To mark its 60th anniversary, The Furniture Makers’ Company looked to the future by highlighting 60 of the industry’s most promising young professionals (aged under 35) through its ‘60 for 60’ campaign. To discover how they view the trade, Furniture News is inviting these rising stars to share their stories – this month, our quickfire questions go to Amy Curtis, head of marketing at Kent-based bedmaker, Sleepeezee …
In one sentence, describe what you do …
I oversee the marketing strategy for Sleepeezee, including brand development, advertising and communications, as well as supporting product development to help drive growth and achieve our business objectives.
What makes you well suited to the role?
I’d like to consider myself pretty creative, with a good eye for detail. I’m a strategic thinker, and I enjoy digging into numbers that help influence my decision-making.
How did you come to work in the furniture industry?
I studied criminology at university, and had actually been accepted onto a graduate scheme for management in the prison service once I finished. It could take up to 18 months to be placed locally, so in the meantime I got a job at another bed company in the sales team. From there, I never looked back!
How has your career progressed since you started?
I quickly moved into the marketing department and really loved it (beds too!) so I took a CIM course in brand and marketing communications alongside my job to start building my knowledge in the fundamentals of marketing.
After nearly six years there, I was offered a marketing manager role at Sleepeezee, which then turned into a head of marketing role 18 months later. I am now part of the senior management team at Sleepeezee, helping shape and drive the overall business strategy.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
I would still love to be at Sleepeezee, overseeing and growing the brand internationally to create a global presence. Our international footprint is still in its infancy so there are plenty of opportunities ahead for growing our global presence.
What’s been the biggest surprise in how the industry operates?
The industry in general can be pretty old school – sometimes it can be about who you know, and not what you know, or do! So it’s always great to nurture and foster good relationships with customers and suppliers. I generally find people stay in the industry a long time, even if they move to another area, which is really positive.
What does being named one of the ‘60 for 60’ mean to you?
I am extremely proud of this achievement as I’m sure there were a lot of worthy contenders out there. I think it is great that The Furniture Makers’ Company is helping to develop and recognise younger talent within the industry. Ultimately, these will be the people shaping the industry in years to come, so helping to raise awareness amongst a younger generation will hopefully help drive more diversity and talent into this wonderful and unique industry.
What would you say to encourage others to join the industry?
Don’t judge a book by its cover! Before working in the furniture manufacturing industry, I would have never thought beds could be so interesting! There’s such a vast array of opportunities for people to develop into, there’s something to suit anyone’s expertise.
Find out more about the ‘60 for 60’ stars here.
