Toybidders
In addition to my professional experience, I had run a home-based side business that allowed me to generate income while caring for a relative. This venture has strengthened my organisational skills, self-motivation, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Alongside this, I operate two toy-selling units: one at Retro Bristol in Brislington and another at Revival Market on East Street in Bedminster. Through these roles, I have gained valuable hands-on experience in customer service and retail operations, including engaging with diverse customers, handling sales transactions, managing inventory, and creating appealing product displays. These experiences have taught me how to adapt quickly to the demands of a busy retail environment.
Self-Employed | January 2019 to Present
Amica Felt
In this role, I handled online felt-toy orders using Sage accountancy software and the Shopify e-commerce platform. My responsibilities included picking products, packing them securely, and preparing them for worldwide delivery. Unfortunately, I had to leave a day before completing my probation period because I was admitted to A&E the night before with a severe stomach hernia. Following medical advice from the surgeon, I was unable to continue any heavy-lifting tasks, and Amica Felt they had to let me go for insurance reasons. I have since had surgery and have fully recovered; I am now physically 100% fit again.
Online Warehouse Assistant | June 2024 to October 2024
Dynamic Packaging
I have worked at Dynamic Packaging on several occasions when additional staff were needed for specific contracts. My role involved packing Ministry of Defence (M.O.D.) items while following strict guidelines and quality-control procedures.
Packer | June 2022 to September 2022, October to December 2023
SAS Consultancy
I created logos and produced daily social media content for clients’ Facebook and Instagram accounts. In addition, I designed and built websites using WordPress and Wix.
Social Media Guru | October 2019 to February 2021
Pluss (Seetec)
My role involved supporting disabled clients in exploring and developing self-employment opportunities. I also created digital content, such as success stories and competitions for Pluss’ Twitter and Facebook accounts to help grow their online presence. In addition, I was responsible for organising a ‘Disability Confident’ event, a government-backed initiative aimed at encouraging local employers to commit to equality in the workplace. I sourced and booked the venue at the SS Great Britain and arranged a surprise flash-mob performance, with performers posing as waiters, to enhance engagement at the event.
Digital Marketing Assistant | November 2017 to November 2018
Millennium Elephant Foundation
I was head-hunted to support the Project Manager at the Millennium Elephant Foundation in running their international volunteer programme in Sri Lanka. I was responsible for supervising 15–30 international volunteers each week, which included creating rotas and assisting them with their projects, such as elephant care, site maintenance, painting, and teaching English to children in the local village.
I redesigned and maintained the organisation’s branding, including updating their website and redesigning the on-site museum. I also contributed to a successful online fundraising campaign to re-home an abused elephant named Appu, and supported the development of a free-roaming area for the elephants.
One of the achievements I am most proud of was helping to create the ‘Elephant Walk Experience’ the first programme of its kind in Sri Lanka, designed to end elephant riding and promote ethical interaction with the elephants.
Media & Volunteer Co-ordinator | May 2014 to July 2016
Stuff Advertising
I was involved in all areas of design, including photo manipulation, poster design, logo creation and editorial work. I collaborated closely with the Creative Director to develop concepts and scamps for high value new business pitches. What began as a one week placement was extended into a three-month paid role due to the quality of my work.
Graphic Designer | October 2013 to December 2013
Dogstar Foundation
I have supported a charity based in Sri Lanka on an ad-hoc basis since 2006. During this time, I have led several rebranding projects, including redesigning the organisation’s logo, website, and social media platforms. Most recently, in 2024, I designed the veterinary clinic’s mobile truck.
Graphic Designer | March 2012 to October 2013
The Creative-Dept
I completed a one-year paid placement, during which I was responsible for designing and producing a wide range of visual materials. This included creating logos, print and digital advertisements, animated Flash banners, and email templates. I collaborated closely with the marketing and design teams to ensure that all materials were consistent with brand guidelines and effectively supported marketing campaigns. The role allowed me to develop both my creative and technical skills while contributing to projects that reached a broad audience.
Graphic Designer | July 2010 to July 2011
Asda
Whilst studying full-time at university, I worked at Asda as an order picker. I also helped customers find products and assist with stock checks.
Online Order Picker | July 2007 to July 2010
Computershare Document Services PLC
I started out at Computershare in the mailroom, and was subsequently offered an opportunity to become a Junior Designer, supported by in-house training and professional design courses. In this role, I was responsible for designing a wide range of corporate documents, including cheques, certificates, BACS and ISA information booklets, all while adhering to over 400 brand guidelines to maintain consistency and accuracy.
I also managed all design work for HMRC, producing more than 90 highly confidential documents. This required meticulous attention to detail, strict compliance with security protocols, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. The role allowed me to develop strong technical skills, a deep understanding of corporate branding, and experience managing projects with high levels of confidentiality and precision.
Junior Designer | July 1999 to July 2006
Service Industries Limited
I started my career in a hands-on role as a packer, responsible for preparing and dispatching monitors for shipment. In this role, I developed a strong sense of attention to detail, time management, and efficiency, ensuring that products were packaged correctly and reached their destinations safely.
Through dedication and continuous on-the-job learning, I was promoted to inspecting and testing power circuit boards for laptops. In this position, I gained valuable technical experience, troubleshooting and ensuring the quality and reliability of complex electronics. I learned to work methodically under pressure, follow strict quality standards, and collaborate closely with colleagues to meet production and testing targets.
Over six years, I honed a combination of technical, analytical, and organisational skills that allowed me to take ownership of my work and contribute to the team’s overall success. My time at the company came to an unexpected end when it went into liquidation, but the experience left me with a strong foundation in electronics, quality assurance, and process improvement that I carry forward into every new challenge.
Packer & Quality Inspector | September 1993 to January 1999