In the Company of Nature

‘Several books argue for making business more sustainable, less destructive of the environment, and many of them tell us how to do so. Much rarer to find a practitioner who recognises that what we call the environment is simply, and gloriously, the life of the planet, of which we’re an integral part. Once you say yes to that instinctive truth, you also realise that the regenerative capacity of natural systems, not mitigation of harm, becomes the precondition of sustainability. Now, this might inspire and comfort those in a classroom setting, but it comes with a dash of terror for those in business who make, transport and sell things in the world as it is. Frieda Gormley, in her wonderfully written new book, In the Company of Nature, never loses sight of the North Star for regenerative practices that also help define and inform her business decisions (Mother Nature has a representative serving on the board). Her story of her own journey of discovery and how it changed her life, her business and her relations with all her stakeholders, from suppliers to employees to investors, provides useful lessons and insights for the similarly inclined.’
Vincent Stanley, director of philosophy, Patagonia; co-author of The Responsible Company

‘Frieda obviously has a deep intuitive love and respect for Nature, and that comes through so strongly in this book. It is written so beautifully that it is extremely hard to put down, but it is also a blueprint for future businesses, ones that repay their debt to Nature and consider their people and purpose to be as important as profit. In the Company of Nature is a fascinating case study of an incredible journey, and Frieda is indomitable in her quest to ensure that Nature is rewarded for Her part in our lives.’
Jane Shepherdson CBE, chair of My Wardrobe HQ

‘A memoir and manifesto of the utmost delicacy – it is an ode to Nature.’
Sir Partha Dasgupta GBE FBA FRS, Frank Ramsey professor emeritus of economics, University of Cambridge

‘This is the story of a modern business rooted in timeless values: compassion, creativity and responsibility to the world around us. Frieda Gormley’s journey reminds us that the most powerful innovation comes when a company sees itself not above society but within it – deeply connected to people, planet and possibility.’
Mary Portas OBE

‘House of Hackney has a marvellous mission: to transform the world of business. To make a shift from seeing Nature simply as a resource for financial growth to seeing Nature as life itself. This inspiring book makes a compelling case to see Nature not as a commodity but as a community, and it tells the heartwarming story of Frieda Gormley’s business. Frieda is not just dreaming about some abstract ideals; she has the courage of her convictions to make her inspiring vision reality – even appointing Nature as a board member! A rare example. Every businessperson should read this book.’
Satish Kumar, founder of Schumacher College

‘At a time when the old order is melting away before our eyes, we must heal ourselves, our communities, our businesses, our politics and, ultimately, Earth itself. I deeply admire what Frieda Gormley and her team are doing at House of Hackney – and highly recommend this account of how it all came together.’
John Elkington, author of Tickling Sharks: How We Sold Business on Sustainability

‘This story of a wonderful company, and the curious minds that built it, doesn’t have to make the case for Nature. They listened closely, and Nature made the case for itself. Drink it all in; let these pioneers help you to listen.’
Kresse Wesling CBE, co-founder of Elvis & Kresse

‘Frieda Gormley has written a moving autobiography and postmodern business book that should be compulsory reading for all those searching for an insight into a new vision of capitalism, where spiritual awareness, entrepreneurism and righteous anger at the betrayal of a great concept by unfettered greed come blinking into a hoped-for New Dawn. A love letter to being alive, yet underneath the fluffy stuff, a muscular champion for business, community and planetary health.’
Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project

‘Frieda Gormley is a pioneer, a force of Nature, and this is a simply brilliant book. An unlikely mix of autobiography, governance manual and campaign handbook, it demonstrates clearly how small businesses committed to Nature and future generations can become a collective force that heals through legally redefining their purpose and mission. Once named Young Entrepreneur of Ireland, Frieda brings imagination and intelligence to the idea of rewriting the role of business to protect what we love, so you can do it too. As she says herself, “We don’t need to have it all figured out. We just need to begin. To start where we are. To follow what feels alive. To tend to what feels true.” So, start here. Read this book and be inspired to act.’
Jane Davidson, author of #futuregen

‘Reinventing our relationship with Nature is the key issue of the twenty-first century, and every business will eventually have to grapple with it. What better way to begin that journey than to read the story of a company that has trailblazed a path to a better economic model, one which makes Nature intrinsic to its business. In this book, Frieda and House of Hackney are unafraid to ask the questions we all really need to be answering.’
Paul Powlesland, river guardian; barrister; founder of Lawyers for Nature

‘Frieda blends dreams, myth, hard science and business common sense to bring us this riveting story about House of Hackney. Actually, it’s more than just a story about one company; it’s a story of many small and medium businesses and their founders who strive to create businesses that are a force for good – a force for restoration and regeneration.
‘By telling it so vividly, Frieda is framing a blueprint (or greenprint as she calls it, because this story is not meant to be unique) for many others to be equally audacious and unapologetic about doing the right thing and move wholeheartedly from extraction to regeneration.’
Anuradha Chugh, co-chair of B Lab UK

‘While House of Hackney may sell luxury products, its approach to Nature is a necessity. Frieda Gormley’s In the Company of Nature is a compelling blend of narrative, provocation and greenprint. She explains how businesses must view Nature not as a resource to be exploited nor a risk to be avoided, but rather as a living system that partners with all we do. We can all benefit by giving Nature a voice – and listening to it.’
Peter Tufano, professor, Harvard Business School; former dean, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

‘Building a truly regenerative business in a degenerative economy is an act of integrity. In the Company of Nature reveals the inspiring story about a business born of a young couple’s unrequited love for “home-making”. A clear vision, a belief in intuition, and uncommon courage and grit earn the young House of Hackney and its founders the gift we all yearn for in these troubled times: a purpose worthy of a life, and a “coming home” to the beauty and serenity of all life.’
John Fullerton, founder of the Capital Institute; author of Regenerative Economics

‘In the Company of Nature is a beautiful and touching book. Frieda lets the reader share in her personal and professional journey – the ongoing sense-making of a business leader exploring in depth what it means to be Nature and to do what life does best: create conditions for life to thrive. Navigating the paradoxes of our time, this personal story of the co-creation of a successful luxury brand with that intention in mind offers insights, inspiration and encouragement to align with life’s regenerative impulse. Enjoy the read!’
Daniel Wahl, author of Designing Regenerative Cultures