Meet our Head of Marketing - Martina Paterson!
Here at SH there’s two things we love, handbags and creating community! From the very beginning we’ve fostered relationships with our Bags of Joy ladies, who have become personal friends of ours. As we grow, it’s important to us that everyone feels welcomed into our community, so we are starting a get to know us series, focusing on our fabulous employees! First up is Martina, the marketing mastermind who catapulted the brand to what it is now!
Hey Martina, you were Sarah’s very first employee, why did you join SH?
Being in Scotland, it's not often you get the chance to work in a fashion brand. My background was all fashion & retail, but predominantly in London. SH seemed like a brilliant opportunity - when I joined it was just me and Sarah, so it was very exciting to be part of something that I could make an impact on from day 1.
Before you worked with Sarah, what was your background?
I actually studied law for a while at university but was working in Topshop part time and absolutely fell in love with visual merchandising side of things and being able to bring stores to life. I quickly realised law wasn't for me, so switched my degree to Marketing & Entrepreneurship.
When I graduated, I moved to London with Topshop on their grad scheme and was lucky enough to secure a Visual Manager role in their Oxford St flagship. I met a lot of cool people during my time there (including celebs and royalty!) and loved the brand - it's a shame it's not the same anymore! I was then head-hunted by River Island to be their flagship commercial manager, then went to House of Fraser's flagship as head of womenswear & menswear.
As much as I loved the pace of retail, I didn't love the working hours and feeling undervalued. I wanted to put my marketing degree to use and be part of a company I could make a real difference in. I ended up working for a couple of smaller bands before eventually finding SH. 4 years later and I absolutely love my job - not many people are lucky enough to say this.
What’s one thing in your wardrobe you just can’t live without?
As much as I'd love to say something super exciting here, it's got to be my gym gear - especially Fabletics leggings. As an avid runner and a busy mum of a toddler and a hyper German Shepherd, I literally can't live without them!
Do you prefer a mini bag or maxi bag?
Tough one... it depends where I'm going. If I'm going out and don't need to carry much, my go to is Jasmine or Ivy, but for work or when I have Millie (my 1 year old), then Poppy is fantastic. I've recently used Marigold for travel a few times and must say I absolutely love this bag!
What’s your favourite SH combo?
That changes a lot - there's just too many amazing combinations to pick a fave. Right now, I'm really loving silver metallic leather with gold hardware, it just looks so luxe, like a Rolex!
What do you love most about working at SH?
Loads! No 2 days are the same - there's never a dull moment.
It's so exciting to be part of a brand that's doing something that no other brand is. Seeing the growth over the past few years through our hard work has been amazing. Everything from the team and moving into our new office space, to the customers we've met along the way and how the product range has expanded.
The community that has grown in the Bags of Joy club is incredible to see - when we started out, we never expected for this to happen, but it really is such a joy to see the relationships formed between customers. And of course, I absolutely love our customers - chatting to them daily is a real pleasure, especially seeing how happy they are when we find them the perfect bag.
What’s one thing that brings you joy in life?
It's got to be my daughter, Millie. Seeing her grow into her own little person and starting to chat away is a joy like no other I've experienced. And of course, she has her own bag named after her now, which is pretty cool!
How lovely to find out a bit more about you Martina, thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
You truly are a marketing giant and it’s good to know that in SH you’ve found a company that recognises, respects and, hopefully, rewards you.
Your hands on and very personal customer service is even more impressive when you know your corporate background.
Don’t ever stop being you and keep on running.
Martina , nothing is ever too much trouble . You always go the extra mile . Always above and beyond which makes us all feel special . One of the hardest working people I have ever experienced with brilliant attention to detail. Your energy and enthusiasm are magical. Very down to earth and always helpful. Been a pleasure to watch the amazing developments in your professional and personal life . Inspirational.
You are absolutely amazing & nothing is to much for you , Thankyou for putting up with a crazy Doris bag lady 😘 you have certainly had an amazing career in fashion that is so cool & your Millie is so beautiful like her mumma 😘😘xx
Martina you are the most amazing lady I know that works for a product that you so absolutely adore and the relationship you have with Sarah and the girls is wonderful to see. You make each and everyone of us feel so special and important and work tirelessly to get everything right for us. I love you, we all love you and you are part of our lives as much as we are yours. Keep continuing in doing what your doing as it’s perfect just like your Millie 💕
Lovely reading about you Martina and your journey on how you got to where you are today working with Sarah and the Team. Can’t wait to find out a bit more about the other girls too.×.
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