Our founder’s story
I’m an optimist. When I graduated from my degree in 2001, I had dreams of one day owning my own design agency. I even had a name: ‘Fresh’. But I thought working for myself was only a dream, until in 2018 I made it a reality, and I became part of the 0.1% of female-owned creative businesses.
Now I run my own creative agency, Tickety Boo Creative, where it’s not just about making money; it’s about making life better. As a mum of two small children, I balance quality family time with what I love to do, inspiring and empowering others through creativity.
I wanted to share my story for anyone who’s ever had a dream or a goal, but doesn’t have the confidence to go for it.
From farm life to the big city
I grew up in the country, on a farm in North Devon. I’m the eldest of 7, so I had to be responsible from a young age. I’m a naturally shy person and had low self-confidence when I was younger, but I was always creative, spending hours drawing and playing with plasticine. After my A levels, I did an Art Foundation course. I had an amazing teacher and found my love for graphic design. My teacher saw something in me, and he encouraged me and gave me the confidence to leave home to study in London, which at the time was huge for me.
Learning and Thriving
I love working in brand, design and retail, and have spent the last 22 years in the industry. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing big brands and some wonderful small businesses. My work has taken me around the world, from Australia to the US to Asia, and I’ve met some truly incredible people along the way.
At the start of my career, I learnt that my opinion was important, which gave me the confidence to be more vocal. A pivotal moment in my career was working on the Superdrug account in 2003, discovering my love of retail. I loved getting to know the brand, creating inspiring and exciting campaigns and experiences in store. I always got such a buzz walking down the high street and seeing my work in the window, that feeling of pride. And being able to tell my dad that to see my work, he just had to pop into his local store.
I progressed quickly to Creative Director, and this is where I excelled. I learnt how to build and nurture a team. I loved having ideas and helping to develop the team’s ideas, giving clear direction and meaning. We used to have a red table – that’s where the magic happened, as we’d all gather with our ideas and thoughts, still warm from the printer. There was an energy and excitement of the possibilities. That’s when I’d unleash my superpower: infectious enthusiasm.
Collaboration has always been my favourite part of the process. Working with different skill sets and points of view, questioning: could it be better? Is it clear? Is it distinctive? The creative process has always fascinated me, and I love learning. In my career, I’ve worked for several different types of agencies: Branding, Retail Design, Marketing and Design. They all taught me that there’s always a different way to do something.
Becoming a mum changed my perspective
At the end of 2015 I became a mum, a new role for me. I was so happy. I found being a mum gave a new energy – my son inspired me, he gave me a fresh perspective, he helped me understand what’s important.
In 2016, when I came back from maternity leave after only 5 months, I felt pressure to prove myself. Combined with a long commute and sometimes long hours, I got to see little of my son. I found that I was feeling unconfident at home, as well as at work. I was unhappy and missing quality time with my family. I realised that things had to change. This was the push I needed, the reminder that I needed to go back to my dream. I knew it was a big decision, but I also knew there had to be a better way. In 2017 I made the leap to work for myself.
Founding Tickety Boo Creative
In May 2018 I founded Tickety Boo Creative, so I could do things in a way that worked for me. I created an agency that embraced flexibility, balance, and collaboration, to be better by design. Making the company fully remote enabled me to work with the best talent from around the world. This also gave me the opportunity to balance being a mum and doing what I love.
“If anyone ever tells you, you need to choose between your career or being a mum, know that there’s always another choice. Anything is possible.”
Always striving for better, I wanted to bring my love of branding, retail, and design to my clients. To create and develop meaningful, well-loved brands and exciting retail spaces. My business isn’t just about money, it’s about making dreams come true for others and for myself. It’s about making life better. Making happiness a priority for our team and our clients. Ensuring everyone has the balance of embracing life and enjoying their work.
“It’s all about love – love of what we do and how we make our clients feel.”
I remember my very first client meeting as Tickety Boo Creative, it was in Florida. I was on my own, but I’d never felt more confident. I had amazing clients who believed in me. It was the start of something new; it was the start of Tickety Boo Creative.
Creating Wonder
I feel proud to have built my business utopia. I now run Tickety Boo Creative alongside my art business, which brings me joy and helps me see things from a fresh perspective. For me, creativity is a way of life, and if I can inspire and empower others too, that makes me truly happy.
I’m excited about what the future holds.
