I started working for Monsoon Accessorize in 2004. I had introduced myself to a senior technologist at a home-workers’ meeting at the Ethical Trading Initiative and suggested that if there was ever a job vacancy I would be very interested. I was interviewed and accepted a temporary job working 4 days a week. I was subsequently taken on permanently to manage all accessories.
I still work 4 days a week, which is great, and enjoy managing a really wide product area and great team! I am really lucky as I personally look after Indian bags, they are absolutely beautiful and many are hand embroidered/beaded. My job involves constantly keeping up to date with new legislation which may affect our product; however we will be opening stores in the US this year which has involved a huge project to ensure our products are all legally compliant. Opening in the US meant I had to have a trip to New York to review labelling out there, basically this meant I was paid to walk round the shops!
My typical day: I arrive at work at about 8:30 and answer any queries on overnight e-mails from India and China. In the morning, I’ll attend a conference call with our India-based garment and accessories testing manager to discuss test standards. Then I will head into a meeting to discuss the company’s international expansion and the different technical standards needed for products to meet international legal requirements.
I’ll have a quick lunch whilst reviewing circulars from laboratories regarding changing testing standards. I’ll have a 1-2-1 catch up with a junior team member to discuss progress made and her training needs before heading home.