Hello and welcome! I’m Claire, founder of Woman on a Mission, a place designed to help women feel calm, confident and energised every day. Here on the Woman on a Mission blog, I share practical tips, inspiration and small, meaningful missions to support you in your home, lifestyle and wellbeing.
I’m so pleased you’re here. Grab a comfy seat, a cup of something lovely, and let’s dive in.
My Story.
I’ve always loved helping people feel their best. My first career was in Oncology Nursing, where I learned the true meaning of compassion, resilience and balance. After becoming a mum, I retrained as a Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach, creating Devon Fit Camp and later wellbeing retreats across the UK and Europe. Those years taught me that true wellness isn’t just about fitness, it’s about creating calm and confidence in every part of life.
My journey has also been shaped by my experiences with cancer, both personally and professionally. At the time of writing, I’ve completed the London Marathon four consecutive years, raising funds for Coppafeel! and Cancer Research UK and a couple more since for DKMS, the Blood Cancer Charity, of which I’m a proud ambassador. These causes are incredibly close to my heart, and you’ll find more about my fundraising and advocacy work here.
I love seeing my friends and family happy, being by the sea, interiors, candles, white flowers, a good Sauvignon (although I’ve been pretty tee-total over the last year or so) and sunny days, whatever the season.
Why Woman on a Mission Matters ?
Woman on a Mission began as a way to support the women I coached who wanted to feel more in control of their lives. It’s now a lifestyle brand that blends wellbeing, organisation, interiors and mindset. My mission is to help women feel calm, confident and energised, one small mission at a time.
Life is full of missions, big and small. Whether it’s creating healthier routines, tackling a home project, or simply taking a moment for yourself, each mission is a step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Your mission might be big or small, from tackling a renovation to simply leaving the house on time. Whatever it is, doing it well starts with looking after yourself first.
These mini missions are small but effective. One a week adds up to 52 in a year, 52 ways to bring positive, motivating habits into your life. Here on the blog and my Instagram, I share “mini missions” and Power Hours, small actions that can make a surprisingly big difference.
A Little About Me.
You’ll usually find me hiking along the Devon lanes (especially as the sun comes up) or out on the South West Coast Path, one of my favourite places to reset and refocus.
I can also be found at the gym or at the pilates studio, at my desk, pottering in the garden or decorating! I love being outside, feeling fit, and making our home a calm, happy space. With my children all grown up and at university, life has taken on a new rhythm, but I still love being an active and involved mum. they still swim competitively and we love to support them.
You’ll also hear me talk about my favourite “F words” — Fun, Food, Fitness, Faith (self-belief), Friendship, Family, Finance, and Focus, the foundations of a happy, fulfilled life. And of course, there are a few “f**k it” moments too, because we’re all human!
Your Mission, One Step at a Time
Whatever your mission in life, work, home, or garden, it’s good to know someone is there to support you. Our house is our home, our castle, the place we feel safe and special, and as we spend our downtime there, let’s focus on how to feel amazing while at home.
I live my life one mission at a time, hence the name, but my passion is to share my nuggets with as many people as I can. On this blog, I’ll be sharing insights on home and living, lifestyle, wellbeingandorganisation.
Join Me.
If you’re ready to create a calmer, more confident life you love, you’re in the right place. Join my Woman on a Mission community to get inspiration, practical tips and a sprinkle of motivation straight to your inbox.
I’m delighted to welcome you to the Woman on a Mission Blog. Let’s make this next chapter your happiest, most balanced one yet. This is a place where I hope to help you create boundaries around what matters most, so you feel in control and able to live guilt-free while accomplishing what’s important to you.
I’d also love to know more about you, how you found the blog, what brought you here and what you’d love to see more of. I always read the comments and truly enjoy getting to know this wonderful community, so please do say hello below. I can’t wait to hear from you.
I was first invited to Nkuku Totnes Totnes in 2022 to explore their newly extended barn and refurbished café, a space that perfectly reflects the brand’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship, calm design, and conscious living. Visiting Nkuku Totnes again, I was struck by the seamless blend of sustainability and style, from the hand-thrown ceramics to the seasonal dishes served with quiet elegance.
Since that visit, Nkuku has continued to grow, most recently opening a beautiful new venue in Redbrick, Leeds. Revisiting this inspiring destination feels like the perfect way to celebrate timeless design, sustainable style, and the spaces that make us feel truly at home.
From the Totnes barn to the new Leeds venue, Nkuku’s journey reflects a beautiful balance of evolution and ethos , staying true to its roots while expanding its reach.
