10 minutes with Anna Richardson
Anna Richardson has been a regular face on our tv screens since The Big Breakfast back in the 90's. She is an occasional panelist on Loose Women but more noteably, is a trained cognitive hypnotherapist. Anna is part founder of the company Mindbox which offers 24 hour access to trained experts who are available to help sufferers of stress, anxiety and panic attacks, offering real time advice to help you cope and overcome the difficulties you are experiencing.
We are so lucky that Anna agreed to take part in our 10 minutes with series and we know you will love her as much as we do.
You are well known face on our television screens - what do you think is your biggest achievement to date?
OOOH. That’s a tricky one! Do you know, I’ve been blessed with a fantastic career - I absolutely love my job in TV, and I’ve been recognised for my work with the odd Award here and there, which I’m always grateful for. But I think I’m most proud of the fact I took time out to train as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist (I’m now fully qualified) and then set up Mindbox www.mind-box.co.uk off the back of that, an online therapy centre that’s accessible 24/7. I’ve always been passionate about helping people achieve great mental health.
Who is the one person that you would love to work with that you haven't yet had the opportunity to do so?
I’m only really interested in working with people who are fun, and kind. I’ve just finished a new show with Keith Lemon (Leigh Francis), who’s one of the kindest, most generous performers you could wish to meet. Apart from Keith, I’d love to co-present something with Amanda Holden, or Steph Mcgovern - they’re both hilarious.
Who is the most inspirational person you have ever met? Famous or not..
Dr.Peter Lovatt (Dr.Dance). He’s a former professional dancer, who retrained to become a doctor of Psychology, even though he left school with few qualifications. He’s written two books about the psychology of dance and movement - how dance makes us happier - and is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met.
If you could invite 3 people over to dinner (lockdown being done and dusted) who would it be and why?
Davina McCall - she would be such a great laugh, and then we could do a workout after pudding.
Simon Le Bon - as former front man of seminal 80s group Duran Duran, Simon is well up for a party, and he could lead some Duran karaoke sessions between courses
Mary Berry - I met Mary a few times on the Great British Bake Off when Sue was presenting - she’s a dark horse that one. She could cook up a wicked meal too!
Let's talk makeup - What is the oldest item in your makeup bag? And you’re newest?
What you need to know is that I LOVE MAKE-UP. If I hadn’t become a TV Presenter I would have loved to be a make-up artist. And ‘art’ it is - to make someone you don’t know look beautiful is a real skill. SO…I don’t really have that many old products, as I’m conscious of how often you need to rotate your supplies. Having said that, some of my brushes are years old - 15 years I’d say.
My newest products are Chanel Vitalumiere foundation, Chanel Lip Pencil in Rose Natural, and a MAC eyeshadow palette in Amber Times Nine. I’m going for a natural look during lockdown…obvs.
Which product within your makeup bag could you not live without?
I have quite boring, mouse brown eyebrows that need a lot of definition - so I completely rely on my Laura Mercier Brunette Brow Duo and angle brow brush for a precise finish.
What is your favourite lip colour - brand and name?
I rarely wear lip colour to be honest - I tend to go for a natural tint or gloss. I’m currently obsessed with by Terry Rose lip balm. Smells gorgeous, and gives you a natural sheen.
Do you carry anything that is not makeup related within your makeup bag? I am hoping for something really obscure :-)
I have my LIFE in my makeup bag! Including Vocalzone throat pastilles (I do a lot of voice work), dog treats for my rescue Staffie called Pig, and some rose quartz crystals for emotional healing….
Fashion : Who’s look/style do you really admire?
Claudia Winkelman has a good, strong style, and she can wear tailoring really well. I admire anyone who can pull off a Joshua Kane suit too...
What is your biggest fashion disaster to date...was it documented in the press? If yes, can we see???
I seem to remember a photoshoot when I was about 27 where I was persuaded to wear a leopard skin bra, with a nylon shirt casually ‘shrugged’ off my shoulders, a belly ring and enormous false eye lashes. I thought I was amazing. In truth, I looked like something out of Ru Paul’s Drag Race...
You have presented many programmes based on body confidence - what is the no.1 thing you could teach us about loving our bodies
To not give a fuck. Be grateful that you’re healthy...
As a strong, independent woman - Is there one piece of advice you could offer to a start up business.
Gosh! There’s a question! I have made soooooooo many mistakes in business. I think the biggest things I’ve learned is
a: get investment
b: get a business affairs lawyer and
c: don’t underestimate the power of social media. It’s a full time job…but it pays dividends. I’d also suggest not being afraid to have someone on your team who knows more than you do….
How are you finding Lockdown? What are the best and worst parts for you?
I love lockdown! I went to boarding school, so as far as I’m concerned if you’ve been away to school (or prison) then you’ll be fine. I’m actually really enjoying the fact we’ve all be forced to ‘stop’…and reconsider what’s important to us.
I’m anxious about work, of course (everything has been cancelled), but I’m grateful for the time it’s giving us to focus on other, perhaps more important, things. I’m missing my friends - but in all honesty, I’m focusing on staying positive in a deeply uncertain time.
I’m hoping that we’ll be a kinder, more considerate society when all this is over - and value those people who have been overlooked to date - particularly key workers, and the elderly.
For me, we need to urgently invest in how we wish to be cared for. It’s brought a global pandemic for us to stop and realise that….
