Tell us about your background and career journey so far.
I’d call myself a career retailer at heart. I’m driven by building brands and teams that create experiences that resonate, meet, and exceed customer expectations. I’ve been fortunate to work with iconic brands in fashion, lifestyle, and beauty, helping shape them into what they’re known for today. I’m always looking for ways to keep things fresh and meaningful in this ever-evolving world and I encourage my teams to get to the heart of our customers.
What studies or experiences have shaped your career?
I’m big on continuous learning. While there are key junctions in my career that pushed me to stretch and add to my toolkit through formal upskilling, I think it’s essential to frame your day-to-day as a constant growth journey. I approach everything with curiosity, whether it’s challenging ideas or learning from the team, which all compounds and expands my reference point. Reflection has also been a key process I work on. Self-assessing and being objective in that critique is like a muscle — it’s something you have to make time for and train.
What traits have kept you on this path?
A genuine love for the industry and working with the communities they are made up of. I’m drawn to brands that empower women, have a special story that not only resonates with others but is fun to share. Of course, it is also important to work with companies that align with my own values.
Have there been any pivotal moments that shaped your career?
Covid was the ultimate crash course in staying adaptable, but also learning to listen. Strategy became more of a living, breathing thing; it’s one thing to have a market and make smart judgement calls in real time. I really learnt the power of an aligned and engaged team, and continue to make this learning my focus as a leader.
How do you keep up with industry trends?
With ghd we’re constantly innovating and our in-house innovation hub keeps us on the cutting edge from a hair health and technology perspective. Partner this with our global education teams, it’s a really valuable resource on what’s ahead. I also spend time studying customers: where do they engage, shop, research, relax? You see a lot of the zeitgeist come to life in this way.
How do you define ‘making it’?
To me, ‘making it’ isn’t a final destination. It’s more about giving yourself space to celebrate milestones where you’ve realised what previously felt unrealistic, then challenging myself to set the next goal. I love the chase of challenging myself!
