Date
April 28 2020
Written By
Beck Wadworth
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Working From Home With... Ally May Carey, Nad Marlina & Ali Batten
Working From Home With... Ally May Carey, Nad Marlina & Ali Batten

Working From Home With... A series where we feature the home workspaces of some inspiring friends of the brand around the globe & chat to them about how they are staying productive, organised, & positive. Plus they let us in on their workspace essentials too.

This week we spoke to... 

Name: Ally May Carey

Occupation: Creative / Photographer / Writer at Creating Substance 

 

Where have you set up your new home workspace & why did you pick this spot?

My partner Will and I are currently staying at his childhood home. His parents are in the mountains, so we’ve decided to stay here! There a beautiful outdoor area so it’s helping keep us sane. Very fortunate to have this option. Our apartment in Bondi doesn’t have any balcony, so it’s so nice to have fresh air here.

I currently work between the kitchen table and couch! Depending on the day and my mood.

What's your strategy for staying productive while working from home?

I worked from home for six years and got office space in September last year for the first time, ever. I feel like I have a very good system now because of all the years spent at home. It’s all about routine. If you treat it as though you’re leaving the house, is: shower, get dressed, eat etc then you’ll be structured for the day!   

Talk us through your workspace essentials currently?

AirPods for music, laptop and of course my AOL diary to keep me organised in what can feel a very disorganised time.  

What are you loving the most about working from home?

I am actually enjoying the slower pace. It’s given me time to reflect and assess life and work.

And how about the most challenging? Do you have a strategy to overcome this challenge? 

I have found a lot of days challenging. I actually wrote a really great piece over on Marle’s journal if you’d like to take a read. 

I’m beginning to lean into my feelings more and realise a lot of this is out of my control, so then I try and shift my focus to things I can control. Working out using the NIKE app (I promise this isn’t a plug...it’s free!) has kept me sane and walks when it’s quiet too. Cooking has been really meditative for me as well. 

 

Name: Nad Marlina

Occupation: Content creator

How long have you worked from home: 

I’ve been working from home for two years now, before the coronavirus lockdown I actually have a part-time job at the local cafe once a week 

Where is your home workspace set up & why did you pick this spot?

I set up my small studio at my family house, this is where I feel the most safe since I  work alone. My mum & dad have a spare empty room on the second floor, it has very nice natural light for me to work

Working from home is your normal. Can you let us in on your number 1 tip  for staying productive while working from home?

I always make a to do list and schedule for the next day every night before bed, it helps me to get ready in the morning because I already knew what to do that day, I find this method really helpful and it gives me more time for my morning routine.

What are your workspace essentials currently at your desk? 

That would be my notebook, a jar of iced coffee and music 

How do you ensure you stay organised & also inspired?

I’m very lucky to be one of those people who are able to work from home and on my own. To stay organised I start with things I’ve left off from the previous day and continue with the new ones from my today to-do list.  

To stay inspired I like to do painting or connect with my friends who also work as content creators for sharing new ideas 

What do you love the most about working from home? 

I can hang out with my dogs all day! and also have a constant jar full of iced coffee 

And how about the most challenging? Do you have a strategy to overcome this challenge?

I really don’t find it challenging since I love and really enjoy working at home, yes some days are hard when I don’t feel inspired but I’m lucky to be able to decided when is the time to have a break from work

Top 5 songs on your WFH playlist?

  • Souvenir - Selena Gomez 
    •
  • Lover - Taylor Swift
    •
  • Lovesick - Banks
    •
  • Radars - Alina libkind 
    •
  • Location - Khalid
    •

     

     

    Name: Ali Batten

    Occupation: Co-owner of Batten and Kamp (an art and design practice creating objects and interiors from Hong Kong)

    Where have you set up your home workspace & why did you set up in that spot?

    I live and work in a converted factory building, 14th floors up, at the end of Hong Kong island where my partner and I have been since December last year. I work on our dining table which sits beneath big windows overlooking a dense jungle. It is a glorious place to work - sun streams in, I can hear the birds and when it isn't the middle of summer I can have the windows open for fresh air.

    What's your strategy for staying productive while working from home?

    The novelty of being lucky enough to work in this space, with my partner, has certainly not worn off yet. It has been such a long term dream and the excitement of it keeps me productive! Our space is always bustling with client visits, photoshoots, making and assembling...all things that can help and hinder my productivity depending on the day! I also take a lot of breaks, and my favourite is to stop to have cuddles with a lovely little factory cat we call jóusàhn (good morning in cantonese), she lives on our floor and meows at the door in the morning. I think my idea of productivity is changing, I used to think that working really hard for as long as possible was a sign of success and instead I am trying to build my business slowly and deliberately. In that sense for me, productivity is about working at a sustainable pace.

    Talk us through your workspace essentials currently?

    I genuinely mean it when I say that my AOL diary goes with me everywhere, it holds both my personal and professional self between the pages and I LOVE writing lists by hand!  My desk is often also filled with prototypes and pieces from our latest collections, and around those are a blank page notebook, a tape measure, a big glass of water and most importantly flowers.

    What are you loving the most about working from home?

    Working at my own pace, taking breaks when I need to and not getting distracted by meetings. As my partner and I designed and renovated the space ourselves, it is the most true reflection of what we do and what we love, so in that sense it is a very inspiring place to work. Also, not commuting gives me so much more time! I have made a point of not replacing that time with work, it is an hour to call family or have a coffee.

    And how about the most challenging? Do you have a strategy to over come this challenge?

    Definitely turning off from work at the end of the day. Goodness, that can be hard. Firstly I write my list for the next day and afterwards I literally say out loud "work is done for the day" (yes, uncomfortable, I know), it tends to stop the subconscious work conversations from bleeding into home life. Then I completely pack up my workspace, I do this every single day without exception. It makes a huge difference not being able to see the tools of your work when you are trying to relax. Lastly, I change the lighting and scent of the space using lamps, candles and incense - they are all positive triggers to help lower my energy.

     

    Feeling inspired to get organised & add some new stationery to your workspace? We've got everything you need to stay productive at home, here.

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