All talk so far has been about the present, and the future, but I now feel the urge to wrap up my first career in brightly coloured tissue paper, putting it neatly away on to top shelf, before opening new chapters.

Working in the fashion textile business has been the most incredible experience. Filled with interesting work, in interesting countries, working alongside the most amazing, inspiring and talented people. I’m lucky to still call many of these people ‘bosom pals’ and the rest I have a warm fuzzy feeling when they call me to help them in some way. Yes, there was some challenges but even these now make me smile.

I think two things happened to bring the business to a close for me. I wanted real change in my career and I fell out of love with Istanbul.

Istanbul is one of the truly great cities in the world. I not only had many good times there, I had the BEST of times there! I’m sure the love can be re-kindled.