Meet Life of Riley Founder
More than just a name
Meet SaraH
Life of Riley reflects my desire to bring joy into the lives of my customers through our handpicked collection of thoughtfully curated gifts and home accessories.
Each piece individually designed to make our customers’ lives, and homes, more comfortable one beautiful product at a time.
SARAH'S STORY
Having always dreamt of following in Kate Adie’s journalistic footsteps, it was my time spent temping at Marks and Spencer one Christmas that opened my eyes to the joy of connecting a delighted customer with their perfect product. A real buzz and one that continues with me to this day.
After graduating with a History degree from Warwick University I au paired in Bordeaux and Luxembourg before starting a management training scheme at John Lewis in London. During my time with John Lewis I gained invaluable commercial skills and insights into the world of retail as well as an appreciation of the importance of offering a personal service.
Fast forward a decade and two children later, it was time to follow my dream to set up my own business. Family has always been important to me so I knew flexibility was key when setting up Life of Riley alongside my growing family. It is this commitment to flexibility that enables my fantastic team of 8 loyal women to happily balance their work and home lives.
Rural Office and Warehouse
Our People & Products
Finding the right partners, suppliers and manufacturers was crucial to realising my vision for Life of Riley. On a discovery trip to India in 2007, I was delighted to meet Harish our leather manufacturer, whose dedication to craftsmanship and strong family values resonated deeply with me, not least his wife’s delicious curries she cooks every day for his team. Seventeen years later we continue to work together to create our fabulous collection of leather home accessories and gifts.
It isn’t just about the leather! Over the last few years we have evolved into a destination for luxury gifts including quality home and garden accessories to complement our signature leather collection.
I am honoured to be working alongside business partners who share our values, passions and commitment to creating wonderful products we are proud to sell our customers.
The LOR Team
Hot and bothered after unloading a container of stock!
Giving Back
Inspired by my parents’ dedication to the National Garden Scheme during their retirement, I wanted to instil this ‘giving back’ culture in Life of Riley and am proud to be working with and supporting 2 deserving charities:
Conscious of our responsibilities to the environment and our planet, through the help of Carma, we are committed to plant at least 100 trees this year and also offer our customers the option to donate towards this initiative should they wish. Not only does this charity focus on the reforestation of the planet, it also collaborates with the Green Task Force to help reintegrate our ex-servicemen into society through vocational training.
Since meeting a team of inspirational volunteers from Royal Trinity Hospice at Spirit of Christmas in 2019 we are delighted to be donating perfectly imperfect items from our outlet collection to be sold in their London charity shop.
SARAH'S FAVOURITE GIFTS
Nearly as bad as asking me to name my favourite child, but… As the first ever piece I sold at my first charity fair at Claire Priory back in 2007, our Classic Jewellery Box will always hold a special place in my heart. A timeless piece, as practical as it is beautiful, to be cherished for years to come. Made even better twinned with a personalised Earring Box.
Leather Jewellery Box
A New Range for 2024
Earring Box