If you haven’t yet heard of Billy Tannery, now’s the time. Jack Millington co-founded this incredible British-born brand in 2016 after discovering how many thousands of goatskins were being thrown into landfill from the food industry. Understanding the impact that fashion and lifestyle brands were having on the planet, Jack knew that he couldn’t add to the waste, the carbon footprint or the resources needed to produce or commercially dye leather. Instead, he set about tanning every single product here in Britain by using previously wasted food by-products by using bark extracts and a process that recycles 90% of the water it uses and turns any waste into compost. We recently collaborated with Billy Tannery on our first ever washbag, which we’re incredibly proud of. The brand’s sustainable credentials make for the perfect partner to BAZ & CO. So, without further ado, here is how Jack Millington wakes up.
“My morning starts at 7.15, 7 days a week. I have a two year old, so weekend lie-ins do not exist. My daughter is the one who gets me out of bed in the morning, whether I want to get out of the cocoon or not. I’m in charge of taking her to nursery during the week, so her shouting for me to come and get her is a delicious wake-up call. Luckily, she currently sleeps very well so I don't have to start any earlier – I don't like early mornings. My wife does have one of those alarm clocks that wakes you up with a warm glow of light that feels like natural light, and that definitely helps gradually wake me up – especially in the winter. My three morning non-negotiables are coffee, toast and some fresh air. I’ve found that getting some fresh air really helps before a day sitting at my desk. Unless it's hammering with rain, I'll walk the 2 mile round trip to nursery with my daughter and dog, Ernie.
I know it may sound cliché, but fatherhood has definitely disrupted my exercise regime. I still manage 10 minutes of stretching every morning before starting work and I do manage the occasional bike ride. I've always found cooking really meditative, so this helps me wind down at the end of each working day and is something I love doing at weekends. Speaking of, although I get up at the same time on the weekend that I do during the week, our mornings are a little more leisurely on a Saturday and Sunday – although they’re definitely not quite as leisurely as they were before parenthood. For me, you can't beat filter coffee, scrambled eggs and the weekend papers.
No matter which day it is, I’m a warm showerer and I probably spend too long in there. Sorry to say it, but I really don’t think I’ll ever be one of those cold shower people. Since discovering the zing of the BAZ & CO body wash, that’s a non-negotiable for my in-shower routine.
Two bits of advice that I’ve heard and that I’d give my younger self. The first: just get on with it. Don’t complain, don’t over think, just focus on action. And the one thing I wish I’d told myself when I was a teenager? Don’t worry, you won’t be 5 foot 4 forever!”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? It's not really advice, but growing up our unofficial family motto was "just get on with it". Don't complain, don't overthink, just focus on action.
Advice you’d be your 16 year old self? Don't worry, you won't be 5 foot 4 forever.
