Christmas Spotlight: Sarah Gilfillan

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we’ll invite someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Next up, it’s Sarah Gilfillan, personal stylist for men, from Sartoria Lab…

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s…”

Patience! For things to be endlessly chopped & changed around, with other people and their reasons for doing or not doing things, and for coping with new tech issues.

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

Well done – you adapted quickly to the situation (and that has to be to myself as I’m the only member of my team )

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

A new bathroom………which includes a very swanky new bathroom cabinet from Italy.

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

Reconnecting with my clients and shopping with them in person again
Doing more virtual work now I know it’s possible including a potential online course or membership.
Meeting all the new overseas clients who should’ve been coming this year but whose trips got cancelled due to the virus.

Which business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

Community Clothing run by Patrick Grant – he kept his partner factories open throughout the pandemic to support the local people who work there and they switched to making PPE in response to the crisis.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

Running downstairs on Christmas morning when I was about seven with my twin sister Ruth to open our stocking presents. We were allowed to open those before our parents got up but we got carried away with excitement and opened our main presents too. They were supposed to be for later and we got severely told off.

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

My step-dad’s roast potatoes – they’re the best!

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

Tipple: Sherry - I never drink it any other time but my parents are teetotal so if I’m lucky I find a bottle lurking in the cupboard that might have been used for a trifle. I dust it off and enjoy a glass on Christmas morning with my auntie.
Film: No contest – White Christmas every time!
Tune: I just can’t decide between Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea and Stay Another Day by East 17– I love them both equally!

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

Not being quite as manic as usual and having time to just chill out watching plenty of cheesy Christmas films and going for long walks.

.And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

Hang in there and look forward to seeing you IRL soon!