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the home magazines and I would cut out the photos and create my own mood boards. I loved to go to Roman Road market and buy little pieces of fabric to use on the board as well. I remember that at Christmas my mum created an amazing grotto every year and our Christmas tree was something else! It taught me that it doesn’t matter what you have, you can always create something spectacular on a small budget. About six years ago, the high street shops went into selling more interior- based products like accessories that were affordable and enabled people to use them and create a look which mirrored a designer home. It’s not what you have, but the way you style it that counts. So, during Covid, before we bought our home, I focused on my mood boards where I showed people how to style a luxurious room for less and put them on Instagram.They were very popular and I also had a great deal of interest from people who were disabled or very ill as they loved looking at what I was doing, so I built up a great community and many of them are now like friends. I quickly gathered a bigger and bigger following which just grew all the time. FTB So what happened next? JW: I was a full-time teacher and just couldn’t give up my career. But I saved a small amount and decided to throw it all in. Sometimes in life you need to take a gamble and I wanted to allow myself time to focus on my social media and get my new house done. I thought if I take around a year off and it doesn’t work out I can always go back to teaching. I now have 185,000 followers on Instagram and partnerships with renowned brands including KP Snacks, Primark, Next, Matalan and Aldi. I was the face of the Aldi homeware campaign in March and did the whole press campaign and created the content on how to achieve a “look for less”. My signature style blends high street saves with high-end splurges, ensuring everyone can have a touch of luxury in their home regardless of their budget. FTB What are your plans for the future? JW: I have just started writing a monthly column for Essex Life magazine on home interiors. One feature was on Save or Splurge – so, for example, you can invest in a White Company lamp for £150 or you can find an equivalent for a lot less and still achieve the same look. I love finding a budget alternative for things – it’s so exciting. I am doing another feature on Home Hacks for Autumn – I really enjoy foraging and going round charity shops and generally finding things that are free or don’t cost very much at all. Last Christmas I went foraging and made a beautiful wreath for the front door and did the centrepiece for my dinner table and it cost nothing
“WE LIVED THERE FOR FIVE YEARS WHILE WE SAVED, WHICH WAS AMAZING BUT IT WAS CHALLENGING TOO”
except a few scratches from picking the leaves and branches. I would very much like to do a home and interiors section on This Morning on ITV and we are working on that. We are also talking to a TV production company about creating a show particularly about women who may be like my mum as a single parent and struggled or have been in an abusive relationship, for example, and help them to change their lives and create a safe haven and happy home but on a realistic budget. It really doesn’t cost much to make a space like a little cocoon, which is your special, secure place – that is what a home is.
FTB: What tips do you have for first time buyers? JW: Always go with your heart and follow what feels right for you. If you are buying as a couple or family then everyone has different ideas of what they want from a home, so take that into consideration. Don’t get pressurised because your first home won’t tick every box. There will always be other chances and new journeys so if things don’t quite work out first time you should still enjoy the experience.
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First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 13
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