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 Julien, store manager of our BRAND NEW Hampstead store! Read the full interview below.
1. How long have you been working at Bayley & Sage and what different roles have you held within the company? What is your role now?
I joined Bayley & Sage two years ago, and I am the store manager of our new shop in Hampstead.
2. What’s your favourite thing about working at Bayley & Sage?
I’m really proud to work for a company that promotes internally. There are many senior managers who began as team members. I’m also really proud to work in shops that are that beautiful and offer the best products.
3. Who or what has inspired you the most throughout your career?
I have been inspired by most of my managers and directors in the past, and by many people that I work with at Bayley & Sage. I’ve learned from the vast amount of skills shared by these people.
4. Have you always worked in this industry? If not, what other types of roles have you held?
Mostly yes. But as a summer job, I worked as a private beach manager, close to my home town, in front of the presidential castle called “Fort de Bregançon” on the French riviera.
5. What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s just starting out in their career?
Learn as much as you can, trust your leaders, learn from your mistakes, and show that you want to progress!
6. What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
I am really proud to have been promoted as a store manager for our new Hampstead shop and the excitement surrounding the opening. I’ve always wanted to lead a big team, and even though we’ve only just started working together, I have a great feeling about all of my new colleagues!
7. What are you most looking forward to this year, both personally and professionally?
Professionally, of course I want to make our newest store the most exciting shop in Hampstead and build an amazing team who are motivated and ready to offer the best service to our customers.
Personally, I enjoy seeing my two children growing. My daughter of 4 years old is becoming an amazing little girl, while my son who just turned one is beginning to be so much like me! I’m looking forward to having the same lovely relationship with him as I have with my daughter.
8. If you could only eat one thing from Bayley & Sage for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
I would have to pick the truffle brie! Or I could go for the truffle La Bouse too. These two cheese are amazing for anyone who likes truffles. Serve with a glass of Chateau Lafitte!
9. How do you spend your time when you’re not at Bayley & Sage?
I like to spend time with my family and play with my children. I also enjoy working out (I haven’t really had the opportunity since my son was born, but I’m trying!), and I like to watch my favourite football team – Olympique de Marseille!
10. What’s one interesting fact that we might not know about you?
I really enjoy travelling. I lived in the states for a year where I traveled around the North East (New Jersey, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, etc), the West Coast (from San Francisco all the way to San Diego), and a stop in Las Vegas too!
But among all my travels, my favourite country to relax is Brazil! I love to spend time with my wife’s family there (she is from the South of the country). São Paolo is a city full of energy and Rio is the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to. My favourite holiday has been to Porto de Galinhas, a sea side town in the North East of the country. Brazil has beautiful weather, the most welcoming people, and amazing food. I’m currently learning Portuguese, and with a bit of work, I hope to become fluent soon!