What path has your career taken?
Since graduating in Fashion Design at Kingston University, and being laser focused in the industry I wanted to work in (ethical and sustainable fashion), I’ve been lucky enough to work at companies large and small, in fast and slow fashion and in roles that are paid and (as is life) unpaid. Each has taught me invaluable lessons I’m able to take to now run Birdsong with my wonderful business partner Sophie Slater, a fashion brand that encompasses all of my beliefs of how to treat people and the planet. Although it is not easy running a small business, it is the most rewarding path I could have envisioned.
What brought you to Amsterdam?
Me and my business partner Sophie Slater were taking part in a week-long accelerator programme run by Adyen for 10 social enterprise start ups. It was truly a transformative week- and we won second prize at the pitch at the end of it, so that really was the cherry on top of a brilliant first time in Amsterdam.
What was your experience like at Zoku Amsterdam?
We stayed for a week at Zoku Amsterdam and loved it so much we could have moved in permanently. It just provided a beautiful backdrop for when we needed to stay up late working in our cosy Lofts or really take some time to recuperate and take a break from our fast paced schedule in the Living Room.
Which book/product have you gifted the most?
If you could pick one project to work on for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Birdsong of course! Birdsong is an ethical fashion brand set out to change the fashion industry for good. We work with expert women makers that have faced barriers to employment, from migrant seamstresses, elderly knitters and people with learning disabilities and pay them a London Living Wage to bring our designs to life. We handpick super-soft natural fabrics like cotton khadi and bamboo, and everything's made to last.
What is one piece of advice or tip in your field of work that you want to give to people?
Try to get as much experience as possible and become an expert in your field. And be resilient- you’re going to get knocked down a lot and it’s a good skill to take criticism on the chin, listen, learn from it then let it go and move forwards.
