AMY BRETT GOES ON–OFF GRID

In our first ever zine, we celebrated the joyful duality of pause and play in our new SS26 collection (designed to seamlessly do both), and through the stories of women who are striking the on-off balance in life and style.

Ahead, we spotlight food creator, Amy Brett who reflects on her approach to a balanced life; being online and offline (purposefully), being home and away, seeking ease and excitement, and flexing go-go-go with slow.

1. Who are you when you’re on-grid?

On-grid I’m a food creator, recipe developer and supper club host, my days revolve around cooking, filming, editing and sharing recipes online. It’s fast-paced, creative and very digitally-connected. I’m constantly thinking about unique ideas and how to translate what I’m making into something people will want to cook themselves. What started as a side hobby because I simply loved food and cooking has grown into my full-time job and whilst I still genuinely love it, but because my work lives online, I have to be far more intentional about switching off.

2. Tell us about your journey into one off-grid hobby

Funnily enough, my off-grid hobby is still cooking, just without the phone. It might start with a morning trip to a farmers’ market, a workout, or a mooch around my favourite clothing stores, perhaps a cheeky pint at a pub (bonus points if a dog's involved), then it’s back to the kitchen with my fiancé, a glass of wine and our favourite music on. No filming, no documenting, just cooking for the pure joy of it. That’s how I properly switch off, and it’s honestly my happiest place

3. Why is being a part of an IRL community important to you?

Most of my content is shot at home, usually in my flat on my own, so real-life connection feels really important to keep things balanced. Whether it’s properly making time for friends and family, heading to the occasional press event and meeting other foodies, or going to regular workouts where I’ve met some lovely people, being around others keeps me grounded and reminds me of the real-life moments behind everything I create.

4. Does having an analogue hobby impact the times when you’re back on-grid?

Completely, it brings balance. Stepping away keeps my creativity feeling fresh and stops everything becoming purely content-led and keeps my work rooted in genuine enjoyment rather than pressure to produce which can be exhausting! I come back with clearer ideas and more energy.

5. What personal benefits do you experience when off-grid?

I feel calmer, more present and far less scattered. My attention span comes back, I notice small details more, and I sleep better. I’ve been leaning into slower rituals, country stays, plenty of reformer pilates, getting into card making and painting at home, and trying to read a chapter of my book a day to keep screen time in check (not always successfully eek) but the intention is there and I feel like it's definitely working.

Amy Brett is a London-based food creator, and lover of unrushed cooking.

@thehungryhobbit