Welcome, Atia! Tell us a bit about yourself, what your life is like and the path you took to get to where you are today.
I am a mother of three and work as a part time GP. Growing up, my father has always owned a knitwear business and my mother used to sew dresses for us. I had an affinity for textiles, and embroidered my first sampler when I was nine in a rainbow of colours. I studied textiles GCSE at school, and vividly remember a wonderful trip to Liberty which opened my eyes to the amazing range of fabrics that were available. I picked up knitting just before I left university and started sewing again as a junior doctor. At one stage I was a member of the London Modern Quilt Guild and was more focussed on patchwork and bag making, but I now spend much more of my time sewing clothes and creating a colourful home and garden. I love to grow my own cut flowers and vegetables at home.

Are there any inspirational quotes or words that hold meaning for you?
I always tell my children ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. This is especially true in the age of social media, when everyone’s life appears to be perfect! I try and appreciate what we have, and recognise that we are in a privileged position compared to many.

It feels like that quote gets more relevant all the time! How do you recognise when life’s getting on top of you?
With so much going on, I do sometimes push myself to get things done when I have already had a long day working then looking after my children. Late nights can take their toll and I sometimes have to accept I need to take the night off and rest. If I don’t, my body finds a way of making me!

What do you do to get back to how you want to feel?
Unless I am working to a deadline, I try to be aware that my craft and interior projects are essentially for pleasure and should be enjoyed. With that in mind, I am happy to leave a project until I feel that spark of excitement, which tells me it’s time to start. I’m a big believer in lists, even though I look back on some of my lists and find them incredibly unrealistic!

What plans, hopes and dreams do you have for the future?
I would love to be able to work in a creative role professionally, ideally from a beautiful studio at the bottom of the garden! I also aim to inspire people to be creative, but to also recognise the talents within the diverse community of makers. I would love to develop my writing further and be published in print.

I hope that happens for you too! And finally, can you tell us what living your best life means to you?
I aim to live according to the values and principles of my faith, which to me means being kind, respectful and aware of my responsibilities to other people and the environment. As well as this, for me, being content yet working towards surrounding myself with beauty and colour is a way for me to live my best life.

Atia is a sewing and lifestyle blogger in London, and also works part time as a doctor. She is known for her colourful dressmaking and DIY projects, and also floral styling and photography. You can connect with Atia on Instagram and on her website here.