When people ask me how I got into brand strategy I usually share the my journey transitioning from metalsmith, to special-needs teacher, to interior design and customer experience consultant. But that's not really where it all began.
As a twin, I was hard-wired to rebel against same-ness. Blended with being raised in social housing, being openly queer, and becoming fiercely independent at a young age - I never did quite fit in.
But I found power in my difference.
Seeing the world differently, exercising critical thought, challenging status-quo. I could see opportunities where others couldn't and was driven to transform businesses and make impactful changes. I quickly went from supporting youth workers and art therapists to implementing regional changes at a high street retailer at the age of 16; to jumpstarting the expansion of a national hospitality brand from two stores to six (now 78) in three months at 18.
See as far as I can remember, I always loved being helpful - the kind of kid who went out their way to organise charity events, and stayed back to tidy classrooms. To me, brand strategy is the same thing - recognising opportunity to be helpful and create impactful, long-lasting change.
In 2013 I moved into freelancing as a creative strategist - specialising in brand, marketing and customer experience for SMEs across UK and Europe, then went on to complete an MSc (distinction) in Strategic Brand Management, CIM and IDEO Strategy accredited, I continue to identify opportunities for brand distinctiveness, as a full time Creative Consultant for Magnetic, and a part time Lecturer in Strategic Branding Design at Kingston University.
