Tonya Kidd-Beggs is the Founder and Creative Director of STORIES Parfums which is a fragrance range that weaves a narrative from mislaid memories, childhood dreams and long-forgotten hope; a pilgrimage for the senses. Here we catch up with Tonya on her life in lockdown plus her three favourite pairs of Donna Ida jeans.
Tell us your biggest lockdown achievement
I am fortunate that I have been able to continue to work throughout lockdown and our online has been busy, I have been wearing many hats as my staff have been on furlough, and with four children a husband and two dogs it certainly has been a challenge but we are still living so definitely an achievement I would say.
If you could be locked down with anyone – not including your friends and family who would it be and why
Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014). She was one of the most influential women in American history and was a poet, singer merits and civil rights activist. She explored subjects of identity, racism and literacy to overcome trauma. It is this quote that always resonates with me.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Show us your favourite ‘moment’ in your home. What do you look at every day that makes you happy, it can be a thing, a person, or just a corner of your home.
It has to be my lounge, the kids, dogs and husband always hang out in the kitchen / living area … this is my sanctuary, it is not quite finished yet as we have being doing a complete refurbish since moving into our home a year ago.. but it is so peaceful and calm (and quiet).
We all buy beautiful clothes, handbags and accessories that we love but never seem to use. Let’s see your top 3 – styled if you can!
I don't think I have been out of my gym gear since lockdown, or jeans and a T Shirt .. so I will share my favourite pieces instead.
Dodo Bar Or leather dress with Chloe handbag which I wore for STORIES Parfums Harvey Nichols private dinner in the Dublin. 
Rotate Birger Christensen velvet wrap dress and Isabel Marant boots for another private STORIES Parfums Dinner in London.
Anine Bing velvet suit, and Prada Trainers, can wear either polo or T Shirt depending on the great British outdoors.
Can we see your daily denim – what jeans are you wearing all the time right now.
Such a cliche but Donna Ida, the three pairs I love right now are the Rizzo the Ankle Skinny, Boy Dazzler the 90s Straight Leg and Kitty Kat the Cropped Mini Boot. My other favourites are from Current/Elliott and Topshop.
If you could design a Donna Ida jean/jumpsuit or ready to wear item what would it be called? We usually name the denim after girls that Ida would like to hang out with, and the name the ready to wear pieces after the way they make you feel.
The Eliza Grace derived from my twin daughters names, Wild & Free!
What is the first thing you’ll do when you get out?
Have a family gathering (we are Irish and love family gatherings and our family is huge) and hug and kiss them all…I miss them all terribly. I have three great nieces, the youngest just born just before lockdown and I only got to cuddle her a couple of times before.
We’ll all get back to the airport at some point, when you do, what is the destination that will be on your boarding pass?
Our family home in the Algarve, it is a place where our extended family come together and I will be glad of a rest and being away from my office for a few weeks. Next work trip - the Middle East.
Before we go, can you share a photo of your lockdown companion/s if you are lucky enough to have some!
Hard to get all 6 of us in our house together for one picture, how hard can it be!! so next to them the best lockdown companion .. my TRX!! Can that count….. ???
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