Coffee with Hazel and Rochelle
On Mondays we like to share a short format interview with one of our wider Gather community members. Just a handful of questions with a generous helping of everyday inspiration to tuck into over your morning cuppa. This week, we have a special double bill!
Meet Hazel and Rochelle of Twice as Hard.
Rochelle Dalphinis and Hazel Marie Francis
"Be more confident in your abilities, creativity and network, talk to as many people from different career/social backgrounds as you can. Not only is it fun but will help you to grow and open up opportunities you may never have thought possible."
What part(s) of the world do you call home?
Hazel (H): London is and always be our first home but we both have spiritual and familial connections elsewhere.
Rochelle (R): My mum was born in Barbados so I have a deep love and an affinity there. My dad has lived in Bangkok for almost 30 years and I’ve been visiting since I was 6 years old. I even lived and worked there for a while in my early 20's.
Hazel (H): My parents were both born in East London, but my dad’s side of the family are originally from Dominica. I’ve also got a huge soft spot for Bordeaux. I studied French at University and spent my year abroad there. It’s the town of my heart!
What is your industry, hustle, current project or passion?
R: In 2020 we set up Twice as Hard, as a response to the BLM movement in 2020. It’s a platform where black and brown communities can share their experiences within the workplace.
We wanted to highlight examples of some of the micro aggressive/racist behaviours those from black and brown communities have experienced and in turn, hope that those outside the community would be able to identify or call it our if they were to witness this in their own workplaces.
We also love to spotlight those who are doing well and sometimes overcome some difficult racial obstacles to create successful careers. We hope that in the future the platform could become a published book.
Images from Twice as Hard on Instagram. You can see more and follow here.
R: My other hustle is my online shop Luna Spot Design. I studied Interior Design Environmental Architecture for my degree but never really managed to get my career in this area going for it to be my full-time job. In 2017 I decided I wanted to reignite my passion by creating my own online interior accessories and gift store, pleased to say it is still going but needs bit more attention with a new collection (hopefully at some point this year). Last year was very busy as I was fortunate enough to be asked to design a large commission for a cruise ship, hopefully I will get to share soon when the world slowly reopens.
My 9 - 5 is working as a Team Co Ordinator for an architectural practice in London.