Describe yourself in a 5 words.
Creative, positive, chatty, organised and short!
What inspires you?
Being out and about anywhere in the UK and in particular London, as I live and work here.
I’m good at… finding the best in every situation.
I’m bad at… deciding what to eat when I go out for dinner; tapas style is always the way to go with me!
What are the highlights of your career thus far?
Being shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Startups Home Based Business 2013’ and winning ‘Gift of the Year 2012’ for Made in UK. Producing bespoke designs for St Paul’s Cathedral, Twickenham Stadium and The National Gallery. Being invited by Hankyu Department store in Japan to sell my products in their annual British Fair and going strong nearly three years into launching the company.
What are your goals for the next 5 years?
Expanding the range of products and designs. Increasing export whilst adding to the number of UK stockists. Building an amazing team. Learning how to use social media properly!
What do you enjoy most about working in the interior design industry?
Being creative and creating something that people love and use.
How did you develop the concept for Victoria Eggs? Can you explain how Victoria Eggs was started and what your role entails?
My background is in design; greeting cards, clothing and branding, and I have been lucky enough to gain experience working in small businesses. I knew that I wanted to combine my love of design and business, and create products that bring a smile to the face. Through the designs I aimed to celebrate a love for Britishness and was also hugely passionate about manufacturing all my products in the UK.
I began by creating 4 designs and printing these on T-Shirts and Tea Towels with the help of my sister in-law (Helen Bridges) who is a screen printer. I started selling these at Spitalfields market and on Not on the High Street and within 6 months had been approached by John Lewis to stock my London designs during the Olympics, which was incredible exposure. My roll is hugely varied and during the day I find myself putting on many different hats; from sales and marketing to product development and order management… and of course a bit of design.
What has been the most exciting collaboration you’ve worked on so far?
I was lucky enough to work with Jules Quinn from The Tea*Shed on a Diamond Jubilee commemorative Tea Towel. We met at the first trade fair I exhibited in, Top Drawer London, in January 2012 and decided to do something together. It was packaged in a red envelope and came with a postcard which had a funny little story about how ‘Egg’ (me) met ‘Shed’ (Jules)! It was so much fun working with her and designing something together and the product was really popular. She’s now a very dear friend of mine.
Are there any areas that are particularly difficult or challenging?
Even though I have a great team behind me; a distribution centre who pick, pack and send out all the orders, manufacturers who make consistently high quality products and accounts who keep everything in check, when it comes to the day to day running of the business that all comes down to me. It’s very difficult sometimes, especially as I work from home, to stop working and switch off. However I have just taken on my first employee, which is a huge step for the company and I’m sure I will make a huge impact on this.
What do you believe sets Victoria Eggs apart from your competitors? What are you working on at the moment?
Dedication to everything British, not just a brand tag line but a belief. If I told you what I was working on at the moment I’d have to kill you!!! 😉 I’m working on some exciting new designs along with expanding the current product range… watch this space.
Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass on?
As one very famous little boy once said to his bear “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Risk success rather than avoid failure.
What do you feel are the most important trends / changes happening in the industry that you feel designers should be aware of?
A desire for self expression and to personalise your home, whether that be through small DIY projects or a few well designed and made items.
What is your most treasured possession?
My photo albums.
What is your must-have item for next season?
Eames DSR Chair in white, I just love it.
Who’s your favourite Style Icon?
Kate Moss…if only my legs were that long!
Most inspirational person you have met?
As a teenager I went on a short course run by Jack Black (founder of MindStore) an inspirational speaker, who talked about the importance of a positive attitude and working towards personal development. This has had a huge impact and I still draw on what I learnt even now.
What is your favourite location?
Columbia road flow market on a sunny weekend.
In a nutshell, your philosophy is…
Do something you love.
