I met Lisa and Jim for the first time at The London Classic Car Show in 2023 where they were clipboard-clad and ready for action, heading up the operations team. After some hard work and a few laughs over the course of the show, I was thrilled to accept their offer to fulfil my outstanding placement with them. Working at Redwood has offered me an abundance of insight. Particularly as somebody who is a lover of variety, I have had the pleasure of assisting with both Jim and Lisa’s work spanning from event safety and operations to marketing and communications. My favourite type of tasks are the ones I can channel my creativity into (writing this blog for example) which I am lucky enough to do a lot of at Redwood.
My path to securing a full-time role was a bit crazy as I love so many industries, I was stuck for choice when thinking about the career I wanted to pursue. Hence the enrolment onto the ‘Arts Management’ course at Bath Spa (I needed something that covered a lot of areas in the hope I would be spiritually guided!). I originally studied English Literature and Film in Manchester and actually did a few weeks on a Film Production master's programme before transferring back down south to be closer to my family. I would eventually like to do a PhD – mainly so I can go by the name ‘Dr Wendels’.
Before beginning my MA at Bath Spa, I loved living in Manchester as I saw it grow into the nightlife heavyweight it is today, regularly attending concerts and events like Warehouse Project. I had some great short-term jobs there like working for BBC Sport which was fun, but I had to put my sensible cap on and decide what direction I seriously wanted to take my career in, and I am extremely happy with where I am now.
💬 What series are you watching?
After hearing my mates bang on about it and seeing it plastered over socials on the back of the ‘mob wife’ fashion trend, I have started getting my teeth into The Sopranos. I understand why it’s so talked about - scandalous drama and iconic soundtrack.
💬 What is a dream of yours?
This is a reach in the current economic climate, but I would die happy if I managed/owned a venue as culturally influential as The Hacienda or Studio 54. I have recently learned the process of applying for a premises license thanks to Redwood, so I am on the right track!
💬 Any holidays planned this year?
My family and I are all flying over to Las Vegas in a few months to attend my younger sister’s wedding. I’ve never been to Vegas but I’m imagining the holiday will be a cross between The Hangover and Meet the Fockers.
💬 Is there a side quest you are pursuing at the moment?
I was teaching myself to mix music on some DJ decks which I have put on the back burner recently, but I would like to get back into it. Also, I really enjoy oil painting - portraits especially. I am manifesting a side hustle selling them once I