My life lessons: Dawn O’Porter
1. Being busy makes me happy
I’m definitely more productive the more I have to do. I’m pretty organised and keep my head together, although I will admit to a quick squirt of Rescue Remedy when writing deadlines are looming and everything else seems to need to be done by yesterday. A couple of years ago, things were very quiet work-wise, which I didn’t enjoy. So I try not to moan and feel grateful for the opportunities.
2. I want to do it all
I have a strong sense that I’m going to run out of time,’ she says. ‘I’m 36 – the same age my mum was when I lost her to breast cancer.
It [losing my mum] is definitely a driving force. I feel like I need to make sure I do it all. I generally focus on the positive – but like anyone, I can get consumed in the minutiae and wallow a bit. Then I think, I have a healthy baby and a happy marriage – get a grip! A missed train (or lost-in- the-ether phone call – ahem) does not a disaster make.
3. LA hasn’t changed my health or fitness lifestyle
‘You eat a bit more healthily because it’s just one long summer, but really, we’re all just normal. Chris and I do slow-cooked pork, sausage casserole or Sunday roast for friends so it’s all very British; our American friends love it. I don’t go to the gym. I had a membership once – I think I had a shower there and never went back. I walk my dog, Potato, and swim. I feel fit and healthy; that’s enough for me.
4. My fashion sense is straightforward
‘I’ve had the same haircut since I was seven, essentially,’ she says. ‘I tried a few different styles; they never really felt like me so I got the bob back a couple of years ago. I’ve never had a stylist. I don’t like being controlled that way – it’s so commercial and means people don’t wear what they love.’
5. Passion drives me
‘Without passion, a project is doomed to fail,’ she says. ‘It has some surprising benefits, too: before BOB, I didn’t have a clue how to run a business or even work out a percentage – I failed maths GCSE. But BOB is my passion, I’m getting my head around it; pushing my limits a bit. Because now it’s meaningful.’
Dawn O’Porter is an ambassador for Rescue Remedy.
