The end of an era.

And with that it’s over. 5 years, 3 months, 3 job roles and one hell of a ride.

My time at size? has come to an end.

I write this blog post feeling slightly emotional because honestly, size? has been a huge part of my life for the last 5 years. I have worked my way up from PR Executive to Senior Brand Accounts and done everything in between. Not only have I grown within the business, but i’ve also grown as a person. If you know me, I’ve always been the shy one in the corner and to be honest, in social situations, I’m still that shy one in the corner, but put me at a work event and I’m happily front and centre, networking with everyone.

Fresh out of university with a Broadcast Journalism degree, I ventured into a career in TV and radio, working for Sky as a videographer and then at a radio station as a news journalist.

Wow, this sounds like my CV.

Fun fact - remember that weird era of life where people were dressing up as clowns and attacking people? The ‘Killer Clown’ phase. Well, during my time at the radio station, I had to interview a real ‘clown’ and discuss how the phase was affecting his career. I arrived at his house to him dressed in full clown attire and would only speak in a weird childlike voice. He then locked me in his house.

But here I am, I lived to tell the tale.

Anyways, to put it bluntly, it was not for me. Every day I would sit at my desk, in a pair of trousers, shirt and shoes, watching the clock tick by, waiting for home time. I remember once wearing Vans to work and they told me it ‘wasn’t office attire’ - I knew then my journalism career was over.

I came across a PR job at size? and as PR was part of my degree, along with ethics, law, marketing and whatever else they threw under the ‘journalism’ umbrella - I decided to apply and I got the job… and that’s where it all began.

To be completely transparent, my role at size? was a new role which they had created and when I first started it was an extremely small team and everyone did a bit of everything. It was around the time that ‘influencers’ were starting to become a thing and there was nobody doing PR or influencer campaigns. So I started writing blog posts, creating seeding lists and supporting with campaigns. I was the second girl on the team in a very male dominated industry, but I was excited for the challenge and I could wear trainers every day? Bonus.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved trainers but my knowledge was minimal compared to some of the guys at size? They could reel off the history of any silhouette you asked them and me?…All I ever really knew about was the Nike Cortez, because if you know me, by now you know it’s always been my favourite shoe.

A few years passed and I worked my way up and around the business gaining skills in various departments. For a small while I worked on events - size?sessions in particular and then onto marketing and brand accounts, where I finally found what I enjoyed doing most.

I began managing a number of brands at size? such as Carhartt WIP, Fred Perry and Vans, until I moved into a more senior position and took on the big accounts like Nikey and PUMA.

In the midst of all this, I’ve done some amazing things! Travel has always been a big part of my career and something I’ve always wanted to do - which if you’ve read my other blogs, you’ll now realise that I hate being in the UK for too long.

Just a few weeks into starting at size? I was flying out to Milan with Converse - my first solo trip. Shortly after, size? sponsored Skepta’s european tour and I got to go to represent size? I also helped organise supporting events in the size? Amsterdam and London stores.

I went sneaker shopping with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Rhymefest at size? York and then went on tour with the Gods of Rap - Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy and De La Soul. I also interviewed some world famous DJ’s when size? sponsored Manchester’s Warehouse Project - that journalism degree came in handy for something.

I enjoyed many events at the House of Vans - one of my favourite brands and flew here there and everywhere with PUMA - another of my favourite brands. My earlier blog posts tell you all about my time in New York and Paris with PUMA.

I interviewed West Coast Rapper Jay Rock and singer Miraa May and made so many connections with brands, influencers and artists - I’ve honestly had the best time.

But all good things must come to an end, and for me I always knew I wouldn’t be at size? forever. One of my biggest fears in life is becoming ‘stagnant’ and it’s definitely time for a new challenge and a new chapter. size? has been an amazing starting point in my career and it’s helped me become who I am today, I’ve gained so much experience and knowledge which I’ll carry with me wherever I go.

I’ll be back pretty soon to update you on my next career adventure but until then, enjoy some pictures below from my time at size?

And to everyone I’ve met along the way - brands, influencers, artists - thank you and keep in touch.

Until next time x