LUXE Serendipity magazine

It felt like Christmas in July when I was invited to my very first polo match at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club. It was during the Eduardo Moore Final and I was a guest of The Grove Gallery and The Christmas Decorators.

I was there to view the latest art by Zara Muse. Zara, aka Alexandra Johnson, paints strong and powerful women. Her latest collection of paintings is proudly displayed in the club house of the Royal Enclosure.

Just a week before at the Justerini and Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy tournament to mark the club’s 40th anniversary, Banksy’s artwork was also showcased.

Indeed Alexandra is the cousin of another world-renowned street artist, closely linked to Banksy. Both feature in The Grove Gallery based in Fitzrovia.

Zara Muse recently broke the record auction at Bonhams, after selling a portrait of Malala Yousafzai for £51,000.

She has some exciting collaborations planned after making her mark in Dubai and she has received a commission to paint the First Lady of China. She also has an announcement with Sarah Jessica Parker in the pipeline.

I first met Alexandra last Christmas at the launch of her artwork, which The Grove Gallery collaborated on with Astrea Diamonds at The Fairmont in Windsor. There, she embedded man-made diamonds into her paintings.

As Zara Muse, Alexandra captures the depth of women’s emotions and strength through her bold, dimensional palette-knife paintings, attracting collectors and institutions alike.

While she is one of the UK’s most sought-after contemporary artists, incredibly skilled at capturing the essence of strong women using layers with her palette knife and spatula, and delving into the themes of nature and human connection, she is also extremely down to earth, genuinely a breath of fresh air, which broke any inhibitions I had over attending such a prestigious event.

Alexandra and I bonded over our shared loss of our mothers to cancer.

Immediately I gravitated toward her as she gave me a genuine, warm smile made me feel welcome at this prestigious event.

She told me that after losing her mother, Janet, she channelled her grief into creating artwork that celebrates strong women, and she does this by creating layered pieces with a spatula and a knife.

I couldnt help but wonder how occasionally, the universe gifts us with extraordinary connections that seem destined. Our shared experience of losing her beloved mum to cancer deeply resonated with me. I to am a motherless mother. We discussed this in depth, including the concept of sisterhood and uplifting women. It was an empowering moment.

Alexandra transformed her grief into artistic expression and this profound connection was significant at a formal gathering that intertwined the realms of art, diamonds, and celebrity, but Alexandra was the actual diamond. It was daunting, but not long after walking in the room, I met Alexandra, who immediately showed me her true self – as an inspiring and authentic woman who uplifts others.

It was incredibly empowering, and right then and there, we forged a connection which made our interview effortless – like talking to a friend.

Recently, Alexandra accepted a prestigious five-year residency at the Fairmont, something she credits to the help of her friend Stacey, whom she has known for 30 years. They met when both worked in the city together as traders.

Alexandra is a champion of girl power, revealing, ‘That is really what got me the residency at the Fairmont.’

“When I heard that Astrea was going to have a residency there, I asked Stacey to get me in there, and I was so excited when Nathalie asked to meet me. She was a prominent trader in the city and very successful so when we met for a coffee and she offered me a stunning diamond earring for one of my pieces, I eagerly accepted. She soon won the support of her business partner Claire and then we set to work.

“I feel blessed by the strong female support surrounding me. While some may not understand the significance of women uplifting women, I wholeheartedly do. My friends are my world.

“It’s about fostering a new era of support rather than competition, as exemplified by the Zara Muse phenomenon.

“The collaboration with The Fairmont felt like walking into a fairytale. As I entered, I thought I had finally arrived. I saw the stunning installation tree, and my heart overflowed with pride.

“The hotel was breathtaking, and to see my art displayed there was an emotional milestone, and to share it with my girlfriends was extra special, as they are who made me.”

Around 15 to 18 pieces are currently showcased at the Fairmont, installed just a week prior, and the piece “Revolution” is exceptionally compelling.

Do you know who inspired this creation? Are your women conjured from imagination, or are they reflections of real-life figures? I asked.

She revealed that she imagines them all.

“My creations aren’t based on specific individuals. I draw inspiration from strong women I admire—those I would genuinely want to befriend.”

Revolution was inspired by the theme of blood diamonds and the troubles they indicate, suggesting a shift towards a more ethical approach that empowers women. I understood her vision perfectly, as her jewellery embodies ethical standards, being lab-grown and sustainable.

She revealed that they had fun while trying to put the earring in, and it took several attempts.

“Women embody so many layers, constantly multitasking. As caregivers, we wear multiple hats, often placing our children’s needs above our own.”

I asked her how she balances her work, a busy schedule, and family life as a mother. I have three children: my youngest, Sid, is 16; my oldest is 23, and my middle child is 20. 

