We're delighted to introduce you to a truly inspiring mum, friend and customer of Beatrice & Bee, Samia Kamar.
Samia lives in London with her husband and their beautiful 2 year old daughter, Ines. A woman of many talents, she runs a luxury handbag business, has a deep passion for meditation, and is writing a book about empowering other women and mums.
We had the pleasure of meeting Samia a few weeks ago at the elegant Home House club in Marylebone for the launch of her new tableware collection - a beautifully curated range that even includes an adorable line for little bees.
In this interview, Samia shares her journey as an entrepreneur and mother, her inspiration behind the new collection, and how she balances creativity, business and family life.
1- Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Samia?
I am a creative soul filled with love for beautiful things in life, a deep passion that got passed down from my father, he was the most inspiring man in my life and was a gifted creative person. My love for beautiful things and an eye for putting things together comes from him.
I am a warrior soul so no matter how long it takes for things to come together, I keep moving forward as I have done with my business which I set up 20 years back. I deeply love what I do hence I can lever leave the hand of creativity for my work, it holds my hand as my constant reminding me of who I am.
I also have a great love for spiritual knowledge and meditation, I try to live my life from the 24 years of guidance and knowledge I have received from my Master.
2- You have a luxury handbags brand - Samia Kamar London - made in Italy. How all started?
My passion started with visits to Florence, Italy. One couldn’t be in a more inspiring place. My handbags are produced there with great care and detail. Each bag is started and finished by one person, so there is a consistency in the quality. Several trips to Florence a year were required to set the scene.
3- Can you define your handbags and who are your clients?
My handbags are best presented as a luxury bespoke line for red carpet events, special occasions and occasional lunch or dinner out with special friends.
4- Where can we find them?
For several years I had a select retail presence with Selfridges and Liberty in the UK, Takashimaya and Isetan in Japan, and Takashimaya in New York. As the years passed I found working with private clients was a pleasure and I began to focus more on that and I still love selling to my old clients and the new ones that have accumulated over the years.
5- Recently you added new lines at Samia Kamar London introducing a tableware collection with fine Bone China made in England and also table linens made by hand in Italy. Can you tell us a little bit more about it?
Like many, the lockdown gave rise to other passions surfacing, and that’s when “LIFESTYLE AT HOME” was born.
Personally I love entertaining at home in style and making a fuss over my table and how I present my food and dessert, so it was a very natural progression to add on. I began to research for a producer and developed my my first line of Tableware. I now work with a fully sustainable factory that has a history of producing the finest of Bone China in the UK one the last 100 years.
The linens are again from my inspiring travels to Italy where I get them produced and hope they are still unique and beautiful to add to your Grandma or Mamma’s linen collection handed down perhaps.
6- One of the things that caught our eye during the presentation of your new tableware collection was a special edition for children. Can you share with us more details about it?
The Nursery Set was inspired by the main collection of my tableware, along with the adults the children too can have a little set that makes their table elegant yet fun to eat from. I know I would buy something like that for my home to add on. The illustration of the set was done by my husband who loves to paint when he gets time.
7- Where do you get inspiration from?
Italy plays a big, essential part in my inspiration: the colours, the food, the sun and its brightness, the spirit of the people, the passion that flows in everything they do and make, it all very inspiring. Florence, being such an artistic place with the most important influence in art, architecture and its landscape in general itself is very inspiring.
8- How do you find balance between work and being a mum?
Like all mothers, its a big juggle, but my balance comes from inside, from my meditational practices and living the path reflecting the knowledge I’ve gained from the teachings of a Master. Internal balance reflects in outer balance, making things a lot easier, smoother and more joyful.
9- How is a perfect day for you?
A perfect day for me begins with a silent early breakfast when possible before the house is up and moving at high speed. Morning routines with the family then time for my training which I love so very much. Mind body balance is my ideal belief. Once that’s done, meditation time for about 55 minutes then begins the day’s work of being creative and juggling that between drop offs and lunch preparation for the family another passion of mine, cooking and baking. In-between all that I get all my work done.
The day begins with family and ends with family for me and in-between is the rest of life happening.
10- If you're not in London, where can we find you?
Italy or Spain.
11- You’re also one of our dearest customers at our Pop Up in Cloud 12. Which is your favourite Beatrice & Bee’s piece and why?
My favourite piece is the Ava Girl Dungarees, made from corduroy with little flowers on it. They're soft, comfortable and most adorable when worn and I love the bows you sell, they make it all look so so pretty. I also love the burgundy floral print Amalia Girl Dress. It is so beautiful and elegant and in a very unusual wine colour.