STYLE INSIDER – GRACE BELGRAVIA’S KATE PERCIVAL

Meet Kate Percival, the powerhouse behind Grace Belgravia nestled in West Halkin Street SW1, a haven that unfurled its doors just shy of two years ago in November 2012. This 11,500 sq ft sanctuary of health and wellness has jazzed up its Californian-inspired Café, dishing out scrumptiously healthy fare for club members to savor onsite. And fear not, non-members can still revel in the Grace experience with Grace to Go or dive into a trove of Grace’s home and office delivery delights. Adding a zesty twist, Grace has now rolled out a lineup of cold-pressed juices, joining the ranks of their fresh juices and smoothies, as part of their soup and juice cleanse regimen. Let’s delve into the mind behind this tranquil oasis, Kate Percival, as she shares her journey.

Kate Percival: My career kick-started in the chairman’s office at Lloyd’s of London under the mentorship of a formidable female boss who schooled me in the art of work ethics. Grace sprouted from three decades of navigating the realms of marketing, branding, and service. As a working mom, my heart yearned to sculpt a haven that nurtured and emboldened women.

DONNA IDA: What’s the secret sauce of the Grace Belgravia realm that captivates the Grace lady?

Kate Percival: In just over a year, Grace has blossomed into a sanctuary where remarkable women find solace, rejuvenation, and that much-needed “me” time, empowering them to conquer the world. But amidst all the serenity, there’s a dash of frivolity, and a plethora of healthy indulgences, making every moment vibrant.

DONNA IDA: We’ve heard whispers about a café makeover. What’s cooking in the new look?

Kate Percival: Picture this: a serene haven in the Upper Café, adorned with plush sofas, cozy armchairs, and flooded with natural light. It’s the ultimate rendezvous spot to catch up with pals, sip on a revitalizing juice or coffee, crunch numbers, and relish the healthiest fare London has to offer!

DONNA IDA: Share your go-to fitness regimen.

Kate Percival: My fitness mantra? A whirlwind of activity suffices for me, but I do make a conscious effort to practice what I preach. Pilates with Jason and a dash of boxing add that extra zing to my routine.

DONNA IDA: The buzz is all about your Cold Press Juices. What spurred their launch, and do you have a personal favorite?

Kate Percival: At Grace, we pride ourselves on whipping up divine juices and smoothies. However, transporting them alongside our home delivery packages posed a challenge. Introducing cold-pressed juices bridges this gap, allowing our clients to relish our concoctions both within the Club and at home, brimming with nutrients and boasting a three-day shelf life. As for my top pick, it’s a toss-up between the Alchalizer and the Veggie Patch!

DONNA IDA: Describe your signature style.

Kate Percival: Within the Club’s confines, I lean towards a more formal ensemble—a slew of dresses that streamline my mornings, especially when transitioning from an 8 am breakfast powwow to a soirée come evening.

DONNA IDA: Any style icons that you draw inspiration from?

Kate Percival: Chanel exudes timeless elegance, and the allure of Armani is simply irresistible. However, come summer, I’m all about injecting a pop of color into my wardrobe, bidding adieu to winter’s monochromatic palette.

DONNA IDA: How do you rock your denim?

Kate Percival: It’s all about the skinny fit for me. Thanks to Donna’s magical touch, my denim game has received a fabulous makeover. In fact, I’ll be flaunting them tomorrow as I jet off to a wedding in Croatia—fingers crossed they still fit come Monday!

DONNA IDA: Share your golden nugget of industry wisdom.

Kate Percival: Never shy away from going the extra mile. Trust your gut instincts, and above all, let integrity be your guiding light in every endeavor.

DONNA IDA: If you could turn back time, what advice would you offer your younger self?

Kate Percival: Don’t burn the midnight oil! Recognize that family and friends are just as pivotal as your professional pursuits.

DONNA IDA: What’s on the horizon for Grace Belgravia?

Kate Percival: Perhaps a rendezvous with Grace in NYC? Join us as we unveil the next chapter of our journey at the Grace Belgravia event on September 16th, 2014.