Michelle de Biolley – Founder of Almost Essential

Almost Essential is your ultimate online destination for recommendations of essential and luxury services that discerning Londoners require – from home maintenance to education consultants – we love their carefully curated selection! We interview the founder Michelle De Biolley.

What were you doing before you established Almost Essential?

I was a partner in one of the large US executive search firms in London and NYC

Where did the idea come from for a recommendation service?

Having been in London since the early 80’s, I had built a fairly large address book with really useful services, so I thought that it would be great to share it with friends and family and it went on from there.

What criteria do businesses need to fulfil to become a part of your recommended services?

They need to be friendly, professional and happy to go the extra mile to make the client happy.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

I love every part of it except the admin!!!

Who is your style icon?

Jackie O

Who is your business inspiration?

The entrepreneurs!

How do you relax?

Yoga, walking, friends and hanging with my boys.

Describe your typical day

There is no typical day for me I am afraid, I am not good with routine… but it definitely starts with checking emails…trying out new services, some days there is yoga, or a lunch with a friend or picking up one of my boys who are at day school… never a dull day!

What beauty product would you take to a desert island?

The Arbonne green beauty products, the anti-ageing line; they are my latest discovery which I recommend on the website. They are simply AMAZING, trust me, everybody should use them.

Thank you, Michelle – we’ll try them! Click here to check out Michelle’s carefully vetted selection of services and gifts. Click here to also take a look at our services – there’s never a bad day to pamper yourself!