LAUNCHING: ABIGAIL GARDINER
Current Employer:
A Finer Thread
Time at the company:
1 year 3 months
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Designer.
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I work full time building ‘A Finer Thread’. On a day-to-day basis, I am keeping on top of admin, emails and social media outreach. I am also working on orders and developing new ideas for the brand.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
I changed my mind a lot, I am interested in so many things I found it hard to pin down one idea. I knew I wanted to be creative in some capacity!
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a First Class Honours Degree in Textile design.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Learn from mistakes. As hard as it can be at the time, mistakes allow you to understand what you don’t want, which is just as important as knowing what you do.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
I have a lot of role models. From a female perspective I look up to my mum in a big way. She shows determination, strength and courage in the face of adversity. I wouldn’t be where I am without her support and encouragement. I have a huge amount of respect for anyone that makes a conscious decision to try and build their own business, it’s not easy and can’t be done without the love and support of the people that are closest to you. I have spent a long time comparing myself to others and others success and I am making a conscious effort to focus my time and energy on building a balanced life for myself and my family.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
I think it is the freedom to make my own decisions and explore my own ideas. Although sometimes it’s useful when someone pops their head in for a reality check!
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
I would love to work in an environment with other like-minded people doing different things.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
I hope that A Finer Thread will become more established and keep blossoming into a beautiful brand that people want to be part of and share.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
I like to think so, although my other half does comment on my ‘phone voice’. So perhaps I’m not the right person to answer that question!
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
The leadership structure consists of me with the input of my wonderful girlfriends and mother. I consider them to be part of the company in many ways because they support and discuss ideas with me on a daily basis.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Absolutely, yes.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
It could be better. A Finer Thread is still very much a baby and demands the time and attention that all other babies require!
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Patience, organisation and an eye for detail and the ability to multi-task!!
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
It’s a pleasure to be involved in a platform that celebrates women in business. I think women working together and supporting one another is so important. Great things can come from that sort of support network and its something to cherish.