We are loving working with stylist and content creator Pandora Maxton. Here she shares her story behind becoming the go-to influencer for hosting inspiration.

I have always loved interior design. I studied fine art and printmaking at university and ran my own business for some years, painting large abstract pieces for offices of some large companies including Ernst & Young head office in London and Offices in Canary Wharf. I got some pretty big clients and received a Prince’s Youth Business Trust grant to help support my business. However, I retrained in interior design. I went on to work for two large fabric companies - Nobilis Fontan and Fox Linton, both based in Chelsea Harbour, London.

I remember walking around during Focus Week (which is in September and where new collections get shown and a week when all the designers gather) with my CV in hand, going from showroom to showroom until I struck lucky with Nobilis. I met a lovely man named Tim, who liked me and, after an interview, gave me a job! My job was to look after the interior designers in the North, keeping them up to date with the latest collections. It involved lots of travelling, and I loved it. I got to meet so many amazing designers and travelled all over the north of England and Scotland. I moved to Fox Linton after a few years and continued representing amazing brands with them like Jim Thompson from Thailand and Dedar from Milan.

I really loved the job, but I was sadly made redundant. With two babies and an older child, my hands were full for a few years. I went on to work for a magazine and a local artisan food producer, both in sales roles, but I missed being creative and involved in design.

Pandora being prepped for a Times shoot (left) and at an Aga shoot at her home in Yorkshire.

During this time, I became friends with Lisa Dawson, who was just starting out on Instagram. She kept encouraging me to share my own pictures on the platform. I was a little nervous at first, but after a few months, I gave it a go - and I haven’t looked back since. After six years, my account has grown slowly and organically. The Meadows, my home, is the focus of my Instagram, apart from some lifestyle, holiday, and food posts. Since being on Instagram, I’ve had the most amazing experiences. We won BBC’s Best House in Town and were featured in The Sunday Times with John Lewis on how to decorate a Christmas tree. I’ve also had a radio day talking all about Christmas and was interviewed live by various radio stations. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing brands and continue to work with them on collaborations and, my real passion, styling. I love styling a room, a table, a Christmas tree, an outdoor area, a meal… this is my true passion. 

Our property is set in six acres just outside York. I moved here originally after my mum died when I was only 28. She had a 30-acre farm and ran a riding school. I had many old animals to home as I couldn't bear to pass them on. When we first arrived, the place was like going back in time - a 1969 build, perfectly kept but in massive need of updating. We extended in two directions, replaced the windows, and I redesigned the entire garden. There’s been lots of ongoing work since then, but it has been the most wonderful place to raise my three children. The upkeep is hard work, but the space has been amazing for the kids to play in. Ellen rides, and we’re lucky enough to keep the ponies here alongside the sheep, chickens, and dogs.

Top Three Tips for becoming an influencer/content creator on Instagram

1 Find your niche

Stick to an area you can be consistent with. Your followers want to know what they are getting with you. If your page is all over the place it won’t work.

2 Be true to yourself 

Try and be honest and authentic. Share your passion, interest and enthusiasm for something. Don’t be something you aren’t as followers will see through that. Don’t be afraid either to say you messed up, it didn’t work or you just did something wrong. Followers like to be able to relate.

3 Consistency

Post regularly and ideally at the same of the day. I try and post at least five times a week even more if I can. Stories are a great way to share links that back up a post or reel you have shared. You can’t share links that people can actually click on like you can with stories. They disappear in 24 hours but you can save them to a highlight.

 Henrietta the chicken stars in Pandora's autumn table for Talking Tables.

Check out Pandora's autumn table here.

Follow Pandora here.