Too many amazing women to mention in Brighton but I feel like there is a real sense of community and support among us. Who has inspired you along the way? Yes two. Has raising a family effected your career development? If so, how and why do you think that is?

When we are stressed or have a million things going around our minds, it can be hard to drop off to sleep. Or maybe you can get to sleep without much of a problem but find yourself wide awake a couple of hours later staring at the ceiling. . . . Of course, if there’s something specific worrying you and keeping you awake, then the best solution is to try and resolve that issue once and for all. But in the meantime, or if that’s just not possible right now, try these simple steps for achieving a deeply restful night’s sleep so you wake up feeling rejuvenated.Gemma found her way to becoming a plant-based champion as founder and chef at Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen after a whirlwind career in travel, hospitality and welfare. She is a devoted mother of two children – who inspire her every day to work hard but maintain a healthy work and life balance. Build a community around you of like minded people and never be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right or is just too much. When I signed my first book deal with Penguin two years ago. Everything changed for me at that moment. I still can’t believe that it happened, to be honest! What are you most proud of?

This is where her passion for mood foods really began, but cooking has always been a big part of Gemma’s life. Growing up in a big family, as the youngest of five, everyone had chores to do around the house, so Gemma’s mum taught her to cook. My kids were the reason I wanted to change careers all those years ago. Having them gave me a sense of drive to pursue what made me happy. It’s true that I cannot work as much and take opportunities as I am a mum but I would never change it. Recently my son was going through a really difficult time so I had to turn down work, as I needed to be around more. They always come first and are also quite involved in my work. I do a lot of family events and collaborations, the kids are always around and involved. It’s great as they often come with me when I go away to work at festivals or events. I have created that and it’s brilliant! Who have been your mentors? Place the sliced potatoes over the top of the stew and season well with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the potatoes are golden.

Women in Hospitality | Gemma Ogston

Create a calming sleep environment•Let your bedroom breathe. Open the windows and get some fresh air in every day. Initially a word-of-mouth success, Gemma now works regularly with brands like Soho House and Sweaty Betty. She published her first book, The Self-Care Cookbook, in 2019 and has appeared on Saturday Kitchen. She also runs Gem’s Community Kitchen, creating low-cost recipes and running workshops for local schools.

Nourishing and comforting plant-based recipes to boost your energy, help you sleep, and brighten your mood. Hey, how’s your gut doing? We only ask because, well, ours has been all out of sorts for going on five months now. (Could be the carb-y comfort food binges…or the constant anxiety and stress.) This gut-healing broth, from Gemma Ogston’s The Self-Care Cookbook: Easy Healthing Plant-Based Recipes, is designed to nourish and heal your troubled tummy (and tastes downright delicious). Don’t worry if you’re not getting as many hours each night as you think you should, but do take a look at ways you can introduce more moments of rest into your daily life and at improving the quality of the sleep that you do get. Maybe set aside one night a week to go to bed early or let yourself nap in the afternoon on the weekend if you’re tired. Even just slowing things down a notch or two as you go about your day, allowing yourself to pause for a quiet moment or making the time to do absolutely nothing for a few hours every so often so you can relax and unwind will help you feel all the more rested. This is exactly why she wanted the recipes in her book to be both physically and mentally nourishing. She avoids using phrases like ‘guilt-free’ and tells me it’s more about taking care over the food you’re eating, and making it a pleasurable experience.adamhusler - Drawing from a variety of lives lived off the mat, Adam Husler brings a unique perspective to those who seek more from yoga than making pretty shapes. He offers creative, effective and clearly-sequenced teachings that focus on balancingflexibility and strength; physically and mentally. Educated by globally renown teachers, including Jason Crandell and Michael Stone, Adam specialises in a signature style of Alignment-Based Vinyasa— fuelled by a fascination with anatomyand a desire to ask ‘why?’. To make the curry, heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the paste and cook for a few minutes, stirring all the time. Add the onion and potato and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring. Cooking and learning. The plant-based food scene is so exciting at the moment and I am learning every day. Plants are incredible and for me it isn’t just about cooking and recipes but learning all about the healing power of plants and how we can incorporate them into our diet. Am always reading and learning something new.

My kids. They are everything to me. I mean I am super proud of the business and my book but for me being a mum is my most important job of them all and my children make me so proud. I hope by the end of this chapter, you will have started to feel a little calmer, recharged, and more in control. Bringing a sense of calm to how you go about your day, however chaotic life may feel at times, will leave you better able to cope with whatever you are facing.Time is always a huge obstacle as I never have enough of it, I need more to work as much as I want to and also to be at home as much as I want to be. Do you have children?. So many amazing women and chefs out there that inspire me and have supported me along the way. Foodie-wise, Gaz Oakly, Bettina Campolucci, Sara Popowa, Lauren Lovatt, Saba Rahaba. And my kids inspire me daily. Your first book, The Self-Care Cookbook: Easy Healing Plant-Based Recipes, which was published by Penguin in 2019, is focussed on what we might now call “conscious eating”. Were you always a fan of food that nourishes and nurtures? I was in the mental health sector for 15 years, working in the NHS with women with serious drug and alcohol issues,” says Gemma. Be authentic. Never ever stop being you! What advice would you offer for women looking to embark on a similar career?