Five minutes with Andrea Lee, founder of Doodle Nest

Here we speak to Andrea, founder of Doodle Nest who transforms kids art into beautiful bespoke books.

1. Who are you and why did you start Doodle Nest?

As a mother of four I was drowning in kids' art and was desperate to find a way to preserve it, so here it is!

2. What’s your advice to others starting their own business?!

Focus on something you’re passionate about.

3. What does a brief day in your life look like?!

Luckily my days vary but they all start the same ... we get woken up by our smiling five year old who crawls into bed with us every morning. After that it's a mix of school drop-offs and pick-ups, a daily swim, work in the studio, marketing shoots, attending the children's various sporting events, being home for stories and bedtime and occasionally meeting friends out for dinner.

4. Who is a person you look up to and why?

My children, especially now that the older three are teenagers. Watching them navigate life and make their own choices is my greatest joy and biggest inspiration.

5. Name your biggest professional highlight? 

On occasion we are asked to create beautiful memory books filled with photos, letters, cards, artwork and other mementos belonging to loved ones who have passed away. These projects will always hold a very special meaning for us.

6. Favourite book and why?

This one is impossible to answer. I am a bit of an insomniac and an avid reader, so I spend a large portion of the night with a book in my hands. I love both classic and contemporary literature. That being said, Roald Dahl is a total genius and will always remind of my children. My 5 year old son and I just finished The Witches, which he adored, and are currently a few chapters into Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which he is also loving. Matilda is next - can’t wait!

7. Favourite podcast and why?

Desert Island Discs, especially the archives. The interviews are so intimate and the guests are fascinating. I love hearing about the inspirational highs and life changing moments that dictated their paths. Plus I love music.

8. What’s the one thing you try and do every day for yourself?

Swimming. It's my daily meditation. I can't live without it. 

9. What is your guilty pleasure?!

Cheese, dark chocolate, and tequila.

10. Favourite holiday destination?

El Salvador, where I’m from. We take the children as often as possible, as it's really important for me that they feel connected to their roots and my family there. 

11. What is your earliest child memory?

Falling in love with my grandparents black lab when we arrived at their house on Long Island after we escaped El Salvador during the war. I was three years old. 

12. What do you think is the key to happiness?

Doing things I love with and for the people I love. It gives me meaning. 

13. Window or aisle seat?

Window on long-haul. Aisle on short-haul. 

14. What is a super power you wish you had?

How about two? Super human intelligence and teleportation. 

15. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Be kind.