What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I’m the fabrications manager at Blackout and have worked here for 22 years. I run the entire sewing department managing eight people, providing anything from black wool serge drapes for a simple backdrop to creating bespoke fabric effects for everyone from Rihanna and Justin Timberlake to events such as the Olympics.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing you learnt there?
My first job was working for the Royal Court Theatre in the wardrobe department. The most valuable lessons I learnt was that you are only as good as the team you are working with and to appreciate each tiny aspect that goes into creating the bigger picture.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
After the Royal Court, I freelanced as a costume maker whilst bringing up my two children. At the same time I started my own soft furnishing business. After a couple of years I met Steve Tuck, chairman at Blackout, through a friend who had interviewed him for an industry magazine. Before I knew it I was freelancing for him on a regular basis as a machinist and was quickly brought in to grow the sewing department, which was in its early stages at the time. We now supply all across Europe.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
No, I never planned a career in what I’m doing but necessity is the mother of invention. I also never imagined the sewing skills I learnt as a child from my mother and grandmother would lead to my career. I’m so glad though, everyday is a challenge and I’m never bored.
Would you do anything differently?
No, I’ve worked with fantastic people on some amazing projects and still love seeing the final result after weeks and months of hard work.
Who has inspired you along the way?
My inspiration has to be the late Mark Fisher who was an acclaimed creator of live rock shows and is famous for designing the spectacular stage sets for the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. He had a major influence on the industry as we know it today.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
I have never had a formal job interview, as is the nature of this industry, all my jobs have found me by coincidence or through word of mouth.
Is there a piece of career advice you’ve ever been told that has stuck with you?
If you get things wrong don’t be afraid to tell someone before it gets worse. We all make mistakes.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Think positive and be inventive. If it’s not working there’s always a solution although it may not be plan A.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
Bath, dinner, telly, bed, zzzzeds.
Want to share your career story with us as part of the ? Email associate editor Rachel Bull to feature in a future How I Got Here.
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