Designer and brand builder, now embracing a new chapter just beyond London’s hustle in rural Buckinghamshire. I bring ideas—plenty of them—and the skill to shape them into successful commercial products, from concept to market. Fuelled by a passion for colour and pattern, a sharp eye for trends, and a knack for problem-solving.
When I’m not creating, I’m uncovering vintage treasures, café-hopping on my bike, or knee-deep in a renovation project.
CAREER
HISTORY
Jul 2018 - Apr 2024
HEAD OF DESIGN, Emma Bridgewater
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Created brand and product strategy across in-house and licensed ranges.
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Delivered data-led seasonal direction and led teams to produce best-selling products.
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Drove market expansion and launched exclusive, territory-specific ranges.
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Managed major collaborations (Barbour, Russell Hobbs, Peppa Pig), securing No.1 category positions.
Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
CONSULTANCY, Various International brands
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Various consultancy projects across gift, greetings, homeware, and accessories, shaping brand strategy and delivering targeted product solutions.
Aug 2011 - May 2016
DESIGN DIRECTOR, Caroline Gardner
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Directed all visual aspects, from product and brand strategy to annual growth planning.
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Expanded product range from UK-made greeting cards to globally sourced lifestyle categories.
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Built and led a creative team, managing sourcing, margins, and critical paths.
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Co-launched flagship store, establishing the brand’s retail presence.
Sept 2010 - Aug 2011
SENIOR DESIGNER, Next
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Lead designer for seasonal gifts, stationery, and children’s accessories.
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Managed freelance creative team.
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Led monthly strategy reviews.
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Frequent R&D trips to Europe and China.
Sept 2008 - Aug 2010
SENIOR DESIGNER, Laura Ashley
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Drove design and product growth in Home Furnishings, increasing sales +20% and margin +38%.
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Streamlined supplier briefing for greater efficiency.
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Improved product innovation through global site visits.
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Supported trend forecasting and cross-team collaboration.
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Presented ranges to key stakeholders and international partners.
May 2007 - Aug 2008
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Assigned Account Designer for major prestigious clients shortly after joining.
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Delivered end-to-end design solutions for high-street retail customers.
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Recognised for rapidly mastering 3D software (Rhino).
LIGHTING DESIGNER. Helix Lighting
EDUCATION
2003 - 2006
BA (HONS) MIXED MEDIA TEXTILE DESIGN: 2-1
University of Leeds
2002 - 2003
HNC PHOTOGRAPHY
Nottingham Trent University
2002 - 2003
BTEC ART FOUNDATION: MERIT
Bedford College
SKILLS &
EXPERTISE
SOFT
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Creative direction
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Product & brand strategy
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Product design for hard & soft goods
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Surface pattern
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Packaging design
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Product development
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Licensing
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Leadership & mentoring
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Project management
HARD
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Adobe Creative Suite
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Microsoft Office Suite
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G-suite
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Trello
ANCILLARY
2024
Volunteer for Age UK. Helping to enhance quality if life and alleviate isolation in local community.
2023
Proud recipient of the Henries Award for Best Licensed Card Range for the Woodmansterne x Emma Bridgewater collaboration.
2019
Guest speaker at a careers forum to encourage and advise young people about career industry.
2012
Volunteer Graphic Designer for the World Fair Trade Organisation.
