It would be amiss of me to wax lyrical about brand personality, and not talk a little about my own. Rather than give you my life story, I thought I'd share a Q&A that I asked myself. These answers will tell you all you need to know about me (probably).
What are three things on your bucket list?
It's the same goal I've had since I was 12: to publish one of my novels. I really should get round to it one day but sometimes dreams are a bit scary to pursue, aren't they? Just in case they don't work out as planned. With self publishing becoming more accessible, I really would love to give it a whirl. Maybe I will.
I would also love to run a children's bookshop and help little imaginations take flight.
To be on a game show. I'm no egg head but I'd love to to say what I see on Catchphrase or have a go at Answer Smash on House of Games (if they ever do a normal people version). And yes, I'd pick the wheely luggage.
Who is the wisest person you know?
My kids. They really do say the funniest and most spot-on things. Without inhibition, they'll point out observations about the world that I would never see with my grown-up eyes. The other day, my 11 year old asked if leaves are called leaves because they leave their trees. My mind was blown! I'm sure there's another meaning behind the word leaf, but I like his one.
What are you favourite accounts to follow on social media?
I have many:
I love some small businesses who have totally built their brand on socials and mix up their content with great, creative ideas.
Watching bakers make amazing cakes at quick speed blows my mind. Tigga Mac is the best.
And professional organisers working their storage magic always has me hitting the heart button.
What are your favourite podcasts?
Probably Off Menu but it's a total food influencer - I always have to have a snack handy!
The Louis Theroux one - no holds barred interviews, he asks all the awkward questions.
I also love the true crime ones which lead to an old criminal case being re-examined. Where is George Gibney? was a shocking but fascinating listen. Amazing journalism.
Who is your favourite author?
Matt Haig. I love that he writes books for children and adults that are completely charming. I love how he touches on the surreal, makes me think and wonder. There's no fluff either, his writing is to the point and so very easy to devour.
What is your most used emoji?
The purple jumper lady face-palming or the exploding brain one.
What is your favourite film of all time?
Amélie. It's heartwarming, whimsical, has beautiful cinematography and soundtrack and is pretty bonkers. There's nothing else like it. Gorgeous.
If you could quickly and easily learn a new skill, what would it be?
I have always been fascinated by the job of a theatre set designer. That would involve me being good at technical drawings and model making and unfortunately, my brain doesn't work that way. So being better with my hands would be a skill I'd love to have.
What is your favourite thing to cook?
I love trying out new recipes but realistically I like cooking something I know everyone will eat. In our house that something is a roast dinner. Homemade yorkshire puddings and my crispy roasties always go down a treat.
What is your most annoying habit?
Annoyingly, I've more than just one:
Sleep-talking: my imagination doesn't sleep.
Neither, it seems, do my restless legs.
I always leave a little bit of coffee at the bottom of the mug.
Eating oranges in bed.
What is the best advice you'd give to your teenage self?
You don't have to the loudest person in the room to be listened to. Quiet people are brilliant in their own way.
Not being allowed a perm is probably a good thing.
Oh, and not everyone has to be good at textiles. You're not and that's ok.
What do you own more of than anything else?
Notebooks. Enough to open a small, mobile library. It's no exaggeration to say I have 70+. They're full of poetry, short stories and ramblings that I've written over the years and I won't ever part with them.
What is one of your favourite adult memories?
Riding on a snowmobile across a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle at midnight with my husband. We were chasing the Northern Lights and it just felt so far removed from reality and totally magical. It was just before Covid hit, so we were so lucky to have that experience.
What brings you the most joy?
My family. Watching them get excited and their eyes light up.
Writing - its like mediation and helps me make sense of the world.
I also love to be by the sea. It's where I feel my most calm and appreciative of life.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever had?
True self-discovery begins where your comfort zone ends.
What do you daydream about?
Being old with no responsibility, no school runs, no World Book Days to make costumes for. When I can get up every morning, go to a beach hut and read for as long as I want and eat ice cream for breakfast. Bliss.
Hopefully I haven't scared you off! If you'd like to learn more about how me and my quirks can help to breathe more personality into your marketing, please get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.