After an established career in fashion working for big names including Chanel, Bonnie Gokson ventured into the hospitality industry four years ago with SEVVA – an ultra-posh bar and restaurant atop Prince’s Building that has attracted high rollers and celebrities. She is set to expand with her new patisserie, Miss B’s Cakery, in April. Alisha Haridasani catches up with her about the good life and good food.
Do your travels influence your business ideas?
Yes, definitely. I have been travelling throughout my life and have been around the world. Of course, one gets inspired, especially for those in the creative field. I think travelling is an education. It helps one get exposed to other cultures and I feel it is very important to learn and even exchange ideas. The textures and colours I use in my cakes, for example, I bring back from my travelling experiences. I have a very sharp sense of colour and that’s how I create unique cakes.
Do you bake in your free time?
Funnily enough, if I told you I was great at baking, I’d be lying. I don’t think I’ve baked more than a dozen cakes in my life. But I understand all the know-how and practice makes perfect, but unfortunately, I don’t practice enough.
What are your hobbies?
I love arts, I love dancing, I love music, and I love photography too; all forms of art and expression.
How do you manage to find a balance between health and hectic travel?
All heavy business travellers will know that even if your body is moving around, your psyche and mind is still many hours behind. So, doing that a lot leads to burnout. Luckily, I live close to nature and I often go on nature trails. I find nature very grounding for me. I don’t have to do long walks, even just a couple of minutes of quietness and meditation is really good.
Do you think it’s a good idea to have inflight internet and mobile phone network?
Internet is fine but to have mobile phone services is a bit too much. I would rather not have mobile phone access unless there are cubicles passengers can go to so no one else can hear them. I’m sure people can wait for a few hours.
How do you stay fresh after a long-haul flight?
I used to go through a few glasses of champagne and caviar, but I don’t do that anymore because they bloat me since our metabolism naturally drops. So, I would say avoid alcohol and anything high in sodium and get plenty of sleep.
What do you always carry in your suitcase?
The weather is always unpredictable so I like to layer my wardrobe. I always have my cashmere silk sweaters and a lot of pashmina scarves with me so I can adapt to all circumstances.
Where do you plan to go on your next vacation?
I’m a spur-of-the-moment person, and I don’t plan much in advance. But I’d love to do Argentina or the Maldives.
