"For me, this bicycle represents far more than just a beautiful object or way to get from A to B. It’s a companion for slow adventures and has helped me to rediscover the simple joy of moving through the world on wheels again..."
In a new creative collaboration, we're hugely excited to be working with Amanda who can be found @amandagraydiaries. Through her exquisite and expressive storytelling, Amanda has cultivated a rich cosy girl community, bringing her love of dark academia styling to the honeyed Cotswolds, charting her inspirational path to mindfulness and re-connection, and now beginning a new journey - by beautiful Britannia...
Amanda, how did @amandagraydiaries come about? What is your story and the inspiration behind it?
I’ve had an online presence for over a decade in various forms (ranging from running my own independent tea brand to alternative modelling!) but @amandagraydiaries is the passion project that has cut through the smoke and mirrors and revealed the real person behind it all. It’s a space for me to share daily life in the Cotswolds from a different kind of perspective, and outfit inspiration, but also talk about things that are very close to my heart, like my experiences with poor mental health, and how romanticising everyday moments has changed my life for the better.
I grew up in a council flat in very difficult circumstances, supporting my single mother who has disabilities. For a long time, I found it really hard talk about that part of my life, and the subsequent struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, but it’s all something that has deeply shaped my outlook and appreciation for the small, beautiful moments. It’s ironic that the part of myself that I was most afraid of sharing has actually been the thing that has really grown my community and connected me with so many people who can relate in some way or find some hope in seeing how much things can change for a person.
@amandagraydiaries is, as the name would suggest, something of an online diary. It’s a space where I can share the things that bring me joy – slow living, cosy rituals, and everyday magic – but also the messy and honest parts that sit alongside them. I think of my content like little handwritten pages being shared as my life unfolds.
Describe what a typical day looks like as a creator, and what goes into creating your narrative?
Creating my content is often a pretty organic process. My days begin with small rituals that set the tone for everything that follows, such as putting the kettle on and listening for its whistle, looking out across my garden through the window while my tea brews, and easing into the day slowly. Those quiet moments are often where ideas begin. I’ve recently started jotting them down in a designated notepad too and that has really helped give a bit of organisation to my sometimes-chaotic brain!
Because the content I share is rooted in my real life, very little of it is contrived. Whether I’m cycling through quiet country lanes, baking something comforting, or noticing the first flowers of the season beginning to appear, I’m simply capturing moments I would be enjoying anyway. I tend to gather little snippets throughout the day as they unfold, and later I’ll sit down, usually with another cup of tea beside me (my blood must be 90% lapsang souchong by this point!) to edit the videos or write captions that weave those moments into a story.
You like to take on and share your various challenges – from your moody period inspired interiors, challenging the classic Cotswold country style with dark academia-esque alternative styling, through to a full on 14-day Romantic Reset. Talk us through some of your highlights…
I certainly do seem to enjoy a challenge!
I’ve really enjoyed gently challenging the stereotype of what life and style in the Cotswolds is supposed to look like. There’s often an expectation of pale neutrals and a very particular ‘country’ aesthetic, and whilst that can look so beautiful, I’ve always been drawn to something a little darker and more whimsical. Showcasing my own style in a Cotswold setting felt like a way of showing that country living can still have individuality, mood and personality.
Another highlight was releasing my 14-day Romantic Reset, which was all about challenging people to intentionally slow down, reconnect with the small rituals that make everyday life feel special, and to simply be more present in their life. Romanticising life ties in beautifully with mindfulness, so it can have such a positive impact on anxiety symptoms, and I talk about that quite a lot throughout the guide. What makes it particularly lovely is how many people have joined in and shared their own resets alongside me. Those moments where something small becomes a shared experience with the community are incredibly special.
Through our exciting collaboration we have created a beautiful Britannia - do tell us more about the design and how this bicycle means so much more…
I really am an autumn soul so it felt only natural for the bicycle’s design to reflect that same warm, nostalgic palette that runs through my home and work. Every little detail was chosen to feel timeless and characterful, so the bicycle feels like a natural extension of the world I try to create through my content. Burgundy is my favourite colour so I was head over heels when I saw the Pashley burgundy shade option! I was also thrilled when I learnt that we could incorporate some pops of gold to add to the sheer luxury and elegance (the decal, the bell, gold lines over the mudguards…) And then there’s the beautiful, rich shades of brown seen in the Brooks saddle and the leather hand grips. It all makes my heart very happy!
One of the most special parts of the collaboration was visiting the factory and seeing that vision come to life. Meeting Mark and the team, and witnessing the care that goes into every stage of the process, was genuinely magical. From watching frames being carefully handcrafted, to seeing the meticulous painting process (done by hand!), it was a beautiful reminder of the heritage and craftsmanship behind every Pashley bicycle. What also struck me most was how welcoming and passionate everyone was. There’s such a sense of pride, tradition and warmth in the workshop, and it made the whole experience feel so incredibly personal.
For me, this bicycle represents far more than just a beautiful object or way to get from A to B. It’s a companion for slow adventures and has helped me to rediscover the simple joy of moving through the world on wheels again. I stopped driving due to my panic attacks, so naturally I lost some independence and it’s incredible to have gained some of that back now. That sense of independence and lightness feels very nostalgic, kind of like returning to the carefree feeling of childhood. That’s what makes it so meaningful to me.
My Pashley captures that spirit of freedom, joy and romanticising the everyday that sits at the heart of everything I share.
From Bibury and beyond – what do you have planned for your Britannia and what first ride will you be sharing with us….
Given the beautifully spacious wicker basket and gorgeous wool picnic blanket, it almost has to be a picnic for the first shared ride, doesn’t it? I’ve had this romantic idea in my head for such a long time… A gentle cycle through the countryside with a traditional British bicycle, a basket filled with simple picnic pleasures, and a quiet spot to stop and enjoy it all. For me, that image has always felt like the very essence of romanticising everyday life, so bringing it to life with my Britannia will feel so, so special.
In many ways it will feel like stepping into a scene I’ve imagined for years, so it’s not a stretch to say it will be a little dream come true. I fully intend to romanticise every single second of it, and of course I’ll be sharing those moments along the way!
Very quickly… share with us your favourite drink, food, museum, book and part of the day…
My favourite drink has to be a chai latte, full of softly spiced flavours that feel like a hug in a cup. Being partial to a sweet treat, my favourite food is a cinnamon bun, and I firmly believe it should always be generously topped with oodles of cream cheese. No scrimping allowed!
When it comes to museums, I could happily lose hours wandering through the beautiful halls of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
My favourite book is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s one of those atmospheric novels that is so rich with history, mystery and a sense of adventure, so pretty much everything I love!
And my favourite part of the day is the early evening, when the world slows down again. It’s that cosy moment curled up on the sofa with my little family (me, my husband, our cat Merlin and our little dog Rupert) watching a film together or dreaming up future adventures. It’s such a simple thing but it’s always my favourite and when I feel so blessed and grateful.
And lastly – is it true you wore a black wedding dress?
Yes, it’s true! I did wear a black wedding dress in a historic castle. I briefly considered wearing traditional white, but in the end my husband and I both felt strongly that we wanted every part of the day to feel authentically us. Rather than strictly following traditions, we decided to let go of the rules and choose what felt most true to who we are. The black gown felt authentic, a little dramatic, and completely in keeping with the darkly romantic atmosphere we wanted to create. It made the day feel all the more personal and I’d strongly encourage any future brides and grooms reading to stay true to themselves too on their big day, even if it means being a little unconventional!
