Community Spotlight: Ray Hopkinson on Summer Favourites, Sustainable Shopping Advice, and Smooth Self-Care Rituals

Welcome to MIRROR WATER's Community Spotlight. Each month, we’ll be getting to know one of our MW muses – asking questions about who they are and what they do.

This month, we speak with Ray Hopkinson – sustainability expert, small plates-lover, and communications director at Kibbo Kift Agency. Scroll on to hear Ray’s summer favourites, sustainable shopping advice, and how she’s feeling smooth from the inside-out this summer.

MIRROR WATER: Hey Ray! We're so lucky to have you in our community and as our MIRROR WATER muse. For those who might not know, can you please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

Ray Hopkinson: Howdy! I'm Ray, 28, from North London. I’m a lover of small plates (don’t come for me @socks_house_meeting), vintage jewellery, all things nature, flea markets, natty wine, Margate, being a silly billy, ceramics, and dancing. I've spent the last six years working in sustainability communications, but I currently work in PR helping brands that prioritise people and the planet to share their stories. It's the dream job.

MIRROR WATER: In your opinion, what are the most important things for people to know when shopping sustainably?

Ray Hopkinson: STEP ONE: Ask yourself, ‘Do I need this?’

STEP TWO: Can you buy it pre-loved? Of course, don't do this for beauty products(!), but if it's clothing, furniture, etc., you could save some money and get it for a fraction of the cost if you find it second-hand.

STEP THREE: If you need to buy something, choose brands that epitomise your values. This is different for everyone, but it might be supporting a female-owned business, a brand that donates to marine conservation, a product that has a lower carbon footprint, a company that pays a living wage, etc. In my opinion, the most important thing is that you love the product, and you'll use it. There's no point in buying a product that meets all of the sustainable/ethical criteria if it will sit in a cupboard and go to waste!

 MIRROR WATER: What's one thing you love that makes you feel smooth from the inside out?

Ray Hopkinson: An early night of self-care, Gilmore Girls, and crispy clean (linen) sheets.

MIRROR WATER: What's one thing that you do to keep your mental health feeling smooth when you're feeling stressed?

Ray Hopkinson: Go for a walk, call a friend, listen to tunes.

MIRROR WATER: What's your star sign?

Ray Hopkinson: Gemini.

MIRROR WATER: Go-to summer recipe?

Ray Hopkinson: Cold tahini soba noodle salad with smacked cucumbers from Mob.

Written by
Team MW

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