Anna Boettcher’s upbringing in Ibiza informed Lov’edu, her “ethical interior decor and lifestyle concept store”, which opened in Camden Stables Market last year. With items ranging from Ibicencan original pieces to traditional Dogan carvings, everything is “made from natural, often recycled or up-cycled materials”, she says. There is also an onsite gallery which holds workshops and events such as Egyptian yoga, meditation, film screenings and exhibitions.
When were you happiest?
I grew up in Ibiza, so that moment when you come out of the water, after a long swim, and lie in the sand with the sun on your skin – that’s when I’m happiest.
Where would you like to live?
As near to the ponds and the Heath as possible.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
Weirdly I like the sound of the overground in Kentish Town and the freight trains screeching over the railways. It reminds me of travel and connecting places.
What is your greatest life achievement?
To have followed my dreams in setting up my own business.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Life has an amazing way of sorting itself out somehow; we just need to be patient and stay positive.
What is your earliest memory of the area?
I went to a friend’s gig about five years ago at the Bull and Gate and fell in love immediately. I lived in Brighton before, and somehow I found Kentish Town reminded me of it.
What makes you unhappy?
Not seeing the blue sky for a long time.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
A genie that will do the washing and cleaning for me. Now that would be amazing!
What is your most unappealing habit?
Not shaving my legs on a regular basis.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Je ne regret rien. No guilty feelings, not even after the second chocolate croissant from the Fields Beneath.
Where do you hang out?
On my shop’s terrace, the best sunset spot in north London, which happens to be the Cuban Bar’s terrace too, so tapas and Mojitos are never missing.
Who or what do you hate and why?
The concept of mass production; poor working standards and below living-wages; producing at the cost of the environment. I think these things are unnecessary and show little respect for people and nature while undermining talent and craft-work.
I had a bike accident on my way to work which was pretty unpleasant, but by complete chance a medic and two police officers were walking down the street, so I was cleaned up by a lovely doctor and got a lift to work by two friendly detectives: I guess that’s both experiences in one.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My mum says I look like an alien when I’m tired.
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
When I was told that my grandmother had died. We were very close and she was the most beautiful, tolerant, loving and generous person I knew.
Tell us a secret.
I fancy Gary Oldman.
What has your career taught you?
Success should be measured only by how much you are enjoying what you are doing.
What is your favourite dish and why?
Spaghetti with tomato sauce: simple, but it reminds me of when I was a child and how, after a day at the beach, my mum used to bathe me and wrap me up in a towel with a hoodie and make me pasta.
What was your worst gig and why?
Bob Dylan. He had his back turned to us throughout the whole concert.
Describe yourself as an animal.
Something feline. Probably a mix of a cat and a tiger. I can be lazy and cuddly at times but also purposeful, independent – and definitely scary when angry.
For more info on Lov’edu head to their website here
