Who?

Anna Halliday, founder and owner of Parsons Green Cali-style health hangout Hally's, and the newly opened Little H. 

Why?

'Working at huge advertising company, BBH, where we had clients like Google and Burberry, was a lot of graft. I realised that I wanted to do something for me, rather than continuing to work for someone else. My husband and I both left our jobs, and went travelling for a few months. After seeing India and South America, we spent the last couple of weeks in California, and just loved how unfussy, but healthy, the food was. I've always adored hosting massive dinner parties and cooking for friends, so we realised that opening an all-day eatery would be the perfect fit.' 

How?

'Near where we live, in Parsons Green, there was no where selling juices, healthy brunches and things like that. I was confident it was a huge thing that was missing, and that it would do well. Really fortuitously, a space came up to let, and we took it – that became Hally's, our first restaurant. I looked after the creative – coming up with the menu and the branding – and my husband dealt with management and numbers. I had only ever worked in a restaurant as a waitress before, so it's been a huge learning curve, but, thankfully, our customers have been amazing. Now, we've opened up Little H , which is more of a deli and juice bar, over the road.' 

Struggles?

'Running a restaurant is incredibly stressful. At one point, I felt as though I was on a knife's edge I was so worried, but everything has calmed down a bit now. Ultimately, if something happens like a chef calls in sick or the vegetable delivery doesn't show up, you have to deal with it.' 

Interior design, Cuisine, Room, Table, Ceiling, Interior design, Meal, Dish, Finger food, Countertop, pinterest

Best bit?

'I get to combine the things I love the most  – health, food and interacting with people – all day. Being your own boss may be terrifying, but it's also so empowering – you know that your decisions are what will actually happen. I choose what goes on the menu, the design of the shops, which suppliers to buy from, which is all brilliant.' 

Advice?

'If you're looking to set up premises, then location is everything. It's a far better use of money to spend more on a higher rent and be somewhere that will be on the map, then to scrimp and risk very few people walking by and dropping in. Turn to anyone you can who's been there for advice – my friend Richard, who owns The Shed in Notting Hill, has been so supportive to me and given me heaps of know-how. Get some capital together to work with before you start – everything costs more than you anticipate. And, most importantly, trust your gut. You know your ideas, and you know what will be right for your business. 

Visit Hally's at 60 New Kings Road, London SW6 4LS, and Little H at 267 New King’s Road, London, SW6 4RB