Embracing the Tranquil Island Lifestyle at a Slower Pace

Island Life in Harmony with Nature: Ella McLachlan's Journey and Phoenix & Providence

Date: 16 Oct 2020

Residing on the tranquil island of St. Martin's in the Isles of Scilly, Ella McLachlan, the founder of Phoenix & Providence, thrives in an idyllic setting that imbues her life with a sense of harmony with nature. Her skincare and wellbeing company crafts products using locally-foraged seaweed, exemplifying the slow living ethos that pervades her lifestyle.

In an exclusive interview, Ella talks about her journey to the Isles of Scilly, the charm of island life, and how the slower pace necessitates a synergy with nature's rhythm. Her love for sea-swimming and the inspiration behind her product line are also discussed.

Ella resides on the five-island archipelago, located approximately 28 miles from Lands End in Cornwall. Nestled among her family—husband, two children, dog, cat, tortoises, and a brood of chickens—she revels in the beautiful surroundings.

Her path to the Isles of Scilly began with a whimsical job opportunity, posted on Gumtree. Eager to explore new possibilities, she secured a seasonal job position on a flower farm on St. Martin's for six months. The following winter, she discovered a profound connection to the island, its people, and her now-husband Barney, the island baker.

Life on a small island distinctly affects Ella's daily existence. The island's idyllic size—two miles long—promotes a unique relationship with time. The absence of lengthy commutes or daily excursions translates into a slower pace, making it less necessary to rush from one place to another.

The seasons govern island living, with summer's peak tourism markedly contrasting the quiet winter months. Tides and weather conditions determine boat accessibility to other islands and the arrival of the freight boat, urging islanders to adapt to nature's whims.

Island life's most enchanting aspect for Ella lies in its unparalleled connection to nature and scenic wonders. With stunning beaches and diverse wildlife served as a backdrop to her family's daily life, life's simple pleasures reign supreme.

One of their favorite pastimes involves boating to uninhabited islands for a day of relaxation and exploration. The isolated island existence comes with one major drawback: the distance from Ella's extended family on the mainland.

The Island of St. Martin's boasts a robust and diverse community, making it an exceptional place to live. With a population of 120 permanent residents hailing from different backgrounds, this community is artistic, creative, and inclusive. Ella notes that the friendships that span the generations are a testament to the tight-knit community on the island.

When asked about her passion for sea-swimming, Ella explains that being immersed in water offers a moment of calm and perspective. The focused breathing that accompanies swimming helps to alleviate the daily stresses and provides a sense of relaxation.

In 2009, Ella established Phoenix & Providence, a skincare and wellbeing company uniquely inspired by her affinity for the ocean. With the help of a diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, she endeavored to marry her passion for natural living with a skincare range that invokes a sense of calm and self-connection, much like swimming does.

Each product in the Phoenix & Providence range carries a 'ritual for use' breathing exercise, emphasizing mindfulness as a means to achieving balance in one's day-to-day life. The products are infused with locally-foraged seaweed, harnessing the invigorating properties of the sea to enrich the skin.

As the island's natural elements define the rhythm of life, embracing a slower pace has come to represent welcoming change and adapting to the ebb and flow of life's journey. For Ella, slow living embodies simple living, self-connection, and community engagement.

Favourite place to read a book: In bed.Favourite coffee or tea shop: Flask of coffee on the beach.Favourite place in nature: The sea, specifically Little Bay on St. Martin's.Favourite independent shop or maker: Fay Page Silver.Favourite slow living ritual: Heading out with a picnic, swim gear, her husband, children, and dog, with no time constraints, enjoying a leisurely day in the outdoors.

Ella's Slow Living Tip: Take 15 minutes before the day starts to have a cup of tea and write in a journal. In this brief moment, check in with your energy levels and plan your day accordingly. Express gratitude for three things that bring you joy. This simple practice can enhance mindfulness and foster an appreciation for the pleasures of everyday life.

Ella McLachlan's skincare and wellbeing company, Phoenix & Providence, embodies the slow living ethos, crafting products using locally-foraged seaweed inspired by her affection for the ocean and island life.
The rhythm of life on the island of St. Martin's, with its shorter commutes and adjustment to seasonal tides, allows Ella to adapt to a slower pace that facilitates a harmonious existence with nature.
A thriving small-business owner and resident of an exceptional community, Ella practices mindfulness through her daily routine, including a cornerstone ritual of heading out with her family for a leisurely day in nature.
As Ella's island lifestyle unfolds, she emphasizes the importance of self-connection and community engagement, fostering a sense of calm and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life, such as reading a book in bed, enjoying a flask of coffee on the beach, or taking a moment to write in a journal each morning.