Welcome to our monthly series Meet the Team, where we spotlight the extraordinary people that make Bayley & Sage so special. This month’s feature is on Acacia, store supervisor of Abode in Parsons Green! Read the full interview below.
1. How long have you been working at Bayley & Sage Abode and what different roles have you held within the company? What is your role now?
I have been working at Bayley & Sage for 2.5 years and I’m the Store Supervisor at Abode Parsons Green.
2. What’s your favourite thing about working at Bayley & Sage Abode?
All the beautiful stock we get in! I spend delivery days mentally shopping… and the rest of the days stopping myself from buying every piece I really like! We have so many amazing and unique pieces, it’s really enjoyable creating beautiful displays. It’s fun to let the creative juices flow, building stories through our displays to entice people in.
3. Who or what has inspired you the most throughout your career?
My grandparents have been very inspirational for me, both hard working and kind people. They’ve really encouraged me to do my best with whatever task I take on.
I also have really supportive friends that uplift me. We take time to celebrate each others wins and provide support during the hard times too. Finding joy in their accomplishments, and feeling their support to achieve mine is really inspiring and comforting.
4. Have you always worked in this industry? If not, what other types of roles have you held?
This is my first job working with homeware!
I’ve tried my hand at a few different jobs in the past; I’ve been a waitress, bar staff and a nanny. But my position at Abode has been one of my favourite roles so far.
5. What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s just starting out in their career?
Trust yourself, but also be open in taking on board the advice of those with more experience. When I started at this company I had never worked with homeware before. But with the support of my more experienced colleagues I have not only gained expertise, but confidence in my abilities and skills.
6. What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
The end of the Christmas period always feels like a great accomplishment for myself and the Abode team. Christmas starts in store in November and my team always brings their best, really flourishing during this time with displays, sales, and customer service.
It’s our busiest time of year and I’m always really proud of the team’s passion, perseverance and incredible efforts during a period that isn’t only busy professionally but also personally!
7. What are you most looking forward to this year, both personally and professionally?
This year I am looking forward to completing my Masters in Comedy Writing. I’m also looking forward to summer – Parsons Green is really lovely in the sunshine!
8. If you had to pick one item from Abode, what would you choose?
There’s so many to choose from! But I’d have to say one of our Klimchi jugs, preferably a green one!
9. How do you spend your time when you’re not at Bayley & Sage Abode?
I spend a lot of my free time staying with my partner in the Cotswolds, so I’m very lucky to spend a lot of my time surrounded by nature. Especially with the good weather, I spend time taking walks, swimming in the local lake, and having barbecues.
10. What’s one interesting fact that we might not know about you?
When I was a teenager I qualified as an Assistant Sailing Instructor. I’d really like to pick it up again as a hobby in the future!