Amy G.

Director
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Amy G.
English and Related Literature
English and Related Literature
Undergraduate
Vanbrugh
2014
United Kingdom

My employment

Director
My Sewing Box Ltd
United Kingdom
Retail and sales
Small business (0-49 employees)
2014

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A day in the life of a Director in the United Kingdom

Don’t be disheartened if you struggle to get a job after graduation - see this time as time to invest in your skills further.

Briefly describe the organisation you work for

Online sewing, fabric and subscription business inspiring creatives to sew gorgeous things!

What do you do?

I run the company in partnership with my mum, and currently oversee all areas of the business including HR, staffing, marketing, advertising, product development, buying, IT, website administration and strategy.

Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?

I’ve always loved a challenge but had never thought I’d start my own company. I loved marketing after trying out some work experience in it and crafts as a hobby. We set up the website by chance in my last year of uni after a conversation about finding, and it went from there - initially doing it part time for about 4 years. After getting to try out marketing for a large crafts retailer I knew I loved it! A bad job move to a company with an awful culture led me to a full time jump into my own business.

Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?

Slightly

Describe your most memorable day at work

Seeing hundreds of orders roll in on a product launch and quadrupling daily average sales in our first big event! The success of a well planned campaign and product is always a great moment every time and is what I love about my work, especially when you get great feedback from customers too about how much they love it or it’s changed their lives.

Are there any challenges associated with your job?

You have to be okay with risk, and willing to always be up for a challenge. Lots of energy too to keep up momentum before you see any pay off!

What’s your work environment and culture like?

Fun, relaxed and friendly. We’re like family!

What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?

I did panto, choir, literary society and also did the York Award with a placement teaching advertising in a primary school. They taught me how to adapt to different environments, work with individuals and as a team, and also gave me some industry experience that ultimately made me decide teaching was not the career for me. Most of all they developed my confidence to try things even if I failed.

What would you like to do next with your career?

Build a seven figure company, invest and perhaps mentor a start up.

What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?

Be flexible! Get as many skills and different experiences under your belt as you can, take every opportunity you can to try new things. Don’t be disheartened if you struggle to get a job after graduation - see this time as time to invest in your skills further. Be prepared to do anything and see where it may take you…

What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?

Career planning, starting a business, life after graduation, business, marketing, retail.

Next steps...

If you like the look of Amy’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Amy a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Amy to be your mentor.

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