North London Food & Culture

Ich Bin: Karen Cinnamon, Jewish wedding blogger

Thinking of tying the knot in 2015? One woman may be able to give you some inspiration

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‘Opportunities are endless but you have to create them.’ Photo: Karen Cinnamon

Having spent over a decade running her design business, Karen Cinnamon discovered, in the run-up to her wedding day, that there wasn’t a single place that brought together “creative, original and downright super cool ideas for Jewish brides and grooms.” So she decided to start a website, Smashing The Glass, dedicated to “fabulous” Jewish weddings.

When were you happiest?
I’m not a huge believer in star signs, but one thing that rings true for me as a Libran, is that I’m happiest and most fulfilled when I have balance in my life. Well, would you believe it, right now I’m the proud owner of exactly that: enough time with my family, whilst working on my fast-growing blog business.

Where would you like to live?
I absolutely adore our home in Kentish Town: it’s a flat that’s part of a converted piano factory with far-reaching views across London. We’re lucky to have the most wonderful neighbours in the building too – it’s such a warm, friendly community.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
We live close to Kentish Town West station, and I love the sound of the trains gently pulling into the station. To me, it’s the comforting sound of home.


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What is your greatest life achievement?
Nurturing the relationships I cherish today: husband, parents, friends, and family.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Be in the moment and stop worrying about things that haven’t yet happened.

What is your earliest memory here?
Probably viewing our apartment for the first time. I really hadn’t spent much time in Kentish Town prior to when we first embarked on life in the ‘hood.

What makes you unhappy?
Poor customer service and general incompetence makes my blood boil.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Having a few more hours in the day for sleep, work or play.

What is your most unappealing habit?
It’s the Libran in me again: indecision about the most inconsequential things (eg. should I order scallops or soup for starters?)

Karen is a big fan of the Fields Beneath. Photo: Stephen Emms
Karen is a big fan of the Fields Beneath.
Photo: Stephen Emms

What is your guilty pleasure?
Too many dark hot chocolates from the Fields Beneath.

Where do you hang out?
Talacre swings, my home office, Marylebone, Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath. I steer very clear of shopping malls and anywhere too child-friendly (sorry, is that an inappropriate thing to say?)

Who or what do you hate and why?
I don’t hate anything or anyone. ‘Hate’ is an extraordinarily strong word and I really do try to see the best in every situation.

What’s been your best experience here?
The friendliness and the meeting of like-minded entrepreneurial types. But I’m still waiting for a Little Waitrose to open up.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Still haven’t got my pre-baby figure back.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
When the BT engineer told me I’d be without Wi-Fi for a day.

Tell us a secret.
You can earn a good living from writing a blog.

What has your career taught you?
Opportunities are endless but you have to create them.

What is your favourite dish and why?
My husband’s roast chicken because he cooks it with love (he might have told me to say that).

What did you do today?
Worked on the blog till mid-afternoon, and then took my daughter to my parents’ place where we all hung out for a few hours and went for a walk. Dinner with the husband, and now sipping an aperol spritz while answering these most enjoyable questions.

Describe yourself as an animal.
I’d like to think of myself as a whippet as I love warming myself in the sun – but I’m also pretty good at getting over start-up hurdles quickly.

Find out more about Karen’s blog, Smashing The Glass, here

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