Paying it Forward

Free dinner, unlimited inspiration and a giveaway

Last week an email newsletter dropped into my inbox from Mark Diacono with the subject title ‘Hello, a giveaway, and see you soon’. Now, I always enjoy reading Mark’s writing - a combination of food, culture and writing about writing - so it was no hardship to read. But I’ll be honest, it was the word ‘giveaway’ that most got my attention on this occasion.

I’m an absolute sucker for a competition.

Mark was giving away two tickets for the next Cafe Murano Book Club on Sunday evening. A pair had been returned, and rather than re-sell them, he had decided to kindly give them away to a paid subscriber who was available. Mark would be interviewing Dawn O'Porter whose food-focused memoir ‘Hungry Eyes’ had recently been published. I love Dawn’s books - Cat Lady and So Lucky amongst recent favourites. And we’d been to two Cafe Murano Book Clubs previously: Meera Sodha and Felicity Cloake. Both fantastic evenings all round.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a paid subscriber to Mark’s Substack before the giveaway email, but as Mark wrote “If you aren’t a paid subscriber and have been pondering taking the leap, now might be the time”. I had and I did!

After upgrading my subscription, I added my comment to say I was available and would love the tickets.

And guess what?

I was chosen! (Thank you Mark)

So, yesterday evening was spent sitting at the beautiful terrazzo bar counter of Cafe Murano, eating delicious food and listening to the inspiring career journey of Dawn, prompted perfectly by Mark. It was just brilliant.

I bought a copy of Dawn’s new book which she kindly signed when she came over to chat to us, and I can’t wait to read it.

As someone who has stopped taking the ‘easy’ route in terms of work, I loved hearing about the twisting path that Dawn’s TV and writing career has taken over the years. I loved hearing how she takes opportunities as they come rather than meticulously mapping out a future. I loved hearing her say that after Masterchef she now wants to do something in food.

I left smiling, thinking and dreaming. The best way to end a weekend, I’d say.

And so, now I want to pay it forward in a similar way. I’m borrowing the ideas from Mark to offer a giveaway to my readers.

---

The Giveaway!

I’m an interior designer in my day job, as most of you know. The most popular design service I offer is Rapid Revamp, an hour long video call where I do my very best to solve your interior design problems, remove some of the overwhelming feelings and give you a clear plan of action for a room in your home.

Last week I helped someone navigate the minefield of curtains vs blinds for an awkward shaped bedroom window. The week before I was casting a professional eye over bathroom plans and advising on tiles and brassware. I love these calls, and I love problem solving and sharing my ideas and expertise to make homes better places to live in.

I’m giving away one Rapid Revamp video consultation (worth £265) to a Chez Hanny paid subscriber.

All you have to do is comment on this post to let me know you’d like to be entered into the random draw.

On Sunday 9th August I will pick a name at random and email the winner to let them know. This is open to everyone, wherever you are in the world.

If you’re not yet a paid subscriber, this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

Interior Design by Hannah Ashe

I’m Hannah. I’m 41, childfree and live in London. I left teaching behind to pursue a more creative approach to work. I earn my living from interior design, writing and creating things I’m passionate about including the Creative Career Change podcast. Listen to the latest episode with Carolyn Boyd here.

If you like what I’ve got to say, you can support my creative work by upgrading to a paid subscription. For a few pounds per month you will receive monthly invitations to online writing/creating sessions, in-person events and honest writing.

The next co-creating session for paid subscribers takes place on Wednesday 12th August 15:00-16:00 (UK time). Click here for more info and to register.