I believe that nearly everyone we meet in life influences us in some way or another, but when I think of myself, and Viva Soul London in particular, these are the ten individuals who have inspired me the most:

ONE. My Mum

Even before I hit my teenage years, I was stealing clothes from my mum’s wardrobe. As I got older, the stealing became swapping, and as I’ve ventured more into vintage, she has been with me every step of the way to encourage it. In fact, my mum is with me every step of the way in EVERYTHING that I do, ready to advise whether it’s flat-hunting, starting up my own business or simply buying a new dress off eBay. I’ve been described as her mini-me, and we often get mistaken for sisters (which annoys both of us in equal amounts). In all seriousness though, I owe so much of who I am to my mum that it’s hard to know where to start.

TWO. My Dad

Influenced by his own father, who worked for American label Brooks Brothers for nearly fifty years, my dad has an incredible knowledge of menswear, and womenswear too. After being employed himself by Brooks Brothers, he now runs his own tailoring business. He particularly respects quality and precision in clothing, as well daring design; if my dad had his way, we’d all be walking around in sharp suits and fabulously vibrant prints. He has passed on to me his passion and interest in the fine arts too, as well as his love for the Rolling Stones.

THREE. & FOUR. My grandmothers

I have two incredibly glamorous grannies. Whenever I come across photographs of them at my age, I am silenced in awe and pride at how stunning they are. My maternal grandmother was a model in her teens and twenties, looking just like Marilyn Monroe, whereas my paternal grandmother donned more of a Jackie O look. Today, both octogenarians, the sense of style hasn’t stopped. Lipstick, pearly nails and appropriate accessories are always present and correct.

FIVE. My Design Teacher

At the age of fourteen, I had my request to take GCSE Art rejected by my art teacher, due simply to the fact that I couldn’t copy a Picasso. I was distraught, as a future at Central Saint Martin’s was all I had been dreaming of. Luckily, I had the most wonderful graphic design teacher who taught me the difference between traditional art and design, and I pursued my interests in a direction far more suited to my talents. She has the best design eye of anyone I know and, like all of her students, she encouraged me to learn from the greats and find my own style.

SIX. My godmother

When my mum introduced me to my godmother when I was about five years old, she described her as “your very own Ginger Spice”. Only recently the three of us were reminiscing about a holiday spent together, where all the locals referred to her as Ann-Margaret; after hours of preparation, she would appear by the pool in a flowing kaftan, drooping sunhat and enormous shades. My godmother is completely to blame for me being a redhead and secretly, I’ve always had a desire to just be HER.

SEVEN. & EIGHT. Bowie & Bolan

Now to two men that, sadly, I can’t ever thank in person for their influence on me. I “found” Bowie at the same age as my mum was the first time she saw him on Top of the Pops, playing Starman in his spangly jumpsuit. This kickstarted my love of Glam Rock and lead me almost instantly to Marc Bolan. Putting the music aside, which believe me, is a hard thing to do, these men conjure up strange feelings inside of me which are still unresolved; is it that I fancy them, or is it that I want to look like them? If you ever worry that you might be overdressed, just remember David and Marc. In their books, you should probably put on a feather boa and more eyeshadow.

NINE. Dita Von Teese

This lady has a LOT to answer for. I also have that fancy her/want to be her battle, but in a completely different way to the boys. It’s not even the jaw-dropping Burlesque routines that make me love Dita so much, as I actually much prefer her clothed. Of course Marilyn, Liz, Audrey, Grace (the list goes on…) have all had an influence on my vintage way of dressing, but what Dita proves is that there is nothing wrong with wearing these looks in 2016. In fact, you can look better than just about anyone who is donning modern day dress.

TEN. Wayne Hemingway

Wayne is living a dream that I wish I could, going from selling wares at his stall, to being awarded an MBE for his services to the design industry. I first became aware of Wayne’s work when I went to the Vintage at Goodwood Festival in 2010, and I’ve tried to attend all of his vintage festivals and Classic Car Boot Sales ever since, as well as his wonderful New Year’s Eve parties too. I even managed to ask him for advice on my career at a talk recently. The work he does in terms of vintage revival and sustainability is truly inspiring. Watch this space, Wayne – hopefully one day you will know the name Viva Soul London.