Being surrounded by £40,000 Birkin bags is a familiar sight for Lee Coleman, Managing Director of Quintessentially Gifts, a luxury gifts service dedicated to hand-picking the world’s finest gifts. She spent her childhood in Virginia but made London her home in 2005. Within two years of joining the Quintessentially Gifts team, Lee became Managing Director. Overseeing all their clients’ requests, whether it is an entire wardrobe make-over, a simple shopping errand, or tracking down a seemingly-unattainable catwalk look; nothing – it seems- is too large or small.

“Our team comprises the UK’s foremost gift researchers, personal shoppers and editorial stylists who spend their time scouring the globe for first class, limited-edition and made-to-order luxury items” she proudly states with genuine enthusiasm. Has she found her calling? “I started out with Quintessentially Gifts working on a part of the team, and two years later I’m the MD! So, as in all small businesses, my attention is all over the place! Meeting clients, planning expansion strategies, recruiting staff…..it never ends!”

Lee is clearly one woman who is passionate about her work, which is executed with an effortless charm and endearing wit. Those who work closely with her remark on her natural flair to combine work with good humour.

She’s the epitome of an energiser bunny who, despite working for some of the world’s wealthiest clients, lists a career highlight as going onto Facebook and realizing a friend of a friend has shared an image from her website, saying it was the coolest thing they had ever seen. What’s not to like about this fabulous woman?

But do not be fooled by the warm reception. Lee is an accomplished professional woman who has moved to the top in a vastly short space of time. Facing challenges along the way, she is quick to share the lessons she has learnt. “Don’t do business with difficult or dishonest people. My mum told me this when I was younger, and it is something I re-learn time and time again. It’s completely true – don’t waste your time on people that don’t want to work with you honestly. It sucks your energy and keeps you from connecting with the people that really matter.”

Though some may envy a woman whose day is spent surrounded by rare Birkins and couture creations, Lee embraces the ever-changing demands of the job. “Almost every day is a challenge! Need a Birkin picked up in Kuala Lumpur and hand delivered to Kazakhstan?! We don’t do ‘easy’. More seriously, the biggest challenge has been understanding how emotional running a business can be – there are constant ups and downs. At some point you have to stand back from it and disconnect a bit….remind yourself that whatever you’re dealing with that day won’t kill you.”

On the day we visit Lee at her office we spot couple of crocodile Birkins (from £32,000) as well as a few leather Birkins (from £8800). She confesses they had also sourced a £250,000 watch for a client.  So what is it like to be surrounded by some of the world’s rarest luxuries on a daily basis?

“To be honest it is of course sometimes difficult not to get jaded. Sometimes I go on what I call a ‘luxury detox’ to get re-centered. Although even as I write that it sounds a bit too wacked-out LA type for me. I’m no Gwyneth Paltrow and you won’t see me hiking in the Andes eating macrobioitic food and chanting chakras, but an ‘at-home day’ with iTunes movies, laundry and a Tesco dinner? Definitely.”

Amen sister.

——————————————————————————————————————

We invited Lee to list her ideal gifts for:

AN APOLOGY

There is no better gift for an apology than in-the-flesh groveling. You can’t package apologies, I’m afraid.

A BRIBE

One rule for the gifting service is that the better information we receive, the better we can do our jobs. So here, I’d need to know a bit more about the bribing motivation – is this pool boy espionage or a government contract for oil grounds?

A SEDUCTION

Something that appeals to the senses – perfume, something tactile like silk or satin lingerie, beautiful flowers, artisan chocolates… I think there is a reason these things are seen as being romantic gifts – they appeal to that basic animal aspect in all of us.

SELF INDULGENCE

For women: jewellery. I love it when women buy their own jewellery. Why wait?

www.quintessentiallygifts.com