Nkuku based just outside Totnes in the glorious South Hams countryside in Devon. Originally a farmyard of barns housing cattle and was derelict for over 20 years before Nkuku discovered them and worked their magic. There is free parking, wifi and well behaved dogs are very welcome. There’s even a little treat waiting for them by the door. I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.
The barns are filled with collections styled so beautifully, it’s impossible not to imagine these serene, curated corners in your own home
Inspired Collections From Nkuku Totnes For Every Home
I’ve created three mood boards showcasing my favourite pieces from Nkuku’s latest collection. The designs span a variety of styles and price points, making them easy to adapt to your own home. With their light, tactile and natural materials, each piece adds effortless warmth, texture, and character to any living space, whatever its size or location. I hope these boards spark ideas to bring a touch of Nkuku’s timeless style into your own home!
The Garden Room
Inspired by nature and natural surroundings, the garden room or conservatory is a perfect place for relaxing, reading and entertaining. I love candles and the braided hemp designs to bring the outside in and all the pieces together.
The Ondal Round Braided Hemp Side Table
Adds a sturdy, neutral layer to living rooms or garden rooms. (top left)
The appealing braided pattern is expertly crafted by hand using the warm, golden fibres of hemp. This attractive side table feels solid and sturdy and works well as a neutral layer in a living room, garden room or snug area.. This table would also work well as a footstool or an occasional seat.
Planters
Bring greenery indoors for a refreshing touch.
Planters (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room, complementing other textured, tactile pieces.
Sia Lantern
Elegant lanterns to create a warm and striking ambience.
These lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish, holding tall glass panels for the perfect silhouette for a church candle or tealight. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are. (top right and bottom centre )
Halali Fire Pit
Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround
A statement piece to anchor your outdoor living space.
Generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron, this traditional fire bowl is surrounded by a practical table edge, perfect for warming plates or drinks. (bottom right)
Alwar Outdoor Wall Light
Adds grace and a soft warm glow to any outdoor setting.
The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pairs elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well in traditional and contemporary homes alike. (bottom left of the mood board)
The Sitting Room
Inspired by shades of white, neutrals, wood, touches of greenery and of course, living by the Devon coast a touch of blue. Cosy, comfortable and light is the feel of our room; perfect for cosying up in front of the fire and a good book in the winter and light and airy in the summer months too.
Muturi Glass Floor Lamp – Antique Brass
Adds warmth and elegance to neutral or bold interiors.
I love the combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home.
The Deni Collection
Generous, comfortable seating in timeless design.
The Grand combines soft contours, luxurious comfort, and timeless design, in a stylish UK-crafted solid wood framework with pure Brera Linen upholstery and solid wood legs. Available in six muted shades, you can order a free swatch pack to see the fabric choices. (middle centre and bottom left)
Braided Hemp Rug
Adds tactile, understated style to any room.
Hand-braided from hemp in a traditional pattern, the warm gold hues make it perfect for any living space, conservatory, or family room. (bottom right of the above mood board)
Chara Hammered Bottles
Simple yet elegant styling for your home.
These bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail, skilfully created by blowing glass through a brass ring. Perfect styled alone or with fairy lights. (above right)
Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover
Soft, versatile cushions with subtle geometric design.
Crafted in monochrome with black thread running through the fabric in a softly broken line, these covers are calming and adaptable to a variety of interiors. (above left and top centre of the mood board)
The Kitchen
The heart of the home. The busiest space of the house. With two teens, this room needs to be practical, effective and with Nkuku’s styling storage jars and accessories, the new collection ticks many boxes. A place for everything and everything in it’s place! See my pantry makeover for more inspiration.
Kamtha Water Hyacinth Tray
Adds texture and warmth to side tables or kitchen counters.
These round trays are woven from water hyacinth, a plant that grows in abundance in the waterways of Vietnam. The warm, golden tones and attractive braiding work make them a great accessory to add texture and a natural touch to your interior. I keep mine on a side table in the garden room/conservatory. (Above centre)
Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand
Stylish display for cakes, cheeses, and other treats.
These elegant recycled glass domes slot neatly into a mango wood base, providing a polished yet practical way to store culinary delights.
Charal Storage Jars
Keep ingredients fresh while adding natural elegance to your kitchen.
The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicone seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh. Perfect for pulses, grains, herbs, and spices.
The Dura White Marble Wine Cooler
A tactile, luxury accessory for entertaining.
With striking variegated tones and a smooth finish, this marble cooler looks stunning on any kitchen island or table. (above left)
The Nkuku Café, Totnes was fully refurbished and extended in 2022 and is a haven of calm, perfectly complementing the curated collections. Opening out onto the courtyard, there’s a serene space to enjoy a coffee, iced tea, or a light meal.
