BLUP50
BLUP50 TALENT FEATURE // FIONA ABER
Our latest BLUP50 member is founder of both Visualise in Motion and Dolce Butter, whilst managing a full time job at Shubbak Festival, the incredible and wise go-getter, Fi!
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Action.
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK/ TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
I recently started a food-based business and so I spend a lot of time looking at food accounts which has been great to look at, but equally just makes me hungry all the time!
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
- 2010 – Started off in content and publishing.
- 2012 – Moved into styling & fashion marketing.
- 2013 – Moved to Yorkshire to study Live Events Production at Backstage Academy.
- 2015 – 2020 – Started off as a Project Manager overseeing the design, manufacturing and install of bespoke staging for The xx, The 1975, Mark Ronson, Tomorrowland and The V&A, to name a few. Went on to more venue management and brand partnership stuff looking after the Central London brand space for Relentless Energy Drink and working with brands like Drambuie. Eventually ended up with the Printworks London team as Operations Manager for two rewarding seasons.
- 2020 – Present Day – Started a community interest company called Visualise in Motion that focuses on helping early-stage creatives navigate the industry. I also started Dolce Butter – a sweet, flavoured butter brand available in Vanilla, Honey, Ginger Honey and Lemon. All whilst also being General Manager at Shubbak Festival!
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
I’m far from a morning person so I’ll be getting up as late as possible. I work a full-time job so most of my day is spent doing that, be it sat on Zoom calls, working on contracts, managing projects and staff, etc. In the evening I switch to my heart work (shout out Andre Anderson of Freedom and Balance for the phrase heart work) and try to do as much as I can without over doing it. That looks different from day to day. Some evenings it’s making products or testing new ones out, others it’s writing copy for the new Visualise in Motion programme.
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
Sundays tend to be the one day that I properly relax and these days that’s just me becoming one with my couch and binge watching something. It’s a no laptop screen day and my phone tends to stay on do not disturb. Add a hot bath and a good book and I’ve got myself the most perfect chill day!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
There have been so many to be honest. With personal projects I’d say being invited to the GQ office for a sit down with Paul Solomon (Creative Director – British GQ) for a mentoring programme I ran in 2015 was amazing. Him taking a chance on me and allowing me to roll up with 4 of the mentees on the programme was such a great act of kindness that I didn’t expect. I emailed him thinking I wouldn’t even hear back from him so for us to get the access we did – it was really special. His story is actually incredible, and I hope he shares it one day, I constantly go back to the advice he gave that night. Work based, I’m incredibly proud of the work I did with the Printworks team, I’ll say it until the cows come home but that 2018 – 2020 team were some of the best people I’ve worked with! I didn’t appreciate what we had done and the impact we’d had until COVID was a thing but I’m really proud of that time.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
This is such a loaded question! I’ve always been pretty curious about things and I tend to nerd out about things that interest me. I can never quite home in on what I actually want to do. In the last 2 years I’ve gone from working in events to starting a CIC (community interest company) delivering online programmes for early-stage creatives, to managing a charity, to starting a sweet butter business just because I thought it was interesting. I think whatever I’m doing, I’m always going to be trying and learning something new in the process.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
There are so many to be honest but top of my list is Google. Perhaps it’s not the sexiest of brands for some, but in terms of their output, they are very sick! I’m thinking with my Visualise in Motion hat on, but I think it’s a really powerful thing to be the conduit of knowledge for a very large part of the world. Think about the amount of times you’ve told someone to just Google it!? I’m an information freak so I feel like they’d be my tribe and that they’d get my desire to democratise access to the information they distribute.
