Retail has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. At seven years old, I would go with my dad to our family store in Birkenhead Market and watch him serve customers. As I grew older, I started helping him on Saturdays and during the school holidays. Those early experiences sparked my interest in retail and became the starting point for my future career.
I wanted to build on that experience by specialising in visual merchandising, combining my knowledge of retail with my love of creativity. This led me to study Visual Merchandising and Promotional Design at Hugh Baird University Centre.
The course has helped me appreciate and understand fashion while developing my creative interests. Over five years of retail experience, I have had opportunities to work on window displays, arrange mannequins and plan how to use a window space to showcase products.
During my studies, I have discovered different ways to develop and communicate my ideas, from sketching and mixed media to using Adobe Creative Suite. Learning these techniques has improved the quality of my work and given me more confidence to experiment.
My journey through education has not always been easy. At school, I won a regional Learner of the Year Award for my achievements despite the difficulties I faced with dyslexia. That award meant a lot to me because it recognised my determination and the effort behind my progress.
The support I have received at Hugh Baird University Centre has helped me develop strategies for learning and build confidence as I prepare for working life. Having people encourage my creativity has helped me recognise my strengths and become more confident in who I am.
I find inspiration in many places, particularly museums, galleries and my travels. Visiting different countries has introduced me to different fashions, cultures and tastes, encouraging me to keep an open mind. Sometimes a colour, texture or display catches my attention and becomes the starting point for an idea in my university work.
I have always enjoyed making things, especially greeting cards. Creating something personal gives me a chance to bring together the inspiration I find on holiday, in galleries and in everyday life.
From helping my dad in Birkenhead Market to developing my own displays and designs, retail and creativity have always been connected for me. Visual merchandising feels like a natural way to bring those two parts of my life together and build a career doing something I enjoy.
