Kim is a keen adventurer and can be seen taking hikes in gorgeous locations with her sidekick, Rufus the cocker spaniel. We sat down with Kim after her recent trip to Wales with the Gandys team. Armed with our brand new bag collection, we wanted to take a Gandys Pioneer with us who would showcase the new products and capture the sense of adventure that our brand represents. Kim was the perfect fit and her partner James and Rufus made excellent additions to our crew.

Sam: Hi Kim! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. You’ve been an advocate of our brand for a little while now, can you tell us about how that began?

Kim: I’ve always loved the Gandys brand, your clothing and your ethos - creating a business that gives back to those who need it. I reached out to see if I could get involved in any way and was invited to an event you held in your Brighton pop up store…and the rest is history!

Sam: That’s amazing, I’m glad we were able to come together! You mentioned that you weren’t originally aware of our Founders (the Forkan Brothers’) story originally. Once you learnt that they were victims of the 2004 tsunami, did this impact your opinion on Gandys in any way?

Sam: Hi Kim! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. You’ve been an advocate of our brand for a little while now, can you tell us about how that began?

Kim: I’ve always loved the Gandys brand, your clothing and your ethos - creating a business that gives back to those who need it. I reached out to see if I could get involved in any way and was invited to an event you held in your Brighton pop up store…and the rest is history!

Sam: That’s amazing, I’m glad we were able to come together! You mentioned that you weren’t originally aware of our Founders (the Forkan Brothers’) story originally. Once you learnt that they were victims of the 2004 tsunami, did this impact your opinion on Gandys in any way?

Kim: Yes so I met Rob at the pop up store event and loved hearing their story, how they turned trauma into motivation to help others as this really aligns with my own story. The reason why I started my platform is because I want to help people that are struggling to help themselves. I struggle with my mental health and a few years ago I was hospitalised because I tried to take my own life. I was struggling to find purpose in life and didn’t know how to move forward. But then Rufus came along and helped me get through it. 

Sam: I’m so sorry to hear this Kim and thank you for sharing your story with us and with your followers too, I’m sure you are helping lots and lots of people through their struggles too. We heard only good things about Roo on shoot…tell me all about him!

Kim: Haha he was a good boy! I got him 3 years ago in lockdown and his unconditional love has taught me so much. I was quite materialistic before Roo, I would never leave the house without makeup on, but now I’m outdoors in the rain with him, he comes paddle boarding with me… he’s taught me how to love the outdoors, hiking and adventures! And these activities have taken me away from the dark place I was in.

Sam: Incredible! I’m so glad he helped you and continues to bring you joy.
You recently joined our team to shoot our latest collection in the Brecon Beacons, can you tell me about it?

Kim: It was so much fun! It was great to meet the team, they were all super welcoming. I had never done anything like it before, so I was worried about being in front of the camera but they were really clear and made us feel super comfortable. My attitude has really changed to things like this, before I would have never done it but now I just want to get stuck into everything as life is short!

Sam: Definitely! I’m so pleased you all felt welcomed and comfortable. The location looked beautiful too, I definitely need to see Brecon for myself!

Kim: The location was amazing. We went for a walk by this waterfall which I never knew existed! We said we should get into the water (as a joke!) but within 5 minutes we were in! It was freezing but an incredible experience.

Sam: I saw those photos! It looks like you had the best time. And now on to the product, which was your favourite bag from the new collections?

Kim: My favourites are the Lombok and the Galle. The Galle is a really pretty day bag that fits everything you need inside it. The Lombok is huge - I love the sand colour and all the pockets!

Sam: They are two of my favourites as well…and super comfy to carry around all day. Finally, before we say goodbye, do you have any travel tips to share with our Pioneers? 

Kim: I’m a huge fan of Scotland, specifically Glencoe  as I have lots of memories there. You can drive all around the stop at any point to take it all in as the views are amazing. There’s not too much livestock which means Roo can be off the lead and have a good roam around. I recommend everyone heading up there and taking in the peace and quiet. It’s definitely my happy place.