Between the Sheets: Peita Davis of Gingerfinch

We are total believers in simple living and that slowing down to savour the little things is what makes life good. So we were super excited when we found Gingerfinch, a brand which lives and breathes those values like none other. We met with founder, Peita Davis to chat about sleep (of course) and her take on living slow.

Tell us about how you started Gingerfinch?

Gingerfinch was born way back in 2014, but I spent three years searching for brands and makers who I wanted to work with and didn’t launch my online store until last year (2017). I created Gingerfinch in response to our hyper-consumerist, throw-away culture. My grandmother’s home was filled with exquisite furniture and perfectly curated treasures, many were decades old. She believed in living with less, but of the highest quality with timeless elegance. She took meticulous care of everything she owned. She was a huge influence on me and Gingerfinch encapsulates her values. I hope with Gingerfinch, people can embrace slower consumerism and find their future heirlooms - homewares they'll treasure for life.

Where's the most memorable place you've woken up?

I’d have to say the night I spent sleeping in a ‘sky bed’ in Amboseli Safari Park when I lived in Kenya. I spent the night hearing elephants and hyenas in the distance with just a mosquito net and the stars above me. Waking up at dawn to herd animals moving across the plains is one of my most treasured memories.

Describe the best sleep you've ever had.

I’m lucky to be a pretty good sleeper, but my best sleeps are when I’ve had an active but fun day (and fun for me often means ‘achieving things’, such as getting the house beautifully clean and cooking a delicious dinner), sliding into fresh clean sheets that haven’t yet been kicked out of their hospital corners, reading a chapter (or two) of a Fantasy novel, then turning off the light and barely stirring until Triple J comes on at 7:20 the next morning. Pure Bliss.

What's the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning?

Pat my gorgeous cat, Billie. I have no choice. She sits on my chest and licks my nose until I start patting her. It’s a strange morning routine, but I love it.

What's the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

I might be oversharing here, but I get up and go for a pee - one last time. I drink a lot of water during the day and I often have to stumble to the loo in the middle of the night. Drives me nuts.

If you could choose anywhere in the world to sleep, where would it be?

Ohhh that’s a hard one. But I have one last thing on my bucket list and that’s to see the Northern Lights. So, I’d love to sleep in a glass igloo in Norway or Lapland so I can watch the extraordinary lights while staying comfy and warm.

What would we find on your bedside table?

Some fresh flowers or dried natives, lipgloss, Dream Drops, an R2 candle (which smell incredible) and my Kindle. I hate clutter, so I just keep the essentials there.

What's one thing that makes you Sleep Good?

A little bit of exercise (or sexercise, if I’m lucky), a squirt of MoreSleep.Co’s Dream Drops on my pillow, and reading before I turn out the light.

What's one thing that makes you Feel Good?

Rain. I know that sounds nuts but rain really lifts my mood. I’m sure it’s from growing up in Canberra, which can be pretty dry and yet has the most incredible thunderstorms. Ohhhh I’m grinning just thinking about those thunderstorms!!!

What's one thing that makes you Live Good?

Slowing down. I keep my house streamlined and stylish (beautiful spaces really lift my mood), I never overbook myself socially, and I never work later than 6pm each night. Life is way too short.