I got into the event industry because it just happened. I was not expecting it at all as I used to work with photography. I came back to London after a year travelling and teaching in South America and decided that it the event industry was something that I could be good at, and enjoy – that’s when I found Roast and immediately saw the potential in such a vast events space.
I have worked here since 2005. I remember Roast was not yet open to the public and we had to have our training above the Posh Banger Boys burger in Borough Market. I remember the day well as I was mugged on the day of my interview so knowing that I had the job came as cheerful news.
I was attracted to this particular role because I have always been very creative and I love to work with people and make them happy. Organising events turned out to be the perfect industry for me.
Not many people know that I am a very busy mum of three beautiful children.
My worst experience at an event was during an event for an organic and vegetarian agency, where almost everything was going wrong at once.
Roast is famed for its meat and quintessential British food, so we had to desperately try and cover up our big spit roast display next to the kitchen, as well as the leather chairs.
At the time Borough Market had gigantic posters of food and vegetables hanging from its roof, and in front of Roast we had this big chunk of raw meat that could be seen from any angle of the restaurant. I had promised the client that the poster would be removed, however logistics are not always right and the poster was still up half an hour before the event. I was running around like a chicken to try and find a solution while the clock was ticking. I had to beg and charm one of the market people to get the cherry picker and roll the poster up. Believe it or not the poster was rolled up five minutes before the first guests started to arrive. Needless to say, the event was a success.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s always trust your instinct and do not listen to people when they tell you "no we cannot do that". With faith and determination everything is possible.
The best event I’ve been involved in was a wedding for a lovely couple. They had the ceremony at Roast and their champagne reception in Borough Market below. It was like a fairy tale and I even shed a few tears.
If I could do it all over again I would do exactly the same…or maybe become a wedding photographer.
The one thing I can’t stand is people who are aggressive or think they can rule the world with money. I always respond with calm and softness to anyone who shows aggression and it always helps. It is like splashing water on fire.
Outside of work I spend my time with my beautiful children, cycling and salsa dancing. Dancing releases all my stress and tension and makes me remember I am still a woman.
If money were no object I would love to work for charity.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is creativity….and my blue Roast pen.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be the events manager of Save the Children so that when I go to sleep at night I would feel a million dollars.
If I ruled the event industry I would make venues and open spaces more affordable to anyone and organise more free events for everyone such as the Mayor’s Thames Festival.
If you'd like to be featured in a future My Event World, email associate editor Rachel Bull.
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