Alex Mavros, the eldest of four sons, was born and bred in the Umwimsi Valley. The family grew up riding horses, exploring and fishing, immersed within the wilderness, which Alex fondly recalls as their ‘African Disneyland’.

As children, the boys were encouraged to draw on their creativity and initiative. By the age of six, Alex had made his first sale: when his parents were away and the shop was closed, he opened it up, introduced the pieces, told the stories he had heard his father recounting and sold a small sculpture – that he gift wrapped himself! The best 80 bucks he ever made!

Years later, after completing a Psychology and Business Degree at Edinburgh University, Alex launched the London Flagship store, which he states is ‘one of the finest emporiums of wonderment to be found anywhere’.

Alexander has high aspirations for the brand; “America has its Tiffany, France has its Hermes, Italy has its Bulgari, but when you think about Africa - a continent of mystique, intrigue and romance, what does it have to offer the world of luxury? We have the opportunity to create the definitive luxury brand.”

My Favourite Website... I would say Bamford Watch Department - Watches are my guilty pleasure and I love nothing more than windling hours away creating bespoke masterpieces on the Bamford site – sadly, I don’t hit the ‘purchase’ tab as often as I would like.

My Favourite App... Instagram - A picture speaks a hundred words. You can talk endlessly about the bewilderment and beauty of Africa, but a picture can show you that so quickly and efficiently. Have you ever seen a bad photo of the African wilderness? Instagram is so captivating for that very reason.

My Favourite Blog... Fatherly - Since becoming a dad for the first time, I would have to say Fatherly.com. It probably has the most robust and practical advice on the internet, with a bit of humour thrown in. A must when you feel like you’re going slightly mad! Fatherhood is a magical experience.

My Most Recent Buy Online... a pirate costume for an upcoming in Jamaica - I can’t wait. Angels Fancy Dress do the best fancy dress. If you haven’t already been, GO! Even if you don’t have a party to go to, GO!

My Favourite Instagrammer... @AfricanLuxury - It really epitomises what I love about Africa so much. It represents the very best of African luxury in the most beautiful and exotic way. I am not on Twitter. I’m all about images at the moment so Instagram is my go to. It tells a much better story.

Social Media Allowed Me to Meet... the incredible INCREDIBLE photographer, Adrian Steirn - Every one of his photographs tells a story which he describes as a means to generate meaningful change and to stimulate discussion and action around key issues. I have been a huge fan of his for years.

My Stand Out Online Memory... - It would have to be when the Patrick Mavros site went live. It was a real sense of achievement for the whole family and we’ve enjoyed watching it grow.

We have also accumulated over 6000Instagram followers in just a few months which is pretty exciting.

Most Worthwhile Newsletter... The James Altucher Report - This talks about how the financial world has changed and why now is the best time to become an entrepreneur. Great for some inspiration!

My Pet Hate About Life Online... Google Adverts - They follow me everywhere. They hunt me down in to submission and for some reason force me to buy something. My wife is not a fan either as a result!

28 May 2015