CAREER PROFILE: EMILY PRESTON
Welcome to our May edition of our journal series ‘Career Profile.’ We sit down with inspiring people doing inspiring things in their careers to discuss what inspires them. Join us for this month’s career musing with our one of our divine employees and inspiring industry professional.
Em in her recruitment era
SAY HELLO TO OUR MAY MUSE: OUR VERY OWN EMILY PRESTON.
First things first, how did it all begin and what was the lightbulb moment that led you to pursue a career in fashion recruitment?
It was honestly my first experience with Lauren and Relier that led me to pursue a career in fashion recruitment. When Lauren first reached out, I had been in retail management for a while and had always felt so passionate about encouraging my team’s individual development and giving them the tools to achieve their goals, as well as loving to connect and network with like-minded people, so recruitment felt like a no brainer. However, at the time I had had less than best experiences with recruiters and the industry felt high pressure and unauthentic. Of course, Relier’s approach was entirely different, and after our initial interaction, I couldn’t get it off my mind!
You have led an inspiring career journey, tell us about your biggest career highlight to date?
Hands-down when working for Mecca and attending their annual management conference and MECCALAND festivals in Syd and Melbs. It is hard to describe what a Mecca party is like unless you have attended one but, my god do they go above and beyond. Specifically, MECCALAND, that entire experience feels like it was one wild dream.
On the flip side, what have you found most challenging?
The setbacks and road blocks in my career journey for sure. Sometimes you have an idea of where you want your career to go however it doesn’t end up looking as linear as hoped. However, it taught me the skills to bounce back and pivot when things haven’t turned out as planned!
Can you share any key learns on moving from the shop floor into a retail management or support office role?
Be vocal about what your aspirations are with your leaders, actively seek out opportunities to grow, consistently ask for feedback on your performance and be open to discussing your areas of opportunity so you can ask for further training and support where needed!
Em in her retail era
As our freshest face at RÈLIER, what are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am so keen to meet and network with new candidates and clients to share our passion for the incredible creative industries that we work with! I am also so excited to build strong relationships with my candidates and watch them flourish in their careers!
What has been your favourite part so far about becoming a RÈLIER angel?
Having the ability to do what I love every day, alongside people I adore and with brands that excite and inspire me!
Lastly, for those reading along – each week at our team “All Hands” meeting, we share a recommendation for each other to try. Em, were there any products, places or podcasts you would like to share with our beautiful RÈLIER community?
Podcast most definitely “Just the Gist”, the idea is to give you just the gist of an interesting topic to carry you through a dinner party and make you sound interesting, and I’m a sucker for a conspiracy theory or natural disaster!
We are so proud to have such an incredible retailer join our team. Become a part of Emily’s journey (and let her be part of yours!) by connecting on Linkedin here.