The Art of Balance: Honouring Fathers in Our Creative Community

This Father’s Day, we did not just celebrate fatherhood, we measured strength in its many forms.

Together with Studio 7, The VI Therapy, we hosted ‘Who has the Strongest Hand Grip at GWS?’ event. A light-hearted but seriously fun competition that brought the community together in a burst of energy, laughter, and healthy rivalry. From artists to designers, dads to non-dads, everyone gave it a squeeze, and we discovered we have got some seriously strong hands (and spirits!) in the building.

Huge thanks to The VI Therapy for making this happen. Your energy, expertise, and creativity brought such a special vibe to the day. Everyone who took part came away smiling, a little sore, and totally uplifted.

But beyond the grip meters and the gains, this week was also about reflecting on what it means to show up at work and at home. We asked some of our studio holders who are also fathers to share their thoughts on balancing the two.

Robert (Richard F Gill & Associates, Studio 111)
It has historically been tricky to balance work life and home life, largely fed by the culture that seemed inherent in the construction industry at the time. This put a burden on my wife in dealing with bringing up the children and gave rise to other regrets regarding missing tangible bonding time with my girls. Whilst this can not be undone, my time with RF Gill has both facilitated, and coincided with, being able to dedicate more time to being at home. Covid obviously exacerbated this but even before this, my work life balance was tipping more towards life with a purchase of a home office in 2019.

Obviously as a business owner, there is a duty of care to your staff and a need to be present, particularly in a smaller company where I am looking to implement growth and change, but I am putting processes in place to empower my staff to be accountable and thus release me to focus more on my goals, business and personal.

With these goals written down, it allows me to ensure everything I am doing, whilst serving the business, ultimately looks to benefit having more time during the week with my girls – dedicated WFH days so I can be there to drop off or pick up if needed and making sure time with them is blocked out in my calendar.

I’m not saying that this solves all problems, and as I mentioned, I cannot change the past but being intentional about my time with them, putting them first in my short term planning and long term goals, ensures they are always the focus. As they always should have been.

Sharif (The VI Therapy, Studio 7)
Being my own boss has given me the freedom to prioritize my two kids in a way I couldn’t when working for someone else. I dedicate my mornings to them, free from distractions like phones, and aim to model the values I want them to learn through my own actions. I schedule clients in the afternoons and keep Wednesdays and weekends work-free to ensure quality family time. A quote from my father always stays with me: “You get 18 summers with them before they fly the nest”. That reminder keeps me focused on being present now, rather than overworking in hopes of a better future because the time we have with them is already precious and very limited.

Dan (MATA Architects, Studio 114)
How do I balance work with fatherhood? The answer to that question keeps changing! Just when I think I’ve figured it out my kids get a bit older and what worked for a while, isn’t really working that well anymore… So half the time I’m catching up. Trial and (a lot of) error…At the moment, I try to be home for dinner together at least 3 out of 5 times in the working week and to cook at least two of those. My daughter joins me for dog walks on the heath, if not every weekend, then at least every other…My son and I are playing a lot of backgammon in the evenings at the moment and, more recently as the days get longer, table tennis in Queens Park…

Thank you to all the incredible dads at GWS who remind us that strength is not just physical, it is in your consistency, your care, and your presence.

Here is to strong hands, open hearts, and showing up where it matters most.
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at GWS.

Brows by Mina: A Story of Beauty, Resilience, and Reconnection

By Argjenda Miftari

At Great Western Studios, we are proud to be home to a diverse and vibrant community of creatives, and that includes the incredibly talented Mina, founder of Brows by Mina. Specialising in brow and lash treatments, Mina combines expert artistry with a deeply personal story to help women feel beautiful, confident, and empowered in their own skin.

We sat down with Mina to hear more about her journey, the evolving beauty industry, and how she balances creativity with motherhood, all from her studio right here at GWS.

How did your journey into the beauty industry begin, and what inspired you to specialise in brow and lash treatments?

Before launching Brows by Mina, I was working as a bridal makeup artist. Over time, I became known for how I shaped and enhanced my brides’ brows, something I didn’t think much of at first, until people started booking me just for brows or asking me to teach them.

But my real journey began in 2018, during one of the most difficult times of my life. I have Alopecia Areata, and in 2018, I lost most of my hair – including my brows. It deeply affected my self-esteem. I remember barely recognising myself in the mirror. Then I discovered microblading, and that experience changed everything. It helped me feel confident again, and I knew I wanted to give that same feeling to others. That’s when Brows by Mina was born from personal experience, healing, and a desire to help others rediscover their beauty.

With over five years of experience, what changes have you noticed in brow and lash trends?

The beauty industry has definitely shifted toward more natural, timeless looks. Gone are the days of bold, blocky “Instagram brows” – now, it’s all about enhancing what you already have. It’s a softer, more effortless approach, which fits perfectly into busy lives. My clients want to wake up, feel confident, and head out the door in minutes – still looking like themselves, just enhanced.

