About Hardeep

Hello, I am H and it is very nice to meet you.

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In one line:

A narrative designer, a packager-of-life-enriching ideas combining fundamental research with graphic and visual treatments, and host of gatherings and deep conversations.

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In a series of paragraphs:​

First things first, words are my thing. Since I could read, I have been swallowed whole, one book after another. Fear not, it's not as painful as it sounds. At this point I have travelled across thousands of worlds into the minds of hundreds of writers and thinkers. Apart from my incredible family, books raised me. They built my inner landscape, they sharpened my intellect, they cultivated my empathy. So, it was natural that I would study Literature at university (sorry mum and dad) but perhaps slightly less natural (at least to others) that I then undertook a Masters in Shakespeare in History (thanks UCL). I wanted to go the roots of a seminal time in English, European, and world history, which continues to influence the modern day.

 

Studying the Humanities allowed me to slip into plural narratives from economics to philosophy via colonialism and psychology, and to try on a dizzying arrange of perspectives; they taught me to apply critical thought to ideas, to see what (un)truth they may be illuminating. I learned the power of a well turned phrase, a reasoned argument, a soul-drenching burst of transcendent poetic expression. It also allowed me to forge a deep friendship with myself - dedicated study is a often an endeavour of solitude, and I made close friends with my own company.

 

Then came the world of *work* and I channeled my love of story into many forms: from fashion journalism, to high jewellery PR, then to consumer investment for a start-up,  I co-founded a fashion brand, and finally the creation of my own design studio, per se.

 

After years of crafting other people's stories, I decided to start writing my own. In 2016, I launched per se with my twin sister, to design everyday objects with the ethic of conscious living. We would create just one item at a time, for a limited run. Focusing on a single item comes from the conviction that it takes just one idea, person, moment, or object, to have a profound influence on the self, and others. Designing for longevity, with no extra inventory, and made in the UK, we wanted to model what it means to present a way of creating a business where purpose and profit work in harmony. 

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Then a few years in, I saw that we were at 'peak stuff' and my story-telling turned back into the realm of words. I think we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to good ideas and practical solutions to create a thriving civilisation, but we're just not communicating them well enough. Planetary flourishing may sound grand, but it really means creating the conditions for each person to reach their potential, in collaboration with the rhythms of the Earth.

 

This is when per se became less a solo practice, but a hub for collaboration and amplification of life-affirming ideas. I started to freelance and consultant for companies and entrepreneurs with aligned values, to help get these messages out into the world. 

 

I reimagined my creative practice from solely creating physical products to crafting stories that showcase potential futures, powered by people (including you, dear reader) and ideas that are right this moment creating the conditions for all life to thrive. Cue Age of the Steward - a social moonshot for our times and beyond. 

 

Everything created is a labour of love, joy, and hope.

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Let's tell a better story, together. For a better tomorrow, today.

 

Always,

H