Village People: Mo from flasket – Village Green

Village People: Mo from flasket

This month's Village Person is Clare de Mowbray (Mo) who developed her idea for a functional yet beautiful water bottle featuring designs by local artists and launched flasket last year.

 

 

Where’s your favourite place to go in Scotland?

It’s so difficult to choose, we are spoilt for choice in Scotland. I’m a big fan of the North West, Ullapool and up – I have amazing memories of sea kayaking around Kinlochbervie in the September sunshine and meeting my other half.


How did you start doing what you now do?

I began working on flasket in 2018. I was in a meeting when everyone pulled out their water bottles. I thought, wouldn’t it be amazing if an eco-product could be stunning too! I realised a few weeks later on a bike ride that the artists I know could showcase their work in this format. Making this happen took two years mainly due to researching and finding a supplier, it took persistence.


What’s the best thing about your job?

Alongside flasket I have a couple of other jobs. They are all quite creative and involve meeting new people weekly, I love this! Recently, the indie business owners who I’ve met and have supported me since the flasket launch are just amazing. It’s such a collaborative environment and I’ve made some great new pals.

 

What are you most proud of?

Looking back I guess I’m really proud of the fact that I went for it. Launching a new venture can be scary, exciting, nail-biting and amazing but all these emotions feed into your business. I started on a very small scale (one bottle) and hope to build on that in 2021. I’m also passionate about the sustainable aspect of reusable bottles and feel proud that I may be making a wee difference.


What's your favourite book / last book you read?

I’m really enjoying reading at the moment. Last year I read lots of Nigerian authors who were great, especially Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – just loved her books. My favourite recent reads are Americanah and Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.


Do you have a signature dish?

I’m vegetarian and the dish I always go back to is roasted chickpeas and tomatoes with spinach and feta. I’ve become better at tofu dishes recently – a hit in this house even with the fussy eaters. I definitely have a savoury not sweet tooth, randomly I am allergic to chocolate!


What's your favourite way to spend a day off?

I just love being outside in any weather. I think my body is slightly broken from all my random exploits on bike, SUP and running, but I keep going! My fab daughter is always up for joining me and we all love heading out on bikes and throwing ourselves into the Forth (very occasionally…)

 

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