Missibaba's Chloe Townsend on what inspires her

The celebrated handbag and accessories designer reveals seven things that spark her creativity

1) Since becoming a mother my outer world has become smaller, while my inner landscape and heart space has expanded immeasurably. Many of the things and people I find inspiring are in and around my home and studio, where I spend most of my time.

I get inspiration from Leonard Cohen's song 'Anthem' with regard to my inner journey as a mum and a woman. "Forget your perfect offering/There is a crack in everything/That's how the light gets in."

2) My son Peter blows my mind daily. He has come into this world with such love and joy and he shares it. He is a total lover. I'm inspired by children's ability to live in the moment, find joy and wonder in all that surrounds them and not dwell on anger and fear.

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3) Peter and I have been growing rocket. The sprouting process is magical. It surrounds us daily, we just need to open our eyes to the springing.

4) When in nature, I love to stand in the middle of a circle and zone in. I have found beautiful bits and pieces that, had I not stopped to notice, I would probably have squished.

5) I find many local artists inspiring. Some favourites are Cecile Ormerod, Daniella Mooney and Athi-Patra Ruga. Also my husband, photographer Hugo Bodenham (one of his works, below). He gets under the skin of things and pierce right to the heart of a subject. He has an honesty I find rare and inspiring.

6) I have started painting and love exploring old-school methods of preparing paint, glazes and canvas using materials such as rabbit skin glue, bole and egg with a dash of vinegar as a paint medium. I am being guided through this inspiring process by Freya Lincoln. Her glorious mind is a repository overflowing with knowledge of such things.

7) I am fortunate to have inspiring women in my life who are fearlessly forging paths of expression in different forms: They are artist and teacher Hannah Loewenthal; food creator Jesse James, and Sarah Kennan, creator of La Leona 100% Agave Spirit. It has been awesome to witness these women's journeys.

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