Emma Forbes has enjoyed a career that has spanned almost twenty years and has seen her work predominately in TV. But a new venture for her as seen her move online.
I caught up with her to talk about her project with Rachel as well as her career both past and present.
- You have teamed up with Rachel's for their new moments campaign so can you tell me a little bit about it?
I’ve teamed up with Rachels for their new ‘moments’ campaign which I was thrilled to take part in as it is encourages people to stop and take time out and reconnect with themselves and enjoy a special moment of relaxation and contentment.
I am a huge fan of their range especially as it is all organic, based on organic principles, and really good for you.
- How and why did you get involved with the campaign?
It was a pleasure to get involved with the campaign, particularly as I was already a fan and regular ‘eater’ of the products.
I also believe it’s really important for people to take time out of their day for a break, so am keen to promote that message.
- So what makes you content?
What makes me content, is a happy family, and everyone in my family being happy. Only then am I truly content. All my happiest times and memories are with my kids and husband.
- And you have made the leap to online with your new project ForbesStyle so how did that come about? And how is it going?
Forbesstyle.com encapsulates everything I love doing and I really wanted to find a vehicle – as in a website- where I could really do something ‘new’ online and have it almost like a lifestyle TV show, but on the internet!
I was also working on my book Life and Soul - Entertaining with Emma Forbes, so everything is finally all coming together in the area that I am passionate about, from fashion and food to health and travel.
- The website focuses on many things including fashion so have you any quick fashion tips for the winter?
My quick fashion tip would to be think invest in one fabulous coat for the whole season rather than a few. It’s a tip my mum always taught me, and as always, she was right.
Also this Winter it’s all about ‘layering’ so stock up on plenty of tee-shirts, jumpers and cardigans that can be easily layered.
- But you are best known for you work in TV so what made you go down that career path?
I chose TV as a path after growing up watching live telly, like Anne and Nick on the sofa and Sarah and Phillip on ‘Going live’.
I just knew I really wanted to break into that world and the minute I walked into a live studio I knew it was what I loved.
- I grew up watching you on Live & Kicking what are your fondest memories of that time when you look back on it now?
My fondest memories of Live and Kicking are every single Saturday I did on that show! Genuinely if I never work on TV again, I had the best job ever on Live and Kicking.
It was just brilliant fun from start to finish. I adored being part of the BBC family, loved the whole ‘team’ feel and I was so lucky to work with Andi and form a life-long friendship, and to be able to do 3 ½ hours of live telly a week with those guests and no scripts - it was simply a joy.
- With the new site that you have you have become your own boss so how have you found that?
Being my own boss is a dream! I am really lovely to work for! I’ve had some great bosses in the past, but a few dodgy ones, and I am loving being my own boss - working flexible hours and leaves me time with the kids - perfect!!!
- You are also mother to two kids so how have you juggled parenthood with the work responsibilities over the years?
Juggling parenthood and work over the years has been a challenge as it is for any working mum. I always say that when it’s all going great, the juggling is a little easier but if one thing goes wrong, or a child is ill, it’s a nightmare.
I think you just have to learn to go with the flow and try to keep juggling as best you can.
- You have enjoyed a career that has spanned almost twenty years so how have you see the TV industry change in that time - as well as the BBC?
In my TV career I have seen the industry and the BBC change drastically. When I gave up TV to have my kids, reality TV hit hard - and I genuinely think from then on it has totally changed television.
Now anyone can be a presenter - as in you don’t have the same learning curve working your way up as you did before..and also there are so many more channels to choose from! So it’s changed massively from when I first started!
- Has the industry changed for the better?
Has it changed for the better? Tough call - some bits yes, but I miss the good old days of big shows, and less reality - but that’s just my opinion. That being said I think shows like the X-factor are absolute genius.
- Finally what's next for you?
Well I would love to do another book - I am currently working on the next on and I would love to see my website expand into even more of an industry and the dream would be to have it on TV.
I don’t stop changing and refining it and I love seeing it grow... so watch this space!!
Emma Forbes has teamed up with Rachel’s on its new ‘Moments’ campaign, which encourages consumers to take time out to reconnect with themselves and ‘find their Rachel’s moment’.
For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/rachelsorganic
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw