Meet Laura - the smart, kind & funny founder of Curiouser & Curiouser! She is the maker of all the magic hidden in the shops. With her unique sense of style she makes Curiouser a stunning place, as she personally chooses all the books, products & art that find their way in to both of the shops and on to this website. Together with Ian (read the interview with Ian here) they make the place a real retail gem. Working hard on the shop floor or in the office, Laura is the heart of the business. Camera-shy but always willing to have a friendly chat. Get to know her a bit better through the interview below.
1. If you could travel anywhere – where would you go?
Ian and I got married two years ago and we still haven’t managed to go on our honeymoon, one of the casualties of being self-employed! We promised ourselves that we would go to India for a proper explore starting in Kerala, then we’d head North….we’ll do it one day! Otherwise I am always happy to travel anywhere – there are always adventures to be had.
2. Who is your favourite fictional character and why?
This is a tricky one, but I think I am going to go for Elizabeth Bennett from “Pride and Prejudice” She is such a feisty and passionate character. Plus - Mr Darcy!!
3. Choose 3 guests to invite for dinner…….real, fictional, celeb, you choose!
I’m pretty shy and would probably be too flustered and embarrassed to meet any of my idols!
4. What is your favourite thing about working at Curiouser?
Curiouser is my baby! When it opened we had no idea that we would still be doing what we love, having opened a second shop, 6 years later. We also employ really fantastic people, all with lots of stories to tell, they have busy live’s outside of Curiouser and it’s always a pleasure to see their own businesses grow! It sounds corny, but the best thing is our customers! It has been great to build relationships with people over the last 6 years – I am very lucky.
5. Choose 3 of your all-time favourite music tracks?
I’m an idiot! I posed all of these questions and should have steered well clear of music questions! Music is my big love, I’m completely addicted to buying and listening to it. Ian and I spend a lot of time listening to Radio 6 and I absolutely love finding new music. A lot of my choices are going to be older music, these are tracks that I will never get tired of listening to, also I’m going to cheat!! -
“Ain’t no mountain high enough” Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
“Here comes the sun” The Beatles
The whole “Young Americans” album by David Bowie
The entire Graceland album
Anything by John Martyn
“From Scotland with Love” by King Creosote
Anything by Laura Veirs
“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin
"Only Living Boy in New York" - Simon and Garfunkel
Anything by Sufjan Stevens, but especially his “Seven Swan’s” album and his most recent album “Carrie and Lowell”
“Shake Your Body Down To The Ground” Michael Jackson
"Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight and the Pips
The whole “The Trials of Van Occupanther” album by Midlake
Anything by Nick Cave
“How Will I know” by Whitney Houston
6. Favourite film and why?
Often my favourite film is the last one that I have seen! If pushed I would have to choose Pixar’s “Up” it has everything I love about cinema – a love story, plenty of laughs and dogs – there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, SQUIRREL!! It’s perfection.
7. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? What did you do prior to working at Curiouser?
I’ve worked in hotels and retail all of my working life (with a failed attempt at University studying English Literature in the middle) I’ve always loved working with people and was really keen to continue on a path that meant I could have this in my work life. I’ve travelled a very small amount and this is something I would really like to do more of in the future.
8. What is currently your favourite product at Curiouser?
I’m in a unique position, in that I chose everything that is for sale in Curiouser, so it’s really hard for me to choose one thing!
9. Describe yourself in one word!
Busy!!
10. What is your favourite thing to do on a day off?
Head out to the countryside with Ian and our dog – Benny. A long beach walk, followed by lunch somewhere, if we can meet up with some friends at some point – even better! Then home for a snuggle on the sofa to watch a film!
11. Where is your favourite place to visit in Edinburgh?
Arthur’s Seat and the Crags are amazing, they give you a great view of the city and help gain a little perspective on things – things feel a lot smaller and easier to cope with when you get a little distance from them!
12. You’re reincarnated as an animal – what are you?
My spirit animal – a sloth!!