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
I don’t think I have just one. Pretty high up on my list though is Arlan Hamilton who just has this just do it spirit that I love. The story of how she went from sleeping in LAX Airport, to becoming a Venture Capitalist running Backstage Capital that supports women, people of colour and LGBTQ+ founders is really special. Outside of that, I would say that I do life with some really amazing individuals. It’s so easy to look externally for inspiration, but I count it as a real blessing to be able to look at people in my life who continue to graft and make things happen for themselves, as well as for those around them.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
That I wasn’t afraid to try. I’ve always been someone whose mind will already be at point Z when in actual fact, I’m still at point A. But you’re damn sure I’m going to try and arrive at point Z. I’ve failed at a lot of things, but certainly not for lack of trying and to be honest, that’s all I can really ask for. I’d also hope that people felt like I did for others as much as I did for myself. I’ve always believed that part of my purpose was to be of service to people. Whether that’s being able to share my experiences with people, or share opportunities, and most certainly at some point share the wealth.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
Try your hand at anything and everything. Especially right at the beginning when you’re still finding your feet. Even if it’s an area that is a little far removed from what you actually want to do, you’ll be surprised at what you might learn. Also, one thing that has served me well is building a reputation as someone who does their job well. Whether you’re interning, assisting, managing – whatever, just do it well. The industry is small, and your reputation is everything. Strive to be known as the person who is easy to work with, has a teachable spirit, and gets shit done.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Lifting up Black people is always going to be a priority. In the words of Issa Rae – I’m rooting for everybody Black. Also, democratising access to information whilst helping people actually use that information is always going to be important to me. It’s one thing for people to have access to information, but if you’re not teaching them how to use it for themselves, you’re doing them a disservice.
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Co-Founder of For Sure Studio Ben Paul joins us this week for our next BLUP50 talent feature. In Ben’s own words, “…’what if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.” Last year, in one of the most unpredictable, unsettling times of our lives, Ben squashed his own ‘what if’ and decided to set up his own creative studio. Read on to find out who Ben’s greatest inspiration is and what his future vision for For Sure is.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Momentum
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
@reubendangoor’s work always does it for me. @thisiscollins are one of my favorite agencies, their attention to detail is something I always aspire to.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Graduated with a degree in design back in 2009. Went perm then freelance, until setting up on my own in 2015. March 2020 myself and my friend Matt (who had a similar passion for research led design), decided two heads were better than one. For Sure was born and we’ve not looked back since.
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
I try to segment my day off as much as possible to help me focus on the task in hand. Only having meetings at specific times of the day really helps focus the creative time spent on developing ideas.
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
Usually I would offset a hectic day with sport, it helps me refocus for the following day. Love a good playlist too!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
The day left my full-time job. Not because of the job, but more of the fact that it was the springboard for me to think completely freely and build a route to starting For Sure Studio. I certainly went the long-way round but we’re here now and I’m very grateful of the lessons I’ve learnt on the journey so far.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
Expanding the studio, finding our niche in the market and exploring that further. Hiring some amazing talent whilst cultivating a working environment I would be proud of and so would our staff. Away from work I hope that I’m still able to grace the football pitch well into my forties. And spend some time creating away from a screen, with a few paint brushes instead.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Kendrick Lemar. It would be a dream of mine to work with him on some tour creative, after having witnessed the DAMN tour live. He has such clarity in his vision, he’s able to refine and present his message in a way I’ve not seen before.
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
I guess mines an inspiring moment. Michael Jordan’s flu game, could barely stand up, yet he went onto score 38 points when his team needed him the most. I’ll always remember that game he’s the GOAT of all sports for me.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
That you’ve built a company that will be here long after I’m gone.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
‘What if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Checking in with all my friends and family, keeping a good balance in life as things open up again. Working with the local community to bring in some top talent to For Sure Studio.
// ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE?
Just a big shout out to Dines and Studio Blup for all of the guidance and support. It really means a lot. Big love. BP x
FOLLOW BEN:
Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London as A.I.R.
When it comes to Nike’s extensive line of running sneakers, the brand often invites artists to lend their creative visions. For its ongoing Artist In Residence (A.I.R.) series, the Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London to take on one of its newest silhouettes—the Nike Pegasus 38.
Recognized for her powerful, silhouetted figures that are often connected to sports and body positivity, London indulges the performance trainer’s black mesh uppers in colorful, haphazard shapes and figures that seem to be a modern twist on Henri Matisse’s work. The hues used in her patterns are also applied elsewhere, such as the pastel green used on the lateral side’s oversized Swoosh outline and the laces. Additionally, a royal blue colors the lace loops and the inside. A midsole with a design that’s just as busy as the uppers’ rounds out the look, as the React foam and Zoom Air-cushioned unit features black paint splatters on a white base.
