Almost Essential is born out of Michelle's love of guiding people with their life at home.
We have tested many services you can book directly online. Making gifting to your loved ones easier and a trustworthy process.
How did it all begin?
Sharing is caring… sharing with friends and family all our secrets to make life easier in London and it grew organically from there.
What sets your business apart?
We are a community where clients can meet the best of the best in what London has to offer both in terms of services and gifts, from the useful to the superfluous. All the services and gifts have been screened and tested by Michelle, the Founder.
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
Helping people to save time when looking for a service in any area of life and treat a loved one to a unique gift. Also making sure that the services and gifts meet the Almost Essential quality standards.
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
Increase our audience and keep finding new brands and services. I have recently launched Michelle‘s Inner Circle which is a members-only concierge service, offering a unique curated gifting experience and access to my little black book of services and recommendations.
Michelle de Biolley
Founder of
Almost Essential
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
Helping People.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
Studying hard to achieve 2 university degrees.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
Meeting amazingly talented people behind the brands and services I recommend.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
Always trust your judgement.
Best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t give up and be proud of what you have achieved.
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Follow your passion, be resilient, be tenacious, and believe in yourself but accept to let go if it doesn’t work.
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
Self-funding to keep my independence.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
Building partnerships and elegantly letting go when not right.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
Sisterhood matters.
60
Seconds
with
Michelle de Biolley
My inspiration is...
nature.
My greatest fear is...
failure.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
building my business.
Guilty pleasure?
doing nothing.
Mantra you live by?
strive for the best.
Female role model?
Christine Amanpour.
Women-led brand you love?
Anya Hindmarch.
Top productivity tool?
Instagram.
