For our third segment of Neon Vibes Unplugged, we've spoken to Lauren, who joined Neon Vibes last year, bringing with her a diverse creative background. She finds joy in witnessing designs come to life as LED Neon flex. Lauren's enthusiasm, problem-solving skills, and passion for art contribute to the team's success. She values a positive work environment built on collaboration, accountability, and trust. Currently, Lauren is focused on streamlining internal processes and highlights Neon Vibes' commitment to sustainability.
Tell me a bit about yourself, what is your work background and what made you decide to take this role at Neon Vibes?
My work background encompasses a lot of variety; from my first job as the Saturday assistant for Thorntons at 15, to Gamestation (via a brief stint as a paintball marshall), and back to Thorntons. During this time I was in college studying for a BTEC in Games Development. In 2011, I had my first child at 22, it was just the two of us, so this meant I had to leave before fully completing the BTEC. I decided to focus on building useable skills in what spare time I could find while raising my family. I completed my degree in English Language and Literature through the Open University. I also ran the business aspects of a family jewellery business, Looking Glass Jewellery, maintaining the web presence, doing the marketing, selling etc. for a relative. Later I ran my own crafts business selling embroidery, crochet, art and prints.
At the end of 2015, I started work for Blackwells bookshop selling Ordinance Survey maps and medical textbooks to the NHS in a basement in Leeds. In 2020, the world came to a standstill and Blackwell’s Leeds was no different. Unfortunately, it never started back up again which left me at a loose end since my youngest child is now 7.
I consider myself a jack of all trades, there’s very little I won’t try out but art and creativity are really where my heart lies. Neon Vibes is such a vibrant and creative company. Getting a front-row seat to watch our customers' excellent designs become a reality in dazzling LED Neon flex is a rare privilege that never fails to bring a smile to my face.
How do your unique skills and experiences contribute to the overall success of the team?
I think anyone who encounters me would say the same; an inquisitive nature and my *enthusiasm*. I throw myself into every challenge I encounter and enjoy the process of thinking through solutions.
Is there a part of your job that gives you the jump-out-of-bed-in-the-morning vibe?
Getting to see excellent design become flesh from conception to reality is truly exciting. Who doesn’t love pretty lights and colours?
What do you think is important for a positive and productive work environment?
Willingness to work through problems together, a sense of accountability and trust in those around you.
Is there anything happening behind the scenes that you're eager to share?
I’ve been working on some excellent spreadsheets? Haha. We’re currently focused on streamlining our internal processes to ensure the customer’s experience is the best it possibly can be. We’re also working on the environmental impact and sustainability of our products, we’d like customers to know we’re on our journey to being net-zero.