There is plenty of room both inside and outside for dining, relaxing, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce, working closely with artisan bakers, farmers, and cheesemakers throughout the South West of England. Nkuku’s suppliers are carefully handpicked to ensure they share the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting independent producers.
I can confirm lunch was indeed delicious! I did manage to refrain from the scrumptious looking bakes though!Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle CafeChara Hammered bottle in my Laundry Room.
Whether you’re local or visiting Devon, you’ll be greeted with a truly warm welcome. A heartfelt thank you to Helen and the entire Nkuku team for a wonderful visit, it’s always such a delight to see you and experience your beautiful spaces. I could happily spend the entire day here!
I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of Nkuku Totnes, a truly inspiring lifestyle store right on my doorstep, and that the mood boards have sparked ideas to bring a touch of its timeless style into your own home.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and any inspiration you’ve taken from it in the comments below.
Love
* This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2025 to include the latest collection and insights.
Welcome to the second of a series of blogs that will bring you the Best of the South West. This edit is all about where to shop for your home, the Interiors Edit. Our house is our home, our castle, the place we feel safe and special. We spend our downtime there and from tomorrow, in the UK, will be able to welcome friends and family back into our homes – oh how we’ve missed that!
With that in mind, perhaps you’re considering a little makeover or even planning on a staycation in the beautiful South West. Over the last year, we’ve all spent much more time at home and that of course, for many, involved looking at our homes and spaces with a new eye.
We apparently spent 147 percent more time gardening and improving our homes during Lockdown, according to the ONS*
(*Please note this blog is not in anyway a sponsored post but if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know it’s a joy for me to share and support local businesses I love and have purchased from for years)
Right, let’s get started. Hope you’re sitting comfortably and have a cuppa in hand. We’re going in!
The focus on the interiors and lifestyle stores based in the South West that I love which I really think you’ll love too.
Their doors have now re-opened and I know from chatting to each of the featured stores, they are very excited to be able to welcome you back.
“Real comfort, visual and physical, is vital to every room.” Mark Hampton
Mark Hampton
Salcombe Trading
The Salcombe Trading Company have stores both in Salcombe, Devon and Bath. I adore this store and have been a customer since they first opened over 20 years ago. They have an exceptional range of products for the house and garden, with kitchen, dining and entertaining taking centre stage. Inspiration comes from the sea and moors of Devon, and the sophistication of Bath, giving their range a distinctly New England and Scandi feel.
Salcombe Trading specialises in Scandinavian interior design and representing the best British artisans, they’ve have hand picked a stunning array of accessories for your home and garden.
You’ll find top brands such as Skagerak Denmark, Menu, Kosta Boda, seamlessly blend with Somerset blacksmiths and carpenters.
I’m particularly in love with the Jutland Collection. (above) It’s named after the Danish peninsula in the North, where you’ll find powder soft beaches and stunning Summer Houses to make you green with envy. The collection is full of warm teaks, soft mint greens, beautifully calming tones of blue and white; it’s perfect for a neutral scheme.
Their customer service is exceptional – nothing is too much trouble and they’ve been so helpful in assisting me in finding pieces for our home over the years. You’ll love visiting Salcombe Trading I’m sure.
They have very kindly given me a discount code especially for you; simply quote womanonamission10 to receive 10% discount online.
Be sure to visit when you come to Bath, or Salcombe in Devon or visit their website to take a look at their whole collection. You’ll also find them on Instagram.
“I have seen the future of food shopping and it’s not in London, Manchester or Edinburgh but on a road that runs alongside the Exe Estuary in Devon, a few miles south of Exeter”
The Times, Nick Wyke writing about Darts Farm
Darts Farm
Darts Farm is a vibrant, nationally award-winning farm shopping experience, with a working farm at its heart. Situated just off the M5 near Exeter, it’s a perfect place to stop and stretch the legs if you are driving further into the South West to reach your destination or to visit for the day. It has something for everyone; including relaxing in the Treatment Loft with a massage or enjoying a pamper from the hair stylists at the Energy Hair Salon.
Their food hall is filled with hundreds of hand-picked local and artisan suppliers; the best British Farmhouse cheeses, handmade artisan breads, pastries and pies, incredible local wines, craft beers and much more!
If you’re feeling peckish, a visit to the Restaurant is a must. The chefs use the food hall as their larder, creating delicious seasonal meals; perhaps a gourmet steak sandwich, an artisan charcuterie platter or a traditional Devonshire cream team.
