Island Roots and Early Aspirations
I was born and brought up on the Isle of Wight, where my connection to the island's natural beauty and community spirit has always been a fundamental part of who I am. Ryde, in particular, holds a special place in my heart – it's where I spent my childhood and where I now live, surrounded by a lovely community and miles of sandy beaches that still bring me so much joy today.
The Transformative Years: From PA to Marketing Professional
My professional journey properly began in 1997, at age 23, when I joined the prestigious architectural practice Percy Thomas in Cardiff as a personal assistant to Peterjohn Smyth. This role proved to be far more than just an administrative position – it became my gateway into the world of business and my creative development. Working alongside Peterjohn, who served as Prince Charles' architect, I supported the groundbreaking Poundbury village project..
Whilst working at Percy Thomas I was part of the team supporting the architectural team on the the Wales Millennium Centre project, I made what turned out to be a significant observation – noting the building's resemblance to an aardvark. While the architects initially dismissed this comparison, it was later widely adopted by the media.
A strong moment in my career came when I met my colleague Wendy, who worked in marketing and business development. Her blend of glamour, professionalism, intelligence, and work ethic showed me a path I wanted to be on. When she offered to mentor me, it marked the beginning of my transition into marketing. Percy Thomas supported this evolution by funding my marketing studies, recognizing potential I was just beginning to understand myself.
Entrepreneurial Evolution
In 1999, my career took an unexpected but exciting turn when I began working with Giovanni Malacrino (who is also a current client!), marketing his restaurants, VIP club No 10, and personal development bookshop in Cardiff. Here I met Paul McKenna and Richard Bandler, pioneers in neuro-linguistic programming. Their influence, combined with my growing confidence, led me to establish my first business, Gemini PR and Marketing.
During this time, I managed PR and sponsorship for Alan Priddy's Spirit of Cardiff venture, an ambitious project attempting to circumnavigate the world in one of the largest RIBs of that era. While the 2002 voyage faced challenges, Alan truly inspired me with valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.
Corporate Excellence and Personal Growth
My experience then got me a corporate job with Capita, where I became Business Development Manager around 2002. The scope was considerable – I ended up managing the business development across multiple offices, securing contracts that kept 300 staff employed on projects ranging from schools to hospitals. This experience taught me the discipline of structured sales processes and the importance of systematic approaches to business growth.
When my daughter was born in 2006, I made the conscious choice to step away from corporate life. This decision led me to train as a life coach in 2007, earning a distinction. The following years were a delicate balance of freelance business development work and single parenthood, including a move to Bristol for three years and time with Hydrock in Bristol. These years taught me invaluable lessons about work-life integration and the importance of authentic connection in business relationships.
Coming Full Circle: The Creation of Colloco
In 2018, the pull of the Isle of Wight brought me home. After a year of reconnecting with my roots, I founded Colloco Marketing, supported by my former colleague John Rudge. This venture represented more than just a new business – it was the culmination of everything I'd learned, from corporate structure to personal development, applied to helping small businesses thrive.
Today, Colloco has evolved into a full-service marketing agency, where I've achieved WIX Legend Partner status and continue to push the boundaries of digital design and marketing innovation. In 2024, I've come full circle professionally, working again with Alan Priddy on Project Full Circle, a venture combining maritime adventure with cutting-edge communication technology and environmental sustainability.
Personal Philosophy and Professional Approach
My approach to business has been influenced by my favourite book by Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," which taught me that fulfillment comes from being truly present and purposeful in our work. I still read personal development books daily, with Anthony Robbins' works serving as constant reminder that our thoughts shape our reality.
Recent years have brought significant challenges – including navigating lockdowns while facing a cancer diagnosis and losing my father. Through three major operations, including one lasting 9 hours, I kept my mind active by studying and planning, using these challenges as opportunities for growth and business innovation.
Looking Forward
As I look ahead to 2025, I'm implementing stronger business practices while maintaining the personal touch that has become my trademark.
My background in life coaching taught me to listen "between the lines" and uncover each client's unique story, helping me develop marketing strategies that truly resonate.
When I'm not immersed in my work, you'll find me embracing island life, or at home with my family my daughter and partner and our beloved Dogue de Bordeaux cross, Leia. She's a gentle giant whose boundless energy and love make every day better.
A recent trip to Bulgaria in November 2024 has reignited my wanderlust and reminded me how travel enriches both personal and professional perspectives. My architectural background from Percy Thomas days has given me a unique lens through which I experience new places – studying building designs, absorbing new cultures, and discovering fresh perspectives that often influence my marketing approaches.
For 2025, I'm excited to fulfill a longtime dream of visiting Portofino, Italy, while Turkey calls me back with its rich culture. Slovenia, too, beckons with new adventures waiting to be discovered. I'm also more than likely going to be visiting Cyprus with the Full Circle project.
These travels aren't mere escapes – they're sources of deep inspiration. While I find it challenging to truly rest at home, where my mind constantly buzzes with things to do, traveling forces me to slow down and absorb new experiences fully.
As a vegetarian, I delight in discovering new flavours, especially enjoying the Thai salads and homemade Italian dishes my partner creates from scratch. Music accompanies my daily journey, from the soulful voice of Aretha Franklin to the melodies of Amy Winehouse, the sounds of The Cure, and Fleetwood Mac.
What keeps me going remains constant: sheer willfulness, the desire for creative freedom, and my love for being busy. The thought of having too much time on my hands has always scared me more than any challenge – so I just keep moving forward, taking it day by day.
This drive isn't just about staying occupied; it's about making each moment count, whether I'm helping a client transform their business vision into reality, planning my next adventure abroad, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the sea.
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