From Fashion to Fairways

We sat down with Olivia Mehta to talk about her life on the Wentworth Estate, her entrepreneurial journey and her role as 2026 Ladies Captain at Wentworth Golf Club.

Tell us a little about yourself

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak. In my late teens, I set up my first business, a market stall selling vintage clothing in Herefordshire. It quickly became clear that British weather isn’t always kind, so I realised I needed a shop. At the time I was living in Hay-on-Wye, which is beautiful but not exactly buzzing when you’re young. I moved back to London and started working in the music business, first at Phonogram and EMI, then with the management team for Dire Straits, helping organise their world tour and I was lucky enough to catch a few of the shows too. My husband was in Dexys Midnight Runners before later becoming Chairman of Sony Records.

When that chapter ended, I found myself at a dinner party being asked, “So, what do you do?” and suddenly feeling as though I had lost my identity.

That moment sparked something. I was invited to a winter wedding and was searching for an elegant wrap. I knew exactly what I wanted, but I couldn’t find it anywhere - so I decided to create it myself. That idea became a business called Wonderful Wraps selling velvet, satin, silk, cashmere and suede wraps, exported all over the world and even worn by Princess Diana.

Eventually, I sold the business and moved out of London to the Wentworth Estate, where I’ve now lived for over 32 years.

When did you move to Virginia Water, and how have you seen the Wentworth Estate change?

We moved to the Estate in 1993 and became members of the golfclub. It was very different then, there was no real gym, and the Edinburgh Course had only been open for a few years.

Over the decades, there has been huge change. Many of the old original Tarrant houses have gone, and my husband and I have developed three properties ourselves, so we have been part of that transformation. Despite all the changes, the Club has always remained at the heart of the Estate. I often joke that it’s my “retirement village”, I have so many friends here, and the social side of the Club is incredibly important.

You are the 2026 Ladies Captain — how does that feel?

It’s a real honour. We have a wonderfully supportive Ladies’ section, and the Club puts on some fabulous events. All four courses are absolutely stunning, and the new Academy is truly world-class. There is now much more of a country-club feel, and the Club is very welcoming to new golfers. The complimentary ladies’ clinics are a brilliant initiative, and I know, Liz, that you attend them.

What keeps you busy aside from golf?

Being Ladies Captain certainly keeps me busy, but fashion has never really left me, it’s always been in my blood. I own a small local boutique, La Maison, selling carefully curated designer fashion. It us currently appointment-only, but I have an online presence as well. La Maison also stock beautiful, affordable jewellery designers, which make lovely gifts. Alongside all that, I love travelling, especially golf holidays!

How do you think Wentworth Lifestyle supports residents and the local community?

Wentworth Lifestyle offers something really special. It provides trusted local information, excellent contacts, and fun, sociable events. It’s incredibly helpful and makes it easy to meet new people who share similar values. It genuinely strengthens the sense of community on the Estate and surrounding areas.