Surrey businesswoman Caroline Stanbury tells Miranda Jessop about her role as a reality TV star on Ladies of London and her prodigious handbag collection
interview with caroline stanbury
When I arrive in Fulham to interview the entrepreneur and reality TV star Caroline Stanbury, I fully expect to be kept waiting. To my surprise, I am shown straight into Caroline's ultra modern glass office where she sits behind her desk, wearing nothing but a bathrobe. Relaxed and welcoming, she explains that she has just had a spray tan in preparation for tonight's filming session, before excusing herself to get dressed.
Her desk is dominated by a large jewel-encrusted telephone and a big bowl of Jelly Tots. Glamorous photos of Caroline and her family line the wall behind. And I can't help feeling slightly unnerved by the giant pink neon sign which reads: ‘Be Nice!!’
When Caroline returns, she looks stunning in simple black trousers and a black top. A pair of high black suede boots are waiting for her to step into, but she chooses to remain in her socks as she sits back down at her desk.
Born into the Vestey food dynasty, Caroline, who is 38, has a privileged background and was superbly qualified for her role as one of two British socialites amongst a group of five wealthy American expats in the first series of reality TV show Ladies of London. She grew up in Dorset and went to Westonbirt boarding school in Gloucestershire, which she loathed, before being launched into society as a debutante.
"It was ridiculous: we even had a lesson on how to get in and out of a Porsche without flashing our knickers,” she says of her ‘deb’ days. “But now,” she adds with a laugh, “I do actually have a Porsche!"
Ladies of London first approached Caroline two years ago after six different people had put her forward.
"I said ‘no' for a year and a half but, just as they were about to give the contract to someone else, I changed my mind. I decided that I would rather regret doing it than not do it all. I was petrified. I don't think anything had ever made me feel as sick.”
She needn't have worried: when it aired on Bravo last summer, the show was a runaway success, especially with the American audience. Caroline has since been named as one of the Reality Breakout Stars of 2014 by the celebrity site lalate.com, and filming for the second series is well under way.
"Unfortunately I can't tell you a thing about it – it’s top secret – but watch this space," she says.
One thing we do know is that viewers will, once again, be completely hooked on the numerous fallouts amongst this group of strong-minded women. What, I wonder, do the other ladies make of Caroline?
"They call me ‘Queen Bee’ and I am probably regarded as a bit of a bitch,” she says candidly. “But I'd rather people had a strong reaction to me than none at all.”
In December, the entire cast was shaken when property tycoon Scot Young, the fiancé of an American contributor who appeared in the first series, tragically fell to his death from the couple’s London apartment.
"I had known Scot and his fiancée, Noelle Reno, for a long time from parties and the social scene. They were a nice couple who seemed very much in love,” says Caroline. “But we were show friends, not real friends. I've written to Noelle since, but I am not the person she would naturally pick up the phone to."
As well as that nickname of ‘Queen Bee’, Caroline could easily lay claim to the title of ‘Busy Bee’, as she is a mother of three and the CEO of not one, but two companies.
In 2008, drawing on her experience as an elite personal shopper, Caroline founded Gift Library, an on-line shop for original, classic and beautiful gifts.
"I pick products from all over the world and they are literally my favourite things. I couldn’t possibly sell anything I don't love," she explains.
Each gift comes individually wrapped and there is a wide range of products, from the affordable to the eye-wateringly expensive – check out the crystal-encrusted drum kit costing £50,000.
"That is really just a bit of fun, but if anyone wants to press the button and buy one, feel free," she laughs.
Gift Library offers a personal shopping service, so if you have an idea for a present, Caroline’s team will hunt it down for you. Her most unusual request?
"A monkey," she replies. "We debated it for a while because I don't like a challenge to get the better of me, but in the end I decided that we probably shouldn't get into the livestock business!"
In November 2013, Caroline added another business to her portfolio, taking over The Wedding Shop, an independent wedding list service with over 250 brands.
"Couples can come into our flagship showroom in Chelsea, where we have different rooms set out, and see how a particular dinner service looks on a table. Some people don't quite have the vision, but we are able to show them how to mix and match."
Caroline now has a total of 50 people working for her across the two companies.
"I have done it all on a wing and a prayer, really,” she reflects. “I didn't go to university, I'm just very bloody-minded. If someone tells me I can't have something, I want it all the more."
Two years ago, Caroline moved from Holland Park to the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water with her Turkish financier husband, Cem Habib (40), her daughter Yasmine (8) and twin boys Zack and Aaron (4).
Looking for an interview with another famous local Caroline? You can check out our chinwag with Rock Choir Founder Caroline Redman Lusher by clicking here
"I was sick to death of living in London. No matter how much money you have, you literally spend your entire time in a basement with your kids, telling them they can't go outside because of the traffic. Virginia Water is perfect, as I can be at my office in 30 to 40 minutes and there are good schools nearby."
Caroline instantly fell in love with the house, a 12,500 square foot mansion.
"My parents would probably describe it as a 'WAG' pad. It's new-build, red brick, everything they despise. There's even an indoor swimming pool beside the kitchen. But they can see the benefits. It's in a gated community with 24-hour security, I feel completely safe and everything in the house works."
And while a housekeeper takes care of the family home, a team of nannies looks after the children.
"I’m regimented,” she admits. “Every day they have an activity, whether it's tennis, riding, trampolining or golf. I like them to be busy – busy and happy. Then, when I can, I spend as much time with them as possible. It's never been any other way – I was gone from the minute they were born, as I was building up my company."
Rather different from her own upbringing.
"Although my mother was at home every day, I had Norland nannies with their brown uniforms and gloves, and I had to wash my hands before I touched my brothers and sister. My children's life is far more easygoing than mine was," insists Caroline.
When not working, she relaxes with massages or Pilates and is a self-confessed reality TV addict. Her other passion, which started when her first boyfriend presented her with a Hermès Birkin bag at the age of 18, is her hoard of designer handbags and shoes. Much has been made in the press of her extensive collection – rumoured to be worth over £100,000 – and the room in her house that is completely dedicated to it. Yet when I raise the subject, it is clear that I have touched a raw nerve.
"I am not going to justify my handbag collection,” she bristles. “It's something I’ve worked very hard for and I love. In the normal world a Birkin bag is a huge amount of money, but in my world, you get given one as a gift to say 'thank you'. As for shoes, I defy you to find a woman who doesn't have a giant stash!"
She is happy, however, to discuss the marble sculpture of a handbag that sits in the hallway of her home.
"It was an anniversary present from my husband and I love it,” she explains. “I would hate to be married to me – I’m impossible to buy for – and the sculpture was a very clever gift."
Caroline is clearly relishing her life as a busy career woman and burgeoning celebrity. So what, I wonder, is next?
"Who knows?” she muses. “I live in the present – I've so much to think about, I don't look much further ahead than the end of the week, frankly.”
And with that, it's time for me to gather up my high street handbag and head for the glass door. I just hope that ‘Queen Bee’ is not too busy to glance at her neon sign from time to time.
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