What’s been the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a client?

It’s hard to choose just one. Every client I’ve worked with has shaped my journey in some way. They’re not just appointments – they’ve helped me grow, both professionally and personally. I’m always grateful for the kind words, but more than that, it’s the trust and the shared experiences that stick with me.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting their brows or lashes done for the first time?

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous! Almost every client I meet feels the same at first. But once they see themselves in the mirror, something changes – they light up. That moment of confidence is so powerful. It’s not just about how you look; it’s about how you feel.

What does life outside the studio look like?

My world revolves around my family. I’m a proud mum to a beautiful daughter, and we’re expecting another little one soon – which I’m so excited about! Most of my time is spent making memories with my family, whether it’s cuddles, storytime, or little adventures. Life’s about to get even busier, but in the best way.

How important is your working environment to your creativity?

It’s everything. The space I work in influences how I feel, how I connect with my clients, and how creative I can be. GWS provides a functional, inspiring space that keeps me energised. It’s a place where creativity and calm coexist – and that’s exactly what I need in my line of work.

How does your journey align with the values of Great Western Studios?

My brand is built on community, creativity, and continuous growth – values that mirror the spirit of GWS. This space isn’t just where I work, it’s a place that supports me as a professional and as a person. It encourages expression, empowerment, and connection.

Quickfire Round with Mina

Thick or Sleek Brows? Sleek
Go-to Appointment Playlist? Listen on Spotify

If you’d like to discover more stories from inside Great Western Studios, stay tuned for the next ‘Meet the People’ blog series.

How Great Western Studios Supports Green Living?

By Argjenda Miftari

At Great Western Studios, we believe that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. From our eco-conscious design to community-led green initiatives, GWS is proud to support a lifestyle that values both artistic innovation and environmental responsibility. Together, we are building more than just studios. We are building a conscious, connected, and sustainable creative ecosystem for the future.

Here is how we are building a greener, more sustainable creative hub in the heart of West London.

1. Sustainable architecture by design

Our purpose-built studios are designed to reduce environmental impact. Featuring a spacious three-storey atrium and expansive steel-framed windows, the building maximizes natural light which cuts down the need for artificial lighting and reducing overall energy consumption. The smart use of space and light promotes energy efficiency and a welcoming environment for creative collaboration.

2. Green transportation and waste solutions

We actively support sustainable commuting by providing secure, undercover bicycle parking and hosting regular bike MOT workshops in partnership with local businesses. Recycling, on another hand, is one of the objectives we aim to achieve high standards in. The intention is to promote a zero-landfill waste solution. The system used is a two-stream waste management system. This means separating the waste into two main streams namely mixed recyclables and General waste.

3. Wellness and community connection

Sustainability at Great Western Studios also means nurturing the people who work here. We offer wellness-focused activities such as yoga and pilates, along with shared communal spaces like our on-site café, atrium and courtyard garden. By encouraging connection and balance, we promote a lifestyle that is sustainable not just for the planet, but for our community’s wellbeing.

At Great Western Studios, we are proud to house a community of creatives who value sustainability as much as artistry. Many of our studio holders actively choose sustainable, local, and low impact practices in their work, ensuring that creativity and conscience go hand in hand. Here are just some of our studio holders leading the way in sustainable creativity.

4. Low-energy infrastructure

We have invested in energy saving technologies throughout the studios:

LED lighting systems installed across all shared spaces and corridors
Sun-light activated lights in outside areas to prevent unnecessary usage
Efficient HVAC systems that balance heating and cooling needs while reducing energy waste

Sans Matin

“All our outsoles are made from 60% natural rubber. Natural rubber is a very sustainable and flexible material extracted from rubber trees. Each rubber tree has a lifespan of 30+ years, in which no tree is tapped continuously over its lifespan. New rubber trees are then planted in their place creating a closed loop of sourcing the natural rubber.”

SHAG! Hair Salon

“We are an exciting new concept salon in West London offering a B corp product range married with a sustainable ethos and an up-cycling, community driven mentality.”

Dr Sam’s Skincare

“We’re working on making our products more sustainable and increasing the percentage of packaging using PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) materials where possible.”

Craster

“We are actively helping customers to reduce CO² emissions and achieve relevant accreditations through innovative designs that deliver exceptional guest experiences and offer intelligent solutions to the most wasteful elements of hospitality service. “

Tuggs

“So, our recipes pair meat, fish, and vegetables with insect protein to lower your carbon pawprint. Compared with farming animals, farming insects emits 96% less carbon, uses 95% less land and 94% less water but creates 100% of the protein.”

What3Words

“Following COP26, we are developing a set of bold commitments together with our partners, in an effort to reach net zero by 2030.”

Our commitment to a greener future

Great Western Studios is more than just a workspace. We are a community that cares about our environment, our neighborhood, and each other. By integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operation, we aim to inspire others in the creative and business worlds to do the same.

Join us in making a positive impact.