EMPLOYMENT
Creative Consultant July 2024 – Present
I am currently a self-employed consultant, specialising in brand licensing and corporate merchandise.
JCB, Staffordshire, England, April 2021 – June 2024
Brand Licensing Manager – Safety & Apparel
I managed the JCB trade safety and apparel licenses globally which included the categories of workwear, safety footwear and eyewear. The role included contract negotiation, product development and approval, marketing, directing photoshoots, budgeting and large-scale events. I was also the team lead on sustainability across the Consumer Products business, striving to minimise the environmental impact of our licensing program.
JCB, Staffordshire, England, March 2019 – March 2021
Brand Licensing Manager – Corporate Merchandise
I managed the corporate merchandise license for the UK & Europe.
Derby Brewing Company, Derby, England, January 2018 – February 2019
Marketing Manager
As a member of the senior management team my role involved managing all the marketing, branding, PR and advertising activity of four pubs, a country house hotel and a brewery supplying real ale and craft beer to retailers and consumers across the UK. I managed a full time assistant plus up to 10 team members at special events.
Young Ideas, Ashbourne, England, July 2014 – January 2018
Marketing Manager
I was responsible for managing all marketing, branding, PR, events and advertising activity for Young Ideas’ three retail stores plus Henmores retail store and The Greenman pub. I managed a full time assistant plus up to 20 team members at special events.
Hugget, Alstonefield, England, September 2012 – March 2017
Creator and Director
This was my own business selling a unique design of fleece jacket. I managed all parts of the business, including design, production, sales, marketing, finance and planning. Hugget received extensive newspaper and radio coverage. I sold mainly online via my own website as well as at regional markets and shows, and wholesale to various independent retailers. I decided to take a break from Hugget to focus on my full time role at Young Ideas. The business made a profit over the four years and I view it as a highly positive and educational experience.
Pachacuti, Ashbourne, England, September 2011 – August 2013
Designer
I designed hats, clothing and accessories for men and women for award winning Fair Trade fashion company Pachacuti. My role took me to Ecuador in September 2012 to train our producers on new methods needed for my designs.
EDUCATION
Professional Skills Workshops
Presentation Skills 2022
People Management 2022
Difficult Conversations at Work 2022
Health & Safety in the Workplace 2022
Selling and Assertiveness, September 2018
PR Masterclass, July 2018
PR Workshop, May 2018
Centre of Excellence 2020-2021
Diploma, Sustainable Living
University of Westminster, London, England, 2007-2011
BA (Hons) Fashion Design, including Business and Marketing modules.
University College for the Creative Arts, Farnham, Surrey, England, 2006-2007
BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design
Saint Andrew’s International High School, Blantyre, Malawi, 2000-2006
A-Level: Geography, Business Studies, Art and Design
AS-Level: Geography, Business Studies, Art and Design, Physics
GCSE: 9 GCSE’s grades A* – C
VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIOINS
Parent Governor and Link Governor for Finance at St Bartholomew’s C of E School, Longnor, March 2024 – Present
Ashbourne Life Traders Group January 2017 – January 2018
Ashbourne Christmas Committee January 2017 – January 2018
Member of Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE), 2013-2016
This is a national networking organisation with regional groups who meet monthly and annually at a national conference to exchange ideas and showcase businesses.
Placement Year Internships September 2009 - August 2010
This included work placements in a range of design, manufacturing, marketing and buying roles at: Kilgour, Savile Row; Austin Reed Group, London; Mother Earth, Bangalore, India; Self-Employed Womens Association, Ahmedabad, India; Abdul Halder, New Delhi, India; Deborah Lindquist, Los Angeles, USA; Creem Collection, New York City, USA.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, 2003
I took part in this while at High School in Malawi. It included First Aid training and volunteering running a junior dance group and teaching in a primary school.