Since Sid was six, I have navigated the journey of motherhood as a single parent. The experience of losing my mum left me in survival mode; it felt like a blur. During that difficult time, my husband left, and it was a struggle to get through each day.

While I was caring for my mother, who was dying from cancer, those were difficult times, and I just got through. Now that she has passed, I often receive signs from her.

“On my darkest days, she sends me pennies—a rare find nowadays. Once, while walking along the seafront in Ley on Sea, I lamented missing her, and just moments later, I discovered a beach hut named “A Penny Hut” adorned with an image of a penny. It was a poignant reminder of her presence.

She also wears manifestation bracelets and sent me one too.

“At lunch with friends, someone asked about my red bracelets, and I explained they are manifestation bracelets, symbols of my mum’s ever-present spirit.

“To my astonishment, they began playing her funeral song at that moment, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. There’s no denying our loved ones are always with us.

“Art runs in my family—my mum was an artist, and so are both of my cousins. I only discovered my artistic talent later in life; it became a therapeutic outlet.

“I once worked in the City, driven by ambition for success and financial gain, but as I matured, that focus shifted to ensuring my children were safe and happy.

“I no longer prioritise money; I find joy in simple, meaningful experiences. If I have had a good day, I am grateful.”

As a world-renowned artist who is breaking records, including selling a painting at Bohams for £51,000, her ability to manifest such success is remarkable.

I resonated with her on a personal level through my maternal bereavement and was inspired by her kindness and warmth, even though she has sold art worth millions – she hasn’t changed.

“People often ask how I reached this stage in my career, and I tell them it’s about being well-liked and working tirelessly.

“When you maintain good relationships, people are inclined to support you. I strive to give back, as I believe it expands the circle of positivity and support.

“The lunch brought together incredible women with extraordinary achievements, yet they made everyone feel valued.

“One of my favourite moments was sharing that space of success with friends. It fills me with gratitude to be on this journey, to have my art appreciated, and to build genuine connections.”

Her talent and compassion shine through, but she uses that for good, saying:

“I prioritise uplifting women and fostering confidence; we’ve seen enough negativity over the years.”

She revealed the reason behind her moniker too: “Many wonder why I go by Zara Muse. Growing up, I faced insecurities as the “fat kid” with braces and awkward glasses. I admired a girl named Zara, who was everything I wasn’t—beautiful and athletic. Embracing her name became a symbol of my journey.”

She also has a famous street art cousin, she revealed.

”I have a personal connection to street art, particularly through my cousin Ben Eine, who was once partnered with Banksy. I fell in love with the genre, collecting pieces since Ben was a child. My next ambitious goal is to break into the Dubai art scene. I believe all women, especially those in Dubai, exude beauty and strength.

“Recently, I attended the International Women in Power event in Dubai, thanks to Stacey’s support. I found myself in a room filled with 250 of the most powerful women, witnessing a remarkable movement for female empowerment.

“Among them was a woman who ran NASA, sharing her journey of balancing motherhood and success—her words ignited a deep inspiration in me.

Again, this goes back to her mum, Janet. She said:

“My mum used to instil in me the belief that I could achieve anything. I remember the encouragement she provided me, especially during my early days as a trader when I often battled imposter syndrome. Hearing her voice telling me, “Of course you can do this,” fueled my determination. Having been raised by a powerful woman creates immense potential for success.

“We can inspire our children to believe in their limitless possibilities. If you channel your passion, the outcomes can be extraordinary.

My best advice? Stand firmly behind your girlfriends and cheer them on—“You can do this. You’ve got this.”

Confidence often blossoms with age. I relate to those shy moments in life, when I discovered my confidence later on. I’ve always wished for my daughter to feel secure in herself. Life has taught me resilience through loss—losing my mum and dad has given me the depth of experience to tackle any challenge.

“I give myself motivational talks, reminding myself of my strength and the support of my friends. Grief profoundly alters your perspective. Before experiencing loss, it’s easy to be self-absorbed; but once a loved one departs, gratitude becomes woven into your being.

I agreed, and we discussed how our children lack the presence of a grandmother. I seek out women who can serve as role models for them, fostering a sense of sisterhood.

“When you don’t have a mother, you often take on dual roles. Grandmothers spoil with treats, while mothers set boundaries—you find yourself embodying both.

“My mum wore pink during her battle with cancer—a colour representing love and connection.

“During my darkest moments, when my husband left me penniless and my mum was nearing the end, I faced overwhelming challenges and she showed resilience until the last moment. 

“Now, whenever something positive occurs, I pause to say, “Thank you, Mum.” Maintaining a positive mindset is essential; each morning, I express gratitude for three things to shape my outlook. I’ve learned that acceptance is key—“It is what it is.”