The idea for the Live What You Love workshops came not from looking out into the future trying to figure out the next big idea, but rather looking inwards and really listening to what kind of environment I myself would most like to learn, or teach, in. With the previous iteration of my workshop, mnoo school, I was always on the lookout for a space that would feel homely and intimate, and I felt a huge resistance to booking big groups, or giving the workshop more than once a year. I felt so strongly that I wanted to offer something of real value, and a low threshold for those who are easily intimidated. And then one day, after having given one of my one-to-one mentoring sessions at home, the thought just came to me: ‘why should a workshop feel any different?’. And so I went to work condensing my material from two days to one, and deciding that there would be an absolute limit on how many people could attend, so that everyone would feel like they were getting personal attention.

Admittedly, due to some major problems on the trains, the first Live What You Love workshop turned out ever so slightly smaller than planned with just two attendees! But actually, for those who made it, it was just perfect. They felt less intimidated to ask questions, and there was enough time to fully concentrate on each point I wanted to make. We even had time to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful lunch prepared by my assistant Susanna, complete with the yummiest paleo bread she baked herself!

I feel very happy that I decided to take a step towards a different way of teaching, one which might perhaps be less financially rewarding, but so very fulfilling in so many other ways. And with the flexibility of being in my own space, I feel I can offer these workshops a few more times a year than I would a bigger one.

I want to say a huge thank you to Steph from Fairynuff Flowers, who provided us with the prettiest of blooms (including peonies! this time of year!), to Alex & Roy for being our brave & beautiful couple to demonstrate on, and Susanna for taking such good care of us (and also snapping the pictures of us in action!).

If you’re interested in joining the next Live What You Love, you have to be quick as there are only a handful of places available, and now you know why.