Interview: Lorna Jane

By Donna Duggan

Donna Duggan interviews Lorna Jane Clarkson, founder of the iconic fitness label Lorna Jane.

What does a usual day look like for you?

There isn’t really what you could call a ‘usual day’ for me … but that’s exactly why I love my life! Every day I am presented with new challenges and opportunities to improve Lorna Jane and how we can inspire women to live their best active life. I do start each morning bright and early with exercise – either yoga, a weight session, a run or sometimes just walking my dog. I’ll then relax over a healthy breakfast while I catch up on my emails before heading into the office. I’m usually with the design team for the first few hours, fitting our latest collections, selecting new fabrics or running through upcoming trends and inspirations. You can then typically find me in back-to-back meetings for the rest of the day. My afternoons are usually dedicated to meeting with our marketing team, where we are either on location shooting our new collections, working through our latest catalogue or planning new campaigns. It’s always a ‘good day’ if I can find time to work on my book or write for my Livestrong blog before I leave the office. I then catch-up with my husband whilst walking our dog, and this is followed with some yoga stretches before a relaxing dinner, usually at home. Then I’ll either read, catch a movie, or do some work on a future project. I go to bed at about 10 or 11pm and fortunately, I don’t need a lot of sleep, because I am up again a 5am to do it all over again…

What does your exercise program involve?

I religiously commit myself to two strength-training sessions a week with my personal trainer. I’ve discovered over the years how essential strength training is to tone, strengthen and sculpt your body. I do yoga at least three times a week and one or two cardio workouts. I walk my dog twice a day, and I’m always looking for ways to be active in my day-to-day life. I take the stairs, walk to the local store instead of hopping in the car, and get up out of my chair to have a personal conversation with a team member rather than just send an email! This way, I can sneak in just that little bit more moving into my day.

What keeps you motivated?

My biggest motivation is the Lorna Jane customer; knowing that I am inspiring her to be the very best version of herself. There’s no greater feeling than empowering women to move, nourish and believe every day by investing in their health and fitness, and believing that anything is truly possible with a little hard work. It is the reason I get out of bed every morning. 

What is some of your best advice when it comes to running your own business?

Find what you love to do, and then find a way to earn a living from it. I have always had a passion for fashion and fitness and the fact that I have been able to combine the two things I love and build a successful business doing it has been a dream come true for me.

How do you deal with disappointments?

I’ve always been a positive person, so it’s not in my nature to hold onto disappointments and allow them to negatively influence my thinking or my life. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so when things don’t go my way, I just take a lesson from it and continue to move forward. I believe optimism has amazing powers and will ultimately lead you to great things in life!

What is trending at Lorna Jane?

In workout wear, we are seeing a huge push towards our core-stability pieces that flatter your silhouette by supporting you in all the right places… I guess you could call it shape-wear for your workout wardrobe!

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