mello

Rose Aldean, founder of Mello, on proving the doubters wrong, claustrophobia and watermelon

What was your first-ever job? I worked at a hairdressers at weekends through high school. I look back at photos and I clearly never asked for any freebies!

What’s been your worst job interview? Making it to the final interview for the Diageo graduate scheme, only to be told I didn’t look like someone who would get their hands dirty. So frustrating, after all that work, to be told that I wouldn’t make it because of an assumption based on my appearance. If only they could see me now!

What was the first music single you bought? Being the youngest of four girls I never had to buy singles. I just ‘borrowed’ them.

How do you describe your job to your mates? It’s not a job - it’s my life!

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Taking Mello from concept to reality on our own and proving the doubters wrong.

What is the least rewarding part? Never being able to switch off.

What is your motto? Life’s too short, so take risks while you still can.

What’s your nickname? Curly.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? To have my weekends back.

What’s your favourite movie and why? The French movie The Intouchables. It’s not your standard Hollywood movie - it takes you through a lot of emotions.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? A couple spring to mind but they are definitely too embarrassing to share!

Do you have any phobias? I’m quite claustrophobic, which isn’t great when I need to go on the Underground…

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Beyoncé because she loves drinking watermelon.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? It’s frustrating for us to see VAT added to our raw juices when they’re just freshly squeezed fruit while most junk food is tax-free.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Watermelon obviously!

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A camel - because I love the sun, I’m originally from the Middle East and I have long eyelashes (so I’ve been told).