed - I've bought some really gorgeous tiles from Otto Tiles and I can't wait to see them installed. I will definitely share it on Instagram when it's complete! :)
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Photo credit: Caroline Rowland
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What's your latest homeware purchase that you love?
I actually bought a Plum and Ashby reed diffuser recently which smells amazing. I had never ever bought a reed diffuser before, but then I was on a photoshoot for the magazine recently and the home owner had one in her kitchen and I was surprised at how strong and long-lasting the scent was. So I decided to treat myself to one!
and finally... what are your top Mon Pote product picks?
Well that is difficult to answer as I literally love everything! :) You can never have enough baskets or ceramics in my eyes. I bought an All The Ways To Say calendar from you at the start of the year which I love and I also really love anything by Oyoy.
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We agree with Caroline that you can never have too many ceramics or baskets. We love Caroline's selection including our much loved IB Laursen Oval Baskets, an All The Ways to Say Print and OyOy Living products.
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You can shop 91 Magazine at Mon Pote here.
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Thank you Caroline x
