Christina Strutt - 2011 Mentor

A former fashion editor, Christina Strutt founded the clothing and lifestyle line Cabbages and Roses. She now has three stores and a range in Jigsaw

Christina Strutt
Christina Strutt

A former fashion editor, Christina Strutt founded the clothing and lifestyle line Cabbages and Roses. She now has three stores and a range in Jigsaw

A former fashion editor, Christina Strutt founded the clothing and lifestyle line Cabbages and Roses. She now has three stores and a range in Jigsaw.

We caught up to talk inspiration and her own experiences of mentoring.

What fired your ambition to start your own business? After several years freelancing as an interior designer for various magazines, I wanted to build a business that had meaning to it.

MEET THE REST OF THE 2011 MENTORS HERE

What’s been a career high? The press played a significant role in our success – their kindness has had a massive influence. Another major high has been opening our stores and our range with Jigsaw. John Robinson, the owner, invested shares in our company and his advice and interest from the beginning was a huge boost.

What’s the best careers advice that you’ve been given? Find the thing you are passionate about and endure the pitfalls. My advice is to take baby steps and do each properly. And if you can avoid it, don’t borrow money.

What makes a good mentor? The best mentor is one who has struggled and made it.

WANT TO BE MENTORED? CLICK HERE

OR JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AND BECOME A MARIE CLAIRE MENTOR, HERE

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.