10 QUESTIONS WITH PRIYA SHER, A TALENTED, LONDON-BASED FENG SHUI CONSULTANT
1.) Good morning Priya, welcome to The Mayfair Musings! How long have you been working as a Feng Shui Consultant and what inspired you to start your business?
Hi Victoria, I have been working as a Feng Shui Consultant for 21 yrs! I was inspired to study Feng Shui because my father was a property developer and he would often make the homes we lived in his projects, so at a young age I started understanding the energy of spaces. At that time I didn’t really know what Feng Shui was but I understood that spaces had energy and that in certain homes we prospered and in others we felt stuck, but then as soon as we’d move out everything would change. In one property in particular my sister fell very sick and as soon as we moved out she was perfect again. This really sparked my interest in Feng Shui.
2.) What are the main principles of feng shui?
Feng Shui maintains that we live in harmony with our environment. The words Feng Shui mean ‘wind water’; all living beings need air and water to survive. Feng shui put very simply is maximising your potential for success by balancing the energy of your space.
3.) What are some of the benefits of applying Feng Shui to your home or workplace?
When a property’s Feng Shui is harmonious, it paves the way for occupants to lead a prosperous and more healthy life. The energy of any space seeps into us, much like the influence of the people we surround ourselves with. While we’re attuned to how individuals affect our energy, we may not realise how profoundly a space can do the same. For those sensitive to energy, they can feel the impact of a space fast, but for most, it takes time to feel it.
Once we master the art of optimising our environment for support, life unfolds with greater ease, ushering in a flow of good opportunities. At its core, Feng Shui seeks to establish equilibrium in our lives, ultimately elevating our overall quality of life
5.) Do you have any advice for people struggling to declutter at home, and can Feng Shui help with this?
You will never be able to gain the full benefit of good feng shui if your property is full of clutter. Clutter needs to be seen on different levels because clutter is not just about clearing things, on a spiritual and emotional level clearing clutter cleanses the mind and soul because everything holds vibrations. If we are holding onto things that have energy from times of trauma or difficulties then we are carrying that energy around with us, so it’s so important to let it go.
On a physical level clutter is stuck energy, when it accumulates your energy will stagnate, you will feel drained and blocked. Therefore, clearing clutter is essential for both your physical and mental wellbeing. I think you should just concentrate on one room at a time, start with your bedroom as we spend the most time in this room and having clutter in the bedroom can impact both our health and relationship. You will feel so much lighter after doing this!
6.) Are there any London projects you have particularly loved working on? If so, why?
Yes so many! I absolutely loved working on Cloud 12 in Notting Hill, it’s a unique wellness and lifestyle club, it really challenged me because there were so many different areas in it such as a brasserie, spa, interactive play zone for children, hair salon and alternative therapy clinic.
Colony and Crockfords Clubs in Mayfair both these properties had such amazing architecture. And I loved working on Mou a beautiful shoe boutique in The Burlington Arcade, this was a place I would visit as a child and to be able to do the Feng Shui for a boutique in this historic landmark building was like a dream!
mou Flagship store, 22 Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London. Image credit: mou
7.) Can you tell us a little about your feng shui project at Mou in Burlington Arcade?
mou is a conscious fashion luxury British lifestyle brand especially known for footwear, they do bags, accessories and some lovely vintage clothing as well! I had done some feng shui consulting previously for the owner, a very inspiring lady called Shelley Tichborne.
I was invited to do the Feng Shui for it when it was a totally empty space and we designed the layout and colours of the space to allow the energy to flow harmoniously throughout. It’s a very uplifting and aesthetically pleasing space. You can’t walk past it without being captivated by its charm and once you walk in you feel relaxed and comfortable.
8.) Can you talk us through the process of a typical Feng Shui project, from the initial client enquiry, through to the final delivery?
It usually begins with an email enquiry and then I arrange to speak to the client to discuss their needs and expectations. Following this I visit the property; business or home. I evaluate its form and surroundings. I take measurements with my Imperial Lo Pan compass also taking into account the persons astrology.
This is followed by a detailed analysis of the property, noting details in every room, living space and the garden. I’m usually at the property all day but for larger and more complex properties it can take several days. This is followed by a report including realistic recommendations the aim of which is to provide a healthy and positive living and working environment to optimise your potential for success in all areas of your life from health to finances to relationships.
10.) When you are not busy working, where might you be found and what might you be doing?
Spending time with family and close friends will always be my number one priority. But other than that I love traveling and learning about different cultures and seeing the architecture around the world. I am so lucky that in my job I get invited around the world for projects. I love books and just love old libraries and independent book shops. I could literally spend all day doing this.
I also have a great appreciation for hotels and often like to do staycations, I think it’s a great form of self care to just take random days out to just concentrate on your wellbeing, have room-service, visit the spa and just chill! I also love the London restaurant scene and love eating all types of cuisines, I think we are so lucky in London to have such amazing restaurants.
I also love art in all forms and love visiting art galleries and would actually like to thank you Victoria for inviting me to several of your art events, they have been so amazing.
