A topographer in the Alps, a roofer and postie in a Cornish village, a part-time potter, a farmer in Italy, a plant shop owner in Falmouth, a baby-sitter in New York, a freelance photographer...Victoria May Harrison (Tor to most) is a lady who has lived many lives around the world. We recently crossed paths in Cornwall and have become regular swimming buddies in the mornings before work, which has continued despite the winter chill - those first bracing ‘eee’s and ooo’s!’ always help to start the day off right.

As part of an ever-growing collective of inspiring female creatives based in the South of England, Tor now works on her latest project as co-founder of bashō skincare (my new favourite!) as well as working part time for specialist slow made goods label Francli Craftwear.

As two people who share a love for feel-good rituals and exploring, I thought I’d share a chat with Tor that followed on from me taking some snaps before an early swim at our favourite beach a week or so ago. Maybe it’ll inspire you to move a little slower this winter or run and jump in the ocean!

Hey Tor, tell us what it was like being a post woman!
Hard work, but so rewarding. I loved running around the small villages I posted in, chatting with the same folk each day and feeling like I was doing something of value in the community. Getting to know your postie feels important.

What are your essentials for a good day?
Right now I like to start my day with a swim, or even just a dunk in the sea. It never fails to energise every cell in my body and at the same time brings me a quiet kind of peacefulness. Followed by hot, black coffee, I'm ready for the day. Other essentials for me include walking, it's the time when I can process my thoughts or have moments of inspiration. I try to carve out time each day for even the smallest stroll - a dream day for me is a BIG hike across the cliffs.

What led you to co-found a skincare company?
Bashō came about from a shared love of organic skincare with a great pal. We had an idea to create a company that put an holistic approach to skin and self care at the forefront. Not only are our products simple, organic and effective, we encourage women to truly get to know their skin, to tune in to the many cycles we go through over a lifetime.

Have you always had such perfect skin or is it all thanks to bashō?The journey with my skin has been interesting. The older I've got and the more I understand about how my body ebbs and flows with the seasons, responds to my hormone cycles and stress levels, the more I feel I understand my skin. I don't have perfect skin, I have skin that is sometimes sensitive and irritated, skin that sometimes flares up. For me it's all about tuning in, being compassionate and treating my health holistically. Just like my diet, I try to put things on my skin that are organic, natural and as unprocessed as possible.

What is one of your favourite current routines?
One of my current rituals is a hot, steamy bath on these winter evenings. I pour bashō oils in and soak in the silky goodness. It's so good for skin and soul to be completely warmed to the core, especially at this time of year. I always get out feeling nourished and ready for a good sleep.

Mmm yum that sounds great! And this must help to keep the blues and chills away?
In winter I like to embrace the slowness and cosiness by hunkering down and pouring more energy into something slow and meditative, like pot making. Though I try to balance this with enough time bundled up outside, either going for big stomps or jumping in wild seas.

What always makes you laugh and content?
Being silly with wonderful friends.

You tried on the Darn Giant Robyn Scarf and quickly whipped it into a turban - how did you do it?
I have a lot of hair so I like to scoop it all up into a sort of turban knotted thing on the top of my head. Job done!

Just like that! Thank you for your time Tor - see you soon in the sea!!

You can find out more about bashō and treat your skin to some luxury via their website and Tor’s personal instagram account is @victoriamayharrison if you are after more inspiration!

You can shop the Darn Giant Robyn Scarf here - pre-orders are open until the beginning of January so let me know if you’d like one soon.

A Post Sea Swim Chat with Tor Harrison