It’s been a while since I introduced you to a few of our lovely 91 contributors. We have a wide network of photographers, writers, stylists and illustrators who create the incredible work within our pages. I’d love you to get to know them more so today I invite you to read a little about these lovely ladies, and do go give them a follow too!
Cathy Pyle – Photographer
Cathy has done a number of beautiful shoots for 91 Magazine, although we first met when she came to photograph my previous home for another magazine! Her own home is a beauty, so do go check it out as well as her other work at @cathy.pyle
If you weren’t a photographer what would you be and why?Â
I only became a photographer in my forties and wouldn’t wish to do anything else! But in another life I might be an architect, an interior designer, or perhaps a garden designer.
Name 3 of your favourite instagrammers & why?Â
@lobsterandswan – for beautiful photography with soul, and a reminder to seek beauty in the everyday.
@blackshorestyle – for endless interior inspiration. (I want to run away and live in every image she shares!).
@hildemork78 – for her gorgeously dreamy glimpses of her life in rural Norway.
 Top tip for aspiring photographers?Â
Learn and practise as much as you can: set yourself small goals, take workshops and courses, go to exhibitions, read books, talk to people in the industry. Master the technical stuff so that you can express your creative vision, just as you want to – that’s what counts.
What is your TV box set obsession right now?
Would it be terrible if I admitted to a temporary addiction to Love Island?! The perfect antidote to a full-on life 😉 When I’m in the mood for something more serious, though, I’m currently enjoying the stunning third season of the Handmaid’s Tale.
Favourite shop?Â
For an inspiring wander, Petersham Nurseries. For online homewares with social justice and environmental sustainability at their heart, Aerende.
Favourite flower?Â
Anything I’ve grown in my garden (or snipped from across the neighbour’s fence!), and especially if it has a gorgeous scent. Right now, it’s climbing rose and sweet pea.
Favourite plant?Â
Oh, too many to choose from! But perhaps because it’s in its element right now, I’d choose the delicate hydrangea petiolaris in the shady corner outside my kitchen.
Favourite city?
I think my favourite has to be London – close to home but never the same. I never tire of the views walking over Waterloo Bridge.
Claire van Heukelom – illustrator
Claire is a Dutch illustrator based in France, whose distinct style caught our eye, with it’s feminine influence and beautiful hand-lettering. She illustrated one of the columns in our current issue, pictured below. See more of her work at @clairevanheukelom
If you weren’t an illustrator what would you be and why?
I would be an architect. Architecture and interior design has always interested me, I considered doing interior design in art school but decided that drawing fits me best.
Name 3 of your favourite instagrammers & why?
@sanae_sugimoto – Sanae Sugimoto because of the delicate and detailed illustrations.
@laurentmoreauillustration – French illustrator Laurent Moreau who´s work is intriguing and whimsical at the same time.
@willian_santiago – Willian Santiago makes sensitive illustrations with beautiful colour combinations.
Top tip for aspiring illustrators?
Find your own style.
What is your TV box set obsession right now?
We are watching The Sopranos for the second time. My oh my, how I love the characters of Paulie, Tony and Carmella.
Favourite shop?
Nature et Décoverte is a great shop where you can wander around and forget about time. You can find great things for your house and garden, all selected with a love for nature.
Favourite flower?
The peony because of it’s colour, all the delicate leaves that makes the beautiful flower. And that smell…
Favourite plant?
To be honest I do not have a green thumb, so I only admire from afar. So instead of house plants, I always have fresh flowers around the house.
Favourite city?
Lyon, a great city not so far from where we live. It has an old and a new village with amazing squares, alleys with little shops around every corner, great bouchons, and the typical vibe of the South of France.
Meredith Cowser – writer
Meredith AKA One Social Girl is one of our US contributors and has written a column for us since we launched in print 3 years ago. Starting out a crochet blogger, Meredith now runs her own brand communications studio. You can follow her at @onesocialgirl.
If you weren’t a writer what would you be and why?
I think I would be a graphic designer! I am fascinated by the process of bringing beautiful design to life. The use of colour, shapes, typography, and lines is just another way of bringing a story to life!
Name 3 of your favourite instagrammers & why?
Such a tough call! Here are three ladies inspiring me right now:
@eatingbirdfood – For food, Brittany’s healthy recipes are some of my favourites! I have tried several and have loved every single one. Her photos and videos are beautiful, too!
@jennymwalton – For fashion, I find myself thoroughly enjoying the sneak peeks of Jenny’s world as a fashion illustrator and half of The Sartorialist- the street style website. I love seeing her work, fashion choices, and where she is traveling next!
@jasminedowling – Jasmin is an incredible designer, photographer, and all-round inspiring creative to follow. Her feed is visually stunning and curated based on colour palette. It is truly a feast for the eyes!
Top tip for aspiring writers/bloggers?
1. Stay true to your unique voice and talents.
2. Don’t go at it alone. Building your community is essential for a healthy personal and professional life.
3. You are not defined by what you do. If someone says no to something you wrote/created, they are actually saying yes to you.
What is your TV box set obsession right now?
Stranger Things. 1000%. I am probably watching the new season as we speak….
Favourite shop?
It isn’t a storefront, but Cocokind skincare is my favourite brand right now. Their products have changed my skin, rid me of hormonal acne, and are made with clean ingredients. I’m obsessed and you should check them out!
Favourite flower?
Dahlias! Counting down the days until they are in season at my local market. 🙂
Favourite plant?
Even though my gardening skills are non-existent, I always smile when I see and, more importantly, smell a rosemary bush. The smell of rosemary is so intoxicating and makes me think of foods I want to cook.
Favourite city?
There are a lot of cities I would love to visit in my life, but my favourite I’ve visited so far is Bath. I had the pleasure of traveling there all the way from Texas a few years ago and loved every minute. I can’t wait to travel to the UK again one day!
Thanks ladies! I love hearing a bit of insight into their lives – I hope you do too! Make sure to go say hi on Instagram too! 🙂
