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Introducing one of the finest Brits-turned-Aussies I know, Sam Rush. Sam and her partner Henry are the founders of local Melbourne clothing label, Handsom. They make nice clothes (very nice clothes).
 
I was lucky enough to live (kind of) with Sam and Henry a few years ago, and Sam's warmth and kind, creative, fun energy was such a breath of fresh air. She is a very clever (and funny) woman, and now a very dear friend.
 
I am so happy to feature Sam here. xx
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Name: Sam Rush

 

Star Sign: Taurus

 

Hometown: Melbourne via London

 

Describe yourself in 3 words or less…  Energetic, stubborn, hungry!

 

Describe Melbourne in 3 words or less… Eclectic, creative, delicious!

 

Tell us a bit about Handsom… We're a small, independent clothing brand. We produce considered collections of high quality, everyday favourites for him, her, they. Essentially – we make nice clothes :)

 

How long have you been in quarantine for? I think this is week 7?!

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How are you adjusting to the new norm of social distancing and quarantine at home? To be quite honest, aside from the closure of our store 7 weeks ago (big sad face) – my everyday routine hasn't changed too much. I work with my partner, and we are still designing our new collections, and adapting to life as an e-commerce brand, which includes heading into our studio to pack and ship our online orders. We're super grateful to be able to operate as an online business – although it doesn't come close to replacing our brick and mortar store – I really feel for small businesses who aren't able to.

 

I'm trying to see the positives in the current situation, but it's hard to get past how much I'm missing seeing my friends, and eating in my favourite restaurants – of which there are so many in Melbourne.

 

Do you have any tips you can share for sticking to, or starting a new kind of daily routine? I personally feel like beginning each day with exercise is a great place to start. I like running, but even going for a walk will give clarity and help to plan the day. I also think it's important to have some separation from work – which is hard when you're working from home, and all the usual social engagements are cancelled. Dedicating certain hours to work, then being strict at putting the computer away for the rest of the day helps keep me sane!

 

Do you have any daily rituals? My morning run, and taking my dog to the park twice per day.

 

Are you finding more creative inspiration in this time? I've found the change of pace has allowed for more headspace, which is helping us to adapt and re-work our range-planning for the coming months.

 

What other creative outlets do you turn to? Not sure how creative it is but I've been doing a lot of baking, which I never normally do!

 

Do you have any recipes you can share? Today I am making the "Daily Quiche" from one of my favourite recipe books "Everything I want to Eat" from a cafe in LA – Sqirl.

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What is on your stereo? The new Four Tet album - 'Sixteen Oceans'

 

Do you have any reading recommendations? I recently finished "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami, which I loved. 

 

Have you still been getting out and about for movement/exercise? What does that look like for you? As mentioned above (a lot) - I like running! I recently started taking it a bit more seriously, and have a coach who plans monthly programmes for me (remotely). I'm only a month in, but I'm really enjoying having something new (and non-virus related) to focus my energy on.

 

When this blooming virus goes away, where will you be travelling to next? Africa! I hope, anyway... We have flights booked to South Africa in November – we've planned to meet my lovely Mum in Cape Town, and then head to Botswana to visit a dear friend James who runs a safari camp, Barclay Stenner. It's a real bucket list trip for me, so hopefully we'll still be able to go – we'll see...

 

Are you a window or aisle seat kinda gal? Window.

 

What 3 things are always in your suitcase? Running shoes, swimsuit, camera.

 

Words you live by… Do what you love, love what you do, or do something else.

 

And lastly, who are you most looking forward to hugging when all of this is over?!! My friends, all of them! And of course my family. It's pretty tough living in another country to your family right now, all I want is for them to be safe and well, and of course to be able to give them a massive hug. Until then, my pets are getting alllll the hugs!

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