Meet Alison Lindley, our Woman of the Week! Alison is the Mum/Co-Founder of Kid’s Organic Food Company, Ellas’ Kitchen; wearing the Astor Dress in Navy, the ultimate work dress!

From: Reading, Berkshire 

Education: Bristol University, College of Law Guildford 

Current Role: Head of Giving Stuff Back at Ella’s Kitchen

Alison trained as a lawyer in London and then spent 9 years campaigning for consumer rights at the Consumers’ Association before setting up her own publishing business. In 2006, her husband, Paul, set up Ella’s Kitchen, a brand of healthy and fun organic kids’ and baby food, named after their daughter, Ella. Alison’s role within the business is ensuring that Ella’s really is ‘good in every sense’ through implementing all of their environmental, ethical and social initiatives.

Favourite Fold Dress and Why: Alison is loving the Astor Dress (which she models beautifully above).

The Astor Dress fits beautifully and is incredibly elegant with lots of pretty detailing; the ultimate work dress!

Tell us what is most rewarding about your role at Ella’s: Babies and toddlers have consumed over 100 million portions of fruit and vegetables since we launched Ella’s Kitchen. If we can do our bit to develop healthier eating habits amongst our children’s generation then that feels like a really valuable thing to be doing.

If we can do our bit to develop healthier eating habits amongst our children’s generation, then that feels like a really valuable contribution!

Ella’s is a high-growth high-profile business, any tips for Ladies out there on public speaking: Preparation is key. If you know what you’re talking about, you feel more confident and it shows. If using slides, keep them simple and engaging. Pictures are always worth a thousand words.

Ella’s is all about healthy eating for kids, what about for adults – what is your advice for keeping a balanced diet at work:  We always have a large bowl of fruit in the office. I’m also a big fan of Graze. Snacking can be my downfall at work and it’s great to have a healthy selection of nibbles to hand.

What have you learned about balancing a fast-paced start-up with a family: Once you have children, life becomes a real juggling act. I think the most important thing is not to get caught up in feelings of guilt. Try and switch off once you arrive home (not that I always manage – Ella and her little brother often tell us to stop talking about work at the dinner table!) and find some ‘me time’. I love my Pilates class. Time to relax after work.

The Astor Dress

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  Astor Dress Midnight Blue

  £295
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  Astor Dress Black

  £295

Fully lined, three-quarter sleeved fitted dress with fitted stretch crepe skirt and detailing. Exposed back zip. Highly tailored and impeccable detailing make the Astor Dress a must-have work dress, work dress in any wardrobe.

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