We would like to introduce you to this dynamic duo, Mike and Gabrielle Bliss. They form the British interiors and homeware brand, Bliss Home.
The company have been established for over 30 years, and was originally set up by Mike and his friend Andy Plant, previously known as Woody Enterprises. They created various successful products from 're-cycled' wood such as mouth clocks, wooden postcards, wooden neck ties. And Mike designed a cheerful daffodil and tulip table and floor lamps which became an instant success around the world in the 1980's. Then Andy Plant decided it was time to try something different and left the company. The company changed to Bliss Home, and Gabrielle joined.
Mike has collaborated with Sebastian Conran and produced the award winning Equilibrium range of home accessories, and this then led onto working with chef, Nigella Lawson's kitchen range. And more recently has been collaborating with popular graphic print designer, Orla Kiely on her kitchen range. We were first approached by Bliss Home to work with them back in December 2010 and have been working with them since to develop their Bliss in the Woods kitchenware range. To find out more about the collaboration and to view the full range, check it out at www.ourworkshop.co.uk
To view more of Bliss Home, go to www.blisshome.co.uk
To view more of Bliss Home, go to www.blisshome.co.uk
1. HOW DID BLISS IN THE WOODS HOMEWARE RANGE COME ABOUT?
Mike: For ages we have wanted to develop a range around animals that was very British, contemporary and cool. We didn’t want to do twee or too modern and needed the range to have a broad ‘family’ appeal. A kind of British morph somewhere between Jonathan Adler and Alessi but affordable.
Mike: Working with talented people.
Mike: David Bryne
Gabrielle: David Bowie
Mike: Bicycle
Gabrielle: iPad
Mike: Remaining in business for 34 years.
Gabrielle: Still speaking to each other after 34 years!
Mike: We're married so it just kind of happened.
8. WHO MAKES THE MOST TEA?
Mike: 50/50
9. IF YOU HADN'T SET UP BLISS HOME, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'D BE DOING?
Mike: Struggling as an artist.
Gabrielle: Working in an office.
Mike: A tennis professional in my dreams.
11. YOU TRAVEL A LOT WITH YOUR JOBS TO SOURCE PRODUCTS AND MEET SUPPLIERS. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE WORK TRIP AND WHY?
Mike: Two answers - Hong Kong – always changing, inspiring and full of energy. Portugal – pragmatic people, very pro-British and plenty of unheralded surprises in the country. Gabrielle: Same as Mike.
12. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE STARTING OUT ON THEIR CAREERS TODAY OR HOPING TO SET UP THEIR OWN BUSINESSES?
Mike: You need tenacity more than talent, a thick skin and a clear vision of what you are going to do.
Gabrielle: Be prepared to have a go at whatever your dream is – if you fail at least you won’t regret not having given it a try.
Gabrielle: Be prepared to have a go at whatever your dream is – if you fail at least you won’t regret not having given it a try.
13. ARE YOU A NIGHT OWL OR AN EARLY BIRD?
Mike: Early bird.Gabrielle: Early bird.
14. IF YOU WERE TO BE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?
Mike: Gabrielle, Imogen and Chloe - my wife and two daughters.Gabrielle: Mike and my two daughters.
15. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE BLISS IN THE WOODS RANGE?
Mike: Peacock measuring spoons.
Gabrielle: The Salt bird, just loved seeing them in the factory all lined up!
16. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT, ANY EXCITING PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE?
Mike: Some beautiful handmade products for Nigella, some great new textiles, tins and vases for Orla Kiely, new Vintage kitchenware with the Hemingways and some gorgeous new kitchen tableware for London Underground using archive posters of Kew Gardens.
