Iliane Ogilvie Thompson

We originally connected through the non-profit NEST who support artisans globally.Tell us about your philanthropic work

When I had children I decided to take a break from big corporates. I took on a number of non profit board roles, including Trustee of the International Rescue Committee, run by David Milliband, the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford and Nest, which is how we met.

Through the IRC and two other refugee agencies I have visited almost 20 refugee camps. Refugees are among the most resilient, determined and inspiring people I have met. As someone who has lived in many countries in my life, I was very fortunate that my biggest challenge in adapting was learning a language and making new friends. I had a passport that made me welcome. The challenges refugees face are unthinkable. Even more so when trying to keep children safe when displaced. I really feel they deserve our support, love and welcome.

I serve on the board of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. The museum has shown great leadership in their work on decolonising museum collections. As a museum of anthropology - and part of Oxford university - they work closely with indigenous communities to better represent their culture and heritage and they are doing inspiring work in healing and reconciliation. We have so much to learn from indigenous communities.

This is also very aligned with Nest’s work. They support the preservation of cultural heritage through handcraft. Nest works with over 350,000 artisans in 127 countries. Many of the (predominantly women) artisans represent indigenous communities.

The friends I have made through my philanthropic work, connected by a common purpose, are some of the most inspiring and wonderful people in my life.

Tell us about the fund you are launching

Over the past decade I have invested in and mentored an informal portfolio of women-led businesses, all of which are under a sustainable umbrella and all early-stage. I have watched how hard these amazing founders have worked to succeed and how they have had to put their work on hold to raise capital. The process of raising money is so much harder than it should be, particularly for such great businesses. I want to be able to make it easier, particularly at this early stage and when I know that through a network we can scaffold and mentor and help to guide that business to the next round, some of the risk of early stage investment is offset. So it’s something I feel compelled to do - and I want to help more people to do so. I absolutely love working with female founders!

What are you most proud of?

On a personal level, I am most proud of my two sons. They are my greatest teachers and they are a lens for seeing and understanding the world that I could not have found without them.

On a professional level I think I am most grateful that I managed to drown out the voices that told me success was linear and only commercial. I was told that particular qualifications were needed to achieve and that measurements of success were material and tangible. I am so grateful I saw and lived and reached beyond that. It was thanks to some incredible mentors and teachers. The reality is that the things that ultimately make us happy are so much more spiritual and communal. Generosity of spirit, kindness and love. I have so much more of that to learn and to share!

How did you discover Marfa Stance?

I remember seeing some of the women whose taste and work I respect wearing beautiful, modular considered pieces. I couldn’t find the brand in a store or in mainstream advertising, which was so compelling. Of course Marfa Stance is really well known now and for me really represents an intelligent, engaged woman who makes considered choices with her wardrobe.

How do you style your Marfa Stance and what is your favourite combination?

I live in the country but work in London several days a week. My wardrobe needs to be lightweight (I carry a small bag on the train and to meetings and onto evening commitments). I rely on layering and colour, so Marfa Stance pieces are perfect. I wear a sleeveless piece over a denim jacket with flared jeans or a Parachute Bomber over a white lace dress with combat boots. I am still finding new combinations!