Interview Entrepreneur Louisa Mobbs
Louisa understands that it’s all in the details when it comes to creating an exceptional experience, and her tablescapes are often maximalist masterpieces that guests will never forget. The trailblazing mum of three started out working in communications – first in the fashion industry, and then at Goldman Sachs, before seeing there was a gap in the market for bespoke, luxury events with exceptional service. In 2009 she founded Polar Black Events, and has been creating events for major clients, including Hermes and Chanel, and even Bill Clinton, ever since.
THE WICK: You are the co-founder of Polar Black events and more recently Maison Margaux. What qualities do you think are essential to entrepreneurial success?
Louisa Mobbs: For me I had always wanted to do something on my own. It was definitely a drive I had, so I was happy to put in long hours. I try to stay pretty laser-focused on what I’m trying to achieve: ignore the noise, rejections, opinions and setbacks that come along the way. And just keep believing in what I’m doing. And I try to be a decent person! Sounds simple – but I believe in being kind to your team, being good to people on the journey, having empathy. Life can be brutal but mostly wonderful. Put good into the world and it will come back.
TW: Maison Margaux is a luxury British homeware brand and you specialise in beautiful bespoke settings to rent or buy. What is the ultimate tablescape for this summer?
LM: We launched a gorgeous tablescape with Christopher Farr cloth this summer, inspired by their iconic Carnival design. I love its vibrant colours and embroidery detail. We then hosted a lunch on the island of Nantucket with Kit Kemp to celebrate working together but also showcase British designers during Nantucket by Design week. The tablescapes both use pattern and beautiful tassel and trim detailing on napkins and table linens to make the table feel like an art piece. Stripes are always an iconic print for summer table linens. We worked with the Net-A-Porter team for a beautiful Aquazzura event in Greece, they used bold yellow striped linens with lemon centrepieces – beautifully handpainted Aquazzura plates. It was sunshine on a plate.
TW: As a well-seasoned traveller, where is the next place on your hot list?
LM: I love Formentera. It’s got that beautiful Balearic laidback, barefoot, boho vibe, whilst being a little removed from the high energy of Ibiza. We are lucky to rent a gorgeous house owned by the Marni family, everywhere you look there are touches of design and iconic marni details, from striped sun loungers to beautiful crockery.
TW: If money was no object, which artwork would you add to your collection?
LM: What a question! I studied Edward Hopper at school and loved his paintings. I spent a lot of my childhood on the East Coast and love his depiction of shadow and light, mixed with iconic American scenes from a bygone era.
TW: What’s your favourite gallery or museum to visit when you are London based?
LM: It’s got to be the V&A. They are masters at curating powerful exhibitions that appeal to all people, of all ages and tastes. I’ll often take my children there for the day, they love the immersive exhibitions and then playing in the fountains when it’s warm outside.
TW: How have you balanced motherhood and work?
LM: I try put myself where I need to be in that moment. And I try not to feel bad about myself when I get things wrong. I have the kind of personality where I don’t need a rigid routine. Which is unusual. But it means I am able to look at my week every Sunday and adapt it to where I’m needed most, whether that’s at school assemblies, football matches, pitch meetings or team catch ups. I’m lucky I work for myself, so I also mange my own hours.
“Life can be tricky but mostly wonderful. Put good into the world and it will come back.”
