We spent a bright, joy-filled morning in North London with author and chef Melissa Hemsley – chatting all things food, fashion, and finding small rituals of joy. Between cups of sunshine tea and a colourful, spice-laced lunch, we talked about motherhood, dressing for yourself, and embracing the beauty in everyday moments.
Discover her favourite pieces from the new collection, a delicious spring menu, and why she’s never without a pop of colour.
You’ve been a longtime fan of Pink City Prints. What do you love most about wearing our pieces?
“I love that they make me feel joyful, no matter the season, especially in winter! I reach for them when life feels busy or stressful; they’re my go-to. The prints and colours always lift my mood, and I love that they don’t need ironing, so important now that I’m a mum with limited time! They’re easy to throw on and instantly make you feel put together. I also love the story behind the brand, knowing who made each piece, and the beautiful heritage of the craft. I could go on forever!”
Your lifestyle is all about comfort, joy, and ease. How does fashion play a role in that for you?
“I’m either in yoga gear or a dress - there’s no in-between! I love how effortless Pink City Prints pieces are. I don’t follow trends; I choose what feels good for me. I also believe in long-lasting, well-made clothes. I don’t buy a lot, but when I do, it’s something I know I’ll treasure forever.”
Do you have a favourite piece from our new collection? How would you style it for spring?
“Oh yes! The Rainbow Patchwork Xanthe Dress! At first, I wasn’t sure it would suit me, but as I’m rediscovering my style post-baby, I’ve completely fallen in love with it. Plus, it happens to match my Sunday Times best-selling cookbook, Real Healthy! I wear it barefoot at home or with trainers when I’m out and about. Also, I’m obsessed with the new colourful jewellery - it pairs perfectly with the dress!”
Your cooking is all about vibrant, feel-good food. What inspired this menu for our lunch together?
“I wanted to give a little nod to India, so I’ve used some of my favourite spices - garam masala, coriander seeds, cumin, bay leaves, cloves, fennel, cinnamon, peppercorns, nutmeg, and ginger… all the good stuff! Since I knew you were coming, I wanted something that reflected the beautiful heritage of Pink City Prints. The dishes are simple, full of flavour, and veggie-friendly so everyone can enjoy them. I also love meals that feel abundant - I’ve got plenty of leftovers to snack on later!”
Your turmeric chickpea rice and cucumber mint salad sound so fresh and full of flavour. What are your go-to spices and ingredients for a nourishing meal?
“I love adding beans or chickpeas to rice - it boosts the protein and fibre. Turmeric is one of my all-time favourite spices, not just for its vibrant colour but also for its anti-inflammatory properties. I’m actually studying nutrition part-time at the moment, and I’ve learned that turmeric and black pepper work together to enhance each other’s benefits. I also use loads of fresh herbs - we had parsley, coriander, and mint in our meal today. If we counted our plant points, I think we’d be at 30! That’s fantastic for gut health. Oh, and coconut for that South Indian flavour!”
You often champion seasonal, sustainable eating. What’s your favourite way to make the most of spring produce?
“When ingredients are at their best, you don’t need to do much to them. Take the tomatoes in our salad, we didn’t cook them, just added them in because British tomatoes are incredible this time of year. I love that this menu became a little mix of Indian flavours and North London - watercress, a great British peppery green, with Indian spices, oh and English cucumbers. A perfect blend of cultures!”
Food and fashion both celebrate colour in such a joyful way. How does colour influence your mood and creativity?
“Massively! Even when I’m at home, I love wearing bright, colourful cardigans - or just throwing on a bold lipstick. I call my daily turmeric-ginger tea my sunshine tea, and my kitchen is filled with colour too - it actually feels very Pink City Prints with all its greens and floral touches. I think colour has a way of lifting our spirits, especially in the winter. That’s why I go for a walk every morning, to get my daily dose of nature.”
Whether it’s cooking or getting dressed, do you have any daily rituals that bring you joy?
“Making my sunshine tea, cuddling in bed with my coffee, baby, and dog. I try to take a salty bath at the end of the day with a good book. Oh, and I love this playlist I was given after giving birth - Solfeggio Frequency, it has these soothing beats that really help me feel grounded. Being a mum, running a business, studying, and still trying to be a good friend and human can feel like a lot sometimes, so those little rituals help me stay balanced.”
You juggle so many creative projects - writing, cooking, hosting. How do you stay inspired and find balance as a mum?
“Sometimes I actually feel overwhelmed by how inspired I am - there’s just so much I want to do! So many people to follow, books to read, podcasts to listen to. As a mum, I want to share that sense of curiosity with my daughter too. Like right now - we’re chatting, tidying up, entertaining the baby… life is never perfectly balanced, but that’s part of the joy.
One of the things I love most about Pink City Prints is that it’s a female-led business. Even though I haven’t met Molly in person yet (can you believe it?!), we’ve connected so much online, and I’ve always felt so supported by her. I love seeing how she’s grown her team while staying true to her values. That’s exactly what I hope for my own business too.”
SHOP MELISSA’S EDIT HERE
Follow Melissa: @melissa.hemsley