Release date to be announced.
Speaking to our latest BLUP50 member Chikay was a real eye opener. Chikay hasn’t just ‘fallen’ into where she is now as Head of Global Growth & Marketing Partnerships at Cult Beauty – one of the biggest digital beauty brands globally. In fact having moved form Leeds straight after Uni to trying a number of jobs to get a foot in the door and finance her London living – Chikay’s is the epitome of GRIT! In a recent instagram post, Chikay also opened up and shared her experience of Asian Hate Crime which definitely shed new light on how serious a matter it is. Read on to find out more about Chikay’s journey to success.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Kindness
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
I try to follow a big range of accounts – those that promote positive news, memes obviously but also accounts that provide education on international issues that mainstream press deem not worthy to report on and it is usually these that stop me in my tracks.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Sep 2011 – Moved to London after graduating for an unpaid internship for a marketing agency and quickly realised that there was no long-term career prospect for me there when my daily tasks were primarily made up of changing the bins and emptying the dishwasher.
2 weeks later – Quit the internship and walked into the first shop I would think of (Selfridges on Oxford Street) and managed to get a job on the spot as a sales assistant to finance my stay in London to look for more long-term roles.
2012 – Sales negotiator at Foxtons for 7 months
Aug 2012 – This is when my career in digital marketing began, I was offered a role in an online drinks start up business 31DOVER by David Laurie, the then CEO who I had met whilst working on the shop floor in Selfridges. Working at Selfridges was a tough time for me with no friends around (I was the first to move to London) and at work staff were treated horrendously by both management and customers. BUT I wouldn’t change this experience for the world, I would not be doing what I do now had I not been there and met David.
Oct 2013 – Search Engine Marketing at NET-A-PORTER
Feb 2015 – For the past 6 years I’ve been at Cult Beauty where I currently look over the global growth and partnerships strategy of the business!
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
On a normal weekday I wake up bleary eyed and reluctantly put on my workout kit to exercise on my spin bike before the day starts. Then coffee and a big breakfast is next on the agenda whilst I check my emails and prep for the meetings of the day, I average around 5 zoom calls a day so it’s a constant balancing act of meetings/getting back to emails/supporting my team whilst also trying to tick off my never ending to do list.
Myself and my sister are also in the processing of buying a property so evenings now are primarily made up of reviewing contracts/paperwork whilst watching cartoons (Rick and Morty/Bob’s Burgers is my poison)
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
This is going to sound bizarre but it’s got to be spinning for me. When I go on my bike, I completely zone out I don’t think about my to do lists or worry and my focus is pushing myself to my absolute fullest. It’s honestly like therapy for me but cheaper!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
I am incredibly lucky to have quite a few awards and accolades under my belt BUT watching the progression of my team must be my proudest achievement to date. I have an unbelievably talented team of bright hard working talent who have also won awards for their achievements. To see that gives me more joy than anything else in my career.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
The last year has taught me to not plan too far ahead in the future as anything can happen. I’d like to step into my future with an open mind, as long as I am happy and healthy with my friends and family around. (I would really like a doggo though – very specifically a Shiba Inu haha)
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Ben and Jerry’s – without a doubt. I admire this brand so much for their unapologetic advocation to support progressive and polarising issues that need to be addressed.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
I find a lot of enjoyment in helping others develop their skills, if I’ve made a difference to someone’s career (be it from a progression standpoint or there to support them during difficult times) that would give me so much joy.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
I wouldn’t consider myself a creative in the traditional sense, a lot of my work actually revolves around data analysis and strategy however creativity is key to thinking differently and innovating within the space. Find your passion, what you are good at and constantly push yourself to try new ideas, there will be setbacks and mistakes along the way but find opportunities in these to learn.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
I feel incredibly passionate about equality/racial justice/human rights – I think it is important to hold businesses and individuals accountable and responsible to action huge improvements that’s necessary in these areas.
// ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?
The #stopasianhate movement is very close to my heart, for anyone who is interested to learn more about my personal experiences and ways to help I do talk about this subject regularly on my Instagram
FOLLOW CHIKAY
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