I especially love the Orange Tree on the second floor. A huge space filled with fabulous gifts and inspiration for your home. Darts Farm features iconic retail specialist retailers such as Fired Earth and AGA. It’s a dream, the bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor space are designed to feel as if you are in individual rooms. It’s stunning and will give you lots of ideas and inspiration.
Darts Farm is certainly a place to factor in as part of your journey if you’re travelling to the South West this summer. Find out more on their website and on instagram
Jo and Co Home
Jo and Co home has a beautiful home and lifestyle store just off the Atlantic Highway just outside Wadebridge in Cornwall.
Based over two stories, you’ll find everything you need for your small and larger interior projects, gifts and for you too. It’s the store I always make a bee-line for whenever I’m over the border from Devon.
The store is beautifully light and airy and the second floor is where you’ll find the Jo & Co Home furniture collection, carefully curated to delight the budding interior designer.
Their designer sofas and statement armchairs are made to order and are guaranteed to provide style and comfort to your living space. You’ll spend a while here enjoying the collection and enjoying the space I’m sure!
Visit Jo & Co Home in Cornwall to see the furniture collection in person or order online. You’ll also find lots on inspiration on their instagram.
“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.”
Billy Baldwin.
Nkuku Lifestyle Store
I feel very lucky that the Nkuku Home and Lifestyle Store is hidden in the beautiful Devon countryside not far from my home. They are known for working with artisans throughout the world, combining timeless design with traditional skills and natural materials.
The store is located in a courtyard of barns, in Harberton, Totnes, Devon. The barns provide the perfect backdrop to showcase their collections of stylish home accessories, lighting and furniture.
The café is currently closed for the time being, due to the restrictions. However it’s worth allowing time to stay for an artisan coffee, delicious cake or lunch when you plan your visit.
I’m excited to discover Nkuku have a brand-new furniture showroom, which is located just across the car park from the main store. There you can explore their broad selection of furniture and lighting. Nkuku’s beautifully handcrafted sofas are available to order and have delivered direct to your home.
As you can see, they have a treasure trove of unique one-off pieces, to add character to your home.
Be sure to visit when you come to Totnes, Devon or visit the website Nkuku You’ll also find Nkuku on Instagram for additional inspiration.
“A house is much more than a mere shelter – it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.”
John Saldino
Holly Keeling Interiors
I’ve known Holly for years and am delighted to share her gorgeous style with you.
Holly is not only a super talented interior designer and stylist both residential & commercial, but she also has her own store & design studio on Totnes High St, in Devon.
Holly Keeling Interiors sells the most stunning homeware, antiques, fashion & soft furnishings, including a full range of fabric books, swatches, carpet and tile samples. She is the official stockist for the following designer fabrics:
Vanessa Arbuthnott, Jane Churchill, Clarke & Clarke, Colefax & Fowler, Elanbach, Kate Forman, Pierre Frey, James Hare, Linwood, Ian Mankin, Titley & Marr, GP & J Baker, Malabar, Roger Oates, Peony & Sage, Thibaut, Lewis and Wood, Sanderson, Design Forum, Anna French, Volgar Linen, Little Greene and many more…
You will find a wide range of weaves and prints in a multitude of colours, patterns and textures to suit a vintage or contemporary interior. Holly and her talented team will help you select some truly inspirational fabrics to transform your home. They also offer a service providing custom made curtains, blinds and soft furnishings using highly experienced makers.
Other Interiors stores I love and think you will too;
Jas Interiors, Ivybridge
Escapology, Plymouth
Distinctly Living
Enjoying the space in your home doesn’t mean you need to spend big bucks. I’m a firm believer that your style is found through things you love, places you’ve visited and inspired you. I’ve always said that it’s the little things, the finer details, that make all the difference. If you love to enjoy a coffee in the morning, why not enjoy it from that special mug. Enjoy reading in the evening? Create a special reading space with your favourite armchair and throw.
“Feather your nest with designs you love.”
Jo Eldridge, Founder and Digital Creator of Jo and Co home.
As ever, I do hope you’ve enjoyed this blog, feel inspired and will have fun visiting these beautiful interiors stores, both when you visit in person or online. We really are very lucky here in this part of the world.
Do let me known your favourite place to visit in the South West, you never know, it might just feature in the forthcoming blogs; Best of the South West!
Wishing you happiest of days, wherever you are.
Be happy and healthy,
Reference:
Office for National Statistics (ONS) the report, titled Coronavirus and how People Spent Their Time Under Lockdown:
Hi, I'm Claire
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
Jas Interiors, Ivybridge
