If like us, you watched the wonderful Victoria from @sprout.surrey create a beautiful bunch of blooms or an incredible biodegradable wreath on our Insta feed, you’ll know she styles Beyond Nine to perfection. She certainly proves that our pieces are her go-to for just about anything, from the school run, to a quick half an hour in the garden before dashing off to study. We absolutely adore seeing Beyond Nine in nature, so we caught up with Victoria to tell us more about her life juggling motherhood, her course and sustainable gardening.
Victoria wears the Pip Dress in Black
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, VICTORIA....
Always learning, constantly trying to fit too much in to a day, I love a kitchen dance, being inspired, good food, sunshine, gardening and above all am very devoted to my family.
WHAT'S YOUR CAREER HISTORY?
It all started when I was 14 and posted home made leaflets through my neighbours doors telling them I was available for babysitting. At the same time, I handmade beaded earrings with my friend and sold them at school. We branded them and created a logo. It was the start of my PR and marketing career(!) which really kicked off when I was 20 - I started working with Toni&Guy, then in house at an independent salon and spa. Following a few years of freelance work, I moved from the hairdressing industry to weddings and headed up the marketing departments for a number of exclusive use venues.
Victoria wears the Iris Coverall
HOW DID YOU START @SPROUT.SURREY AND WHAT MADE YOU TAKE UP GARDENING?
My son was about 2.5yrs and my daughter 7months and both at home with me full time when I started the account. I was pretty exhausted. My day was filled with pin-balling between breastfeeding, nappies, mushed up food and trying to coordinate nap times. The socialising I did was at playgroups and play dates and at the same time, my mind was buzzing with ideas and a desire to create something, so into the garden I went whenever I could and I started to document it. I quickly met loads of likeminded people online who weren’t anything to do with mum life and I loved the escape - I think I needed the balance. But gardening wasn’t new to me - I had been enjoying it for a few years before and prior to having children, already had my sights set on eventually becoming a garden designer.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU JUGGLING YOUR BUSINESS AND MOTHERHOOD?
Well I’m studying at the moment (gardening qualification and upholstery lessons) and am a stay at home parent the rest of the time. Of course, there’s the content creation but I still find it slightly jarring to call it a business, even though I certainly have to set aside time for it when my children are at school/preschool. So every day is different - a lot of time is spent in a classroom or outdoors, I’m trying to make more time for independent study, or it’s tapping away on my phone until it’s school pick up time where from 2.30pm onwards I’m full on mumming - snack provider, bag carrier, taxi service, club cheerleader and chef. We all try and eat together at 5pm and then once the children go to bed, all the bits that didn’t get finished in the day get revisited. In a couple of years time it’ll be different - both children will be at school and I’ll be running my own business again with a few qualifications under my (gardening) belt.
ANY TIPS FOR OUR COMMUNITY WHO WOULD LIKE TO TAKE UP SUSTAINABLE GARDENING?
Trust your common sense. Try and reduce waste, encourage nature, don’t use chemicals and think about where something has come from before bringing it into your garden. I do my utmost to ensure everything in my garden is approached with sustainability in mind so hopefully, following along with me will provide regular tips.
YOU HAVE A FEW BEYOND NINE PIECES NOW, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE?
I keep on returning to the Iris Coverall for my day to day - it’s perfect for when I’m on the school run, then have half an hour to be in the garden before going off to do a course or something. And the Pip dress is my ‘let me feel like a lady’ piece - when I know I’m not going to be wearing wellies and covered in mud but still want to be comfy, it’s my go to.
Victoria wears the Pip Dress in Black
WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT OUTFIT FOR WEARING IN THE GARDEN?
Something that allows freedom of movement, that’s hard wearing, washes well and that you can layer.
Victoria's the one you need to follow to brighten up your Instagram feed!