Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Clare Jay, Children’s Shop Owner, Tufnell Park

Clare Jay grew up in Archway, her teenage love of live music leading her to jump about at The Forum or above the Boston Arms. After graduating from Central St. Martin’s, she settled down in Tufnell Park, where she’s lived for 12 years. Now a mum of two, she brings “a love of good design and childish enthusiasm” to her kids’ shop eenymeeny.

When were you happiest?
Ambling home from school through Highgate woods every day, on my own, munching sweets, not a care in the world. Not sure I would let my kids do that. When did we all get so neurotic?

Where would you like to live? I would set up a loft style apartment in the entire top floor of Highgate studios, just above Pizza East.

What is your greatest life achievement?
Being an OK mum and setting up my own business.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Buy less, Buy better, make it last.

What is your earliest memory? I went to my first club night in the Boston Arms. Had my first pint there and it got raided by the police that night. I was grounded for a month. It was the best night.

What makes you unhappy?
Boarded up shops and people’s apathy to the plight of the independent retailer on the high street. People need to just show a little more support and stop demanding more cheap, low quality products.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Making sure I take time to read the poems written every day on the board at Tufnell Park tube.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Being a secret smoker.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Drinking pints (and pints) of Camden Town Hells larger at the Brewery. It’s just so good.

Where do you hang out?
A bit too much at the top of my jeans. It’s a new thing.

Who or what do you hate and why?
Conspicuous consumption. And greedy landlords.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I seem to always look cross – but I’m not.

Where would you live if you could live anywhere in London and why?
I would love to be nearer the Heath – so Dartmouth Park would be nice. There is also a really nice village feel around the Dartmouth Park arms.

What has your career taught you?
Not to listen to other people’s opinions.

What is your favourite dish and why?
My mum’s chicken soup. It really is the Jewish penicillin.

What was your best gig and why?
De la Soul at the Forum. Two worlds collided that night.

Describe yourself as an animal.
My daughter thinks I look like a giraffe.

Know anyone who would make a great Ich Bin Kentishtowner? Don’t be shy – nominate them at info@kentishtowner.co.uk