What does your morning routine look like?
I start by taking a walk with my dog, Elvis, then I eat breakfast and then out of the door and into the office.
How do you best spend an hour in your own company?
Quiet philosophizing in peace and quiet, where I think about new designs for Oi Soi Oi.
A walk in nature or a bit of gardening also has a positive effect on my creativity.
What is your best advice for showing self-love and prioritizing yourself in a busy everyday life?
Make sure to eat healthy, read some good books, and get your night's sleep.
I also try to watch as little TV as possible.
Have you made a decision in your life that has been particularly good for you?
Yes, when I dared to throw myself 100% into Oi Soi Oi.
I have always been interested in design and interior design and when I came to Hanoi, I quickly became aware of the opportunities that existed to see my design come to life. I started to visit various workshops and could see that there were great opportunities to “transform” traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship into a more Nordic touch. In 2007 I met Christina and we decided to start Oi Soi Oi together. We are “still going strong”. The partnership is perfect, as Christina, as a cand.merc. has the commercial background that I do not have. I have the knowledge of Vietnam and of good design.
I feel very much at home in Hanoi and many of our workshops are the same as when we started. It's almost like we're family. I have great respect for all those who help create the Oi Soi Oi universe.
In Hanoi I have my right hand, Thuy, who has also been with me since the beginning.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice on how to create a balanced life, what would it be?
To be true to myself. Not to think so much about what other people think of me and to make an effort every day.
Your best tip for a strong and healthy body and a balanced mind?
To get out into nature and enjoy it in all seasons.
Healthy eating, yoga and being positive
and not least to have a sense of humor!
I love to laugh, and laughing is healthy.
It is said, among other things, that laughter is one of the best remedies for stress, makes you relax in both body and mind , provides better sleep, and not least gives you an energy boost and a feeling of joy.
What does good design mean to you?
When I design new collections for Oi Soi Oi, there are several things that always involve my decisions - aesthetics, shape, colors and functionality.
It is important to me that our products can be combined in a variety of ways, as we want our designs to "last" for many years - so that you don't take part in the buy-and-throw culture.
When my designs are well received or when I see them around people's homes, in restaurants or in hotels around the world, I feel joy and pride.
Do you have an easy beauty tip that we can share with others?
Not really – I don't use many cosmetic products, but I make sure not to get dehydrated by drinking a lot of fluids.
Every morning I drink a glass of lukewarm water with lemon juice, I've been doing that for many years.
And I try to smile a lot so I don't get too many wrinkles!
If you could freely choose an activity that would give you lots of energy, what would it be?
I get lots of energy when I'm busy in Hanoi. Partly designing new products and partly visiting "my" workshops - that's my drive.
I really care about the people who help us create our products. Their well-being and contribution to Oi Soi Oi is very important to me.
Follow Oi Soi Oi's beautiful universe with glimpses from Britt's beautiful Vietnam at @oisoioi
Oh, oh, oh
Oi Soi Oi is a Danish company founded in 2007 by Britt Goodall and Christina Thorbøll. Nordic design with an Asian twist and the heart in the right place.
The company designs and produces beautiful interiors, where the clean and simple Scandinavian expression is combined with the colorful and exotic Asian.
Everything is handmade in small family businesses in Vietnam, where Britt has lived for more than 20 years. Together with her local team, she ensures that each product is made under proper conditions, is of high quality and is created with respect for people and the world we live in. This means you can add a little piece of Vietnamese design tradition and authentic history to your home, with a clear conscience.
Oi Soi Oi means "wow!" in Vietnamese and it fits perfectly with the impression you get when you take a look at the unique universe that Britt and Christina have created together.
