Kintails Interview

Written by Genesta Gunn

Released May 2020

You can read the full interview here:

https://kintails.com/blogs/journal/kindred-tales-ashley-luis-yoko-yoko

Selected text from interview

Q. How does your dog fit into your general day working?

Luis currently has a full time job in healthcare so Yoko stays with me during the day.  I have a small design studio so our daily schedule is always changing depending on what projects need to be completed.

Before going out to work Luis usually feeds Yoko takes her out for her first walk.  Usually I will work from home during the morning and we go for a long walk at lunch time which is important to get some clarity and some fresh air.  Yoko is very easy as she likes to sleep most of the day, especially in the winter months.

My design studio Store & Archive is based at the Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey, specifically chosen as it allows dogs to be in the building.   YOKO is our other business and we also have a studio at the same location so it is very convenient.  Whilst I make new stock and pack some orders, Yoko will usually sleep next door in my studio.

We find that food routines work best for Yoko as we need to control her weight.  If she puts on the slightest amount we can see that it affects her previously broken legs.  At 7pm she eats her dinner, although she is pretty much reminding us that dinner is approaching an hour before hand.

Q. When you’re not working where do you and your dog like to hang out?

We have started to take Sundays off from working.  Working seven days was too much and we now understand that one day is essential to prepare for the week and to spend valuable time together as a family.

We are big supporters of dog friendly venues, and make a point of spending our money in these places as we see the value of dogs in a community environment.  If some restaurants and shops allow dogs, then we find it hard to justify other stores reason why they do not allow dogs.

Particular favourite spots are Ace Hotel in Shoreditch or Hoxton Hotel in Southwark as they are both vibrant spaces of continually changing activity.

We like the general feeling of Arket in Covent Garden especially the café.  Generally, we just like being out in the city with Yoko – she loves the attention from people.  Our new favourite spot is La Boheme in Soho – it feels like a place which has always been there, with live jazz music and style.