When faced with a blank page titled “About Me”, I felt utterly stuck, idea-less and quite frankly, a bit lost on what to say. A lecturer of mine once mentioned, how women often find it challenging to talk about their own successes, talents, beliefs and aspirations. And here I was, facing that exact dilemma. After nearly two hours of brainstorming a mind map of disconnected words and ideas, an imagined light bulb finally flickered on.
How do we uncover all of those unexpected, behind-closed-doors, perspective-altering details on Hollywood’s most rich and famous, alongside a subtle glimpse into the most luxurious, bank-account-flushing, extravagant homes around the globe? Vogue’s “73 Questions” is how. Now I might not be the most A-list interviewee, and I can’t offer you a sneak peek into a three-bedroom Tribeca Penthouse, but instead, I can offer you this: my own set of “73 Questions”. In this interview, I will reveal the personal philosophies, unique perspectives, passions, aspirations, challenges and experiences that have guided my formulation as a person.
This may not be the full picture, but I hope it provides you with a glimpse into the perfectly unique quirks and qualities that make me, well, me. And who knows – perhaps these pockets of insight might be just what you're looking for in your next team member!
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
1. On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?
11 – there are so many exciting things going on right now, and many more to look forward to!
2. If you could define yourself with three words, what would they be?
Organised, Driven & a Thinker.
3. What’s something you’re deeply interested in?
Besides fashion, it’s got to be exploring the world!
4. What’s something about you that people are surprised to know?
I can DJ!
5. How do you unwind outside of work?
I drink a cup of tea and listen to some jazz music all whilst scrolling into the deep depths of Pinterest.
6. What core values guide you in life and work?
Integrity & Resilience.
7. What do you enjoy improving in yourself?
Improving my knowledge and understanding of things - For as long as I can remember I have always loved to learn.
8. What personal qualities do you most admire in yourself?
My motivation, my curiosity & my manners.
9. Three words that describe your personal style?
Classic, Sophisticated, Chic.
10. Favourite time of year?
September – for me, it encompasses new beginnings, achieving goals and working on myself.
11. One thing people don’t know about you?
I secretly love classical music.
12. One talent you wish you had?
The ability to play the piano.
13. Guilty pleasures?
Marks & Spencer’s Food Court & Frank Sinatra (an unusual but elite combination if I do say so myself).
14. What’s inspiring you in life right now?
The concept of gratitude.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
15. Defining moment that solidified interest in fashion?
Listening to “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan for the first time whilst on the school bus imagining myself strut down 5th Ave in a black ball gown (Growing up a bit tomboy-ish, this was a pivotal moment, and I consistently daydreamed about this every morning from the age of about 12 onwards).
16. What personal quality makes you stand out as a creative?
I’m incredibly quick to take inspiration from something.
17. How did you get started in marketing?
Working as a junior administrator, I continuously dropped hints, said yes to as many creative tasks as possible and promoted my ambitions to work in marketing until I got recruited to the marketing department and was told I could refer to myself as a Marketing Assistant on LinkedIn.
18. Which of your skills do you feel are most unique?
My EXTREME organisation skills… I’m often told that my level of organisation is very unique and quite frankly, abnormal.
19. How would you describe your creative process?
I like to mind map initial ideas, then discuss these with another person to gain an additional perspective. I then delve into the internet, social media, magazines etc to find further sources of inspiration. Once all of these notes, pictures, quotes and clippings are collated, I draw up a plan and crack on. I will keep initiating conversations, keep researching for inspiration and keep thinking throughout the whole production process.
20. What’s your biggest weakness?
Perfectionism.
21. What’s your biggest strength?
Perseverance.
22. If you weren’t studying fashion marketing, what would you be doing?
Probably studying interior design to work in the luxury homes industry.
GOALS & ASPIRATIONS
23. What do you hope to accomplish in your early career?
To land a position within luxury fashion marketing and PR.
24. What did you want to do with your life at the age of 10?
I wanted to be an architect (once this was decided I started researching what architecture degrees I was going to apply for… a little bit extreme for a ten-year-old).
25. What’s a personal goal you’re working toward right now?
I’m trying to put myself out there more and build my personal brand.
26. Dream job?
Managing a team of creatives, successfully executing campaigns and events for a luxury fashion brand, all whilst travelling the world.
27. Where do you see yourself when you’re 40?
Married, with a pet dog, a beautiful home and a successful career.
28. Name a specific company you aspire to work with?
This is a hard one because there are so many… but Hermes would definitely be on that list.
29. Describe your vision of self-actualisation?
Happy, Healthy, Successful & Well-travelled.
30. What’s something you don’t want to be doing in 10 years?
Questioning whether I ever would've got that dream job in fashion!
PASSION & PURPOSE
31. Why do you want to work in the fashion industry?
Because I want to inspire people. Personally, I find fashion inspiring, empowering, emotive, expressive and so much more. Fashion is a language that is spoken globally. It communicates the history, present and future of a wealth of cultures, trends, conversations, decisions, people, lifestyles, architectures, places, arts, and so much more… fascinating!
32. Biggest inspiration?
Amiee Smale (Founder of Odd Muse) – she’s a risk taker and completely authentic in sharing her journey. She also personifies the choice to follow your dreams and create success for yourself.
33. What lasting impression do you hope to leave in your field?
One that makes people say, “wow, she worked hard”.
34. Most exciting things about marketing/PR?
The opportunity to tap into people’s lives and the constant learning to adapt to the ever-changing nature of the world.
35. What kind of impact do you hope to make in the fashion marketing or PR landscape?
I want people to experience, feel, remember and talk about what I communicate to the world.
36. How do you stay inspired?
By consistently reminding myself of the end goal.
37. What are you most passionate about?
Female empowerment.
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
38. Best piece of advice you ever received?
"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have" - my mum.
39. Define success?
Happiness (or a Birkin!).
40. What helps you keep perspective during challenging times?
Talking to people.
41. Favourite quote?
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.
42. What’s a lesson or philosophy you live by?
What’s right for me, will come to me. Trust the process.
43. What’s your idea of ultimate happiness?
Dream Job + Dream Life + Travelling the world = Ultimate Happiness.
44. Best advice you would give your teenage self?
Ask as many questions as you can.
VISION & UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
45. What unique perspective do you bring to the fashion marketing and PR industry?
I am an inquisitive and in-depth thinker. I like facts but I rarely take things for what they appear to be. This critical and analytical nature I possess brings a highly detailed perspective to creating and breaking down concepts and ideas.
46. Name an issue in the fashion industry at the moment that interests you?
The difficulties in marketing to the traditional luxury consumer and the modern luxury consumer without alienating one nor the other.
47. How does your background and experiences shape your approach to fashion marketing/PR
Working at NEXT helped me understand the processes of running a fashion retail business, and working as a marketer for Norfolk Leisure has enhanced my holistic approach to how the marketing/PR function operates in relation to other departments.
48. What’s the biggest challenge for brands in the modern marketing world?
The Attention Economy.
49. What do you advocate for changing in the fashion industry?
The consumer fatigue regarding marketing, influencers and oversaturation – authenticity and differentiation are the key to capturing attention and maintaining interest at the moment.
50. In one word, describe the current state of fashion marketing/PR?
Agile – no two days are the same. This industry is fast, responsive and unexpected.
CHALLENGES & GROWTH
51. Biggest challenge you’ve ever faced?
Coming to terms with not being in control.
52. How did you overcome that challenge and what did you learn?
I started practising mindfulness. It taught me to be strong, resilient and trusting.
53. Is there a personal achievement you’re proud of that isn’t related to your career?
Getting through school during COVID-19 and still achieving amazing results.
54. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try, even if it’s unrelated to your career?
Reformer Pilates – I know it’s not a very unique thing for a 20-year-old girl to want to try but the community aspect seems incredibly empowering.
55. What’s your biggest motivator?
Potential.
56. What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
That what feels good to you, isn’t always good for you (confessions of a workaholic).
57. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Planning, executing and publishing the first-ever newsletter for Norfolk Leisure, and it being sent to customers all over the country!
58. How do you hope to grow or change over the next few years?
I hope to become more confident in my capabilities and get braver at taking risks.
59. Biggest fear in life?
Regret & Spiders.
LIFE EXPERIENCES
60. Are there any experiences that shaped you significantly as a person?
Going away to university… it was a pivotal growing-up moment for me.
61. Favourite place you’ve ever visited?
It’s got to be NYC! (“Alexa: Play Theme From New York, New York by Frank Sinatra').
62. Are there any activities that make you feel most alive or present?
Spending time with the strong women in my circle, it completely captivates my attention and anchors me to the present moment.
63. What dreams or ambitions do you have outside of work?
To travel the world.
64. Top three bucket list destinations?
Currently; Italy, Switzerland and South of France.
65. Are there any personal projects, hobbies, or side ventures you’re working on right now?
I’ve started my own Instagram blog – a source of fashion insight, inspiration and documentation of my journey into fashion! Give me a follow @fashionby.bel
66. Something you’ve always wanted to try?
Launching my own business or brand – I’ve always been fascinated by the process of building something from the ground up.
67. Three words that describe your life so far?
Supportive, Enriching & Everchanging.
RELATIONSHIPS & INFLUENCE
68. Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
My parents – I will forever be grateful for the support, opportunities and love they have given me.
69. How would friends and family describe you in three words?
Charming, determined & a good listener.
70. Dead or alive, someone who you would love to meet?
Banksy – his sneakiness intrigues me; I want to know who he is and how he gets away with it.
71. What do you value most in the people you interact with?
Honesty, respect & a good sense of humour.
72. How do you approach making new connections?
With confidence and a big smile :)
73. What would you like people to take away when they meet you for the first time?
I want people to think "she's so much more than I expected".