So 2011 has been an interesting year so far. After living in London for 2 years and working in production at the BBC, I made the decision to move back to my hometown and work in a bar. I know, I know, I must be crazy. Thousands of people would kill to have been in my position. But I wasn't happy. And it really is as simple as that.
I lived with my boyfriend in London (and still do - no sad break up story to add to the situation) and I adored our flat in the leafy suburbs of Ealing. I also loved my role with the BBC... to begin with. It's not that anything about the job particularly changed and I did have some amazing experiences - namely working on such fantastic shows as Strictly Come Dancing, Miranda and Twently Twelve. But I couldn't realistically see myself working in the industry in 10 years time and I couldn’t single out a career within TV that I wanted to pursue. Bur most importantly for me, I’ve always wanted children. And although my feminist side insists that I could have it all - a glamorous job, a loving husband, and three beautiful children, I know thats not a realistic expectation - at least not if I actually want to spend quality time with my family. And besides, life's too short for regrets and so I've decided to try something new whilst I've still not got any financial responsibilites.
So, the move back to Cheltenham? My boyfriend, who is also from the area, works as an IT consultant and regularly works on projects all over the world with the latest one being in, yes you guessed it, Cheltenham! Well, the opportunity to move back closer to my family (but not in with my family) completely rent free after paying colossal rent in London? And potentially save enough money to go travelling at the end of the year! Well, how could a girl refuse?
I've always had an interest in events planning as it gives me the chance to be both creative and organised. So I found a great events company called Bristol Vintage whilst trawling the internet and got in touch to see if they'd like a very enthusiastic pair of hands to help them with a vintage wedding fair they were currently organising. And they said yes! Katie and Ali set up Bristol Vintage having both worked for Aardman Animations – Katie as a producer and Ali as the PA to Nick Parks. They both loved all things vintage and both collect vintage crockery as a hobby, and so decided to turn it into a business providing crockery for hire for weddings and events. The business took off, and what started out as a part time venture has turned into a full time job. Working with them so far has been a joy and they have taken me under their wings and encouraged me to do what makes me happy. They’ve also made me feel so much more secure in my decision to leave London and the world of TV as they’ve made the jump themselves.
So, the decision to pick up a new vintage inspired hobby has come from working with Bristol Vintage. I’ve always had an interest in interior design, and if I’d made different decisions along the way I very well could be a qualified designer by now. But there’s no point in looking back at what could have been, and so instead I’ve decided to apply these interests to a new hobby - designing and creating vintage inspired furnishings!
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