« I really enjoy the social side of being a maker and getting that energy and inspiration from your peers »

Buoyant Morena is a self-taught web developer by day and founder of jewellery brand Kodes by night.

Passionate about makers, she lives in a enchanting house in North London with her partner and son.

3 steps morning routine

I sometimes wake up early to finish the orders I get from my website - it usually involves some varnishing and packaging. I really like my dayjob [Morena is a web developer by day], but Kodes is a great project to have on the side!

I often listen to nu jazz or electronic reggae, depending on my mood or on the energy I need.

If I’m not working from home I quickly get ready and head off to my work!

Morena in her studio

3 steps evening routine

When I get home I make orders and work on my new products - often inspired by geometry and vintage interiors. I also love experimenting with surfaces.

I listen to the Archers, a countryside soap opera broadcast by the BBC since the1950s. I usually don’t listen to that many podcasts as they require too much attention and don’t fit into my multitasking lifestyle!

Some evenings I just want to relax, have a glass of wine and watch TV - I love Netflix's murder mysteries. 

Collection of vintage tableware

Top 3 creative moments at home

My life is a continuous spinning and I’m always doing stuff at home - work, Kodes, being a mother and taking care of my home. So the only time I have to do planning is on the tube, where I get inspired and browse online - I use Pinterest quite a lot!

I also often check Whowhatwear, Oliver Bonas and read Moz blog to learn about SEO.

I’m part of Nicola Taylor’s online makers community. While I love the whole process of running your business and constantly discovering new things, I really enjoy the social side of being a maker and getting that energy and inspiration from your peers. 

Morning light into the house

Top 3 relaxing moments and habits

I have friends all over London so we usually meet up in Kings Cross, in the new developments by the canal. This area has changed so much! I love it.

Otherwise I take walks in the park when it’s warm and often go to Lordship Recreation Ground.

I’m passionate about vintage tableware and kitchenware that I collect whenever I set my eyes on them.

Clever, isn't it?

Secret life hacks

I use a block of wood and chopsticks to paint the beads for my necklaces. 

Most treasured possession

Is my phone…I’m a very technological person!

My biggest life challenge at the moment is to find the time to do all the things I need to do - so I break things down into smaller tasks that I can do on my phone.

Technology and Craftsmanship

Worst pyjama set

I’m very cold at night, so I always wear lots and lots of layers. We’ve recently invested in a very comfy duvet so I don’t have to wear that many layers anymore!

Dream home outfit

I would be able to wear only a a nice top and some shorts, being warm and comfy without too many layers ;)

Culture vulture - Lea’s current recommandations:

Last series:

Death in paradise - It is set in the Caribbean, while watching I could mentally escape from the cold!

Last book:

The subtle art of not giving a f*ck (2016) by Mark Manson. Not as thought-provoking as I thought it would be.

Last podcast:

Etsy Jam by Marmalead. A lot of it is US-based, so it’s not that relevant here in the UK.

Last movie:

The Heat (2013) directed by Paul Feig with Sandra Bullock.

Last recipe:

Courgette pesto and pancetta pasta. I cook Italian food a lot!

Last playlist:

The Kodes playlist on Spotify. Or Bonobo’s North Borders.

Favourite Insta accounts:

@Ktgallies_surfacedesign - I’m hoping to do a workshop with her next month. Also @whowhatwear.uk - I love their daily email about fashion and trends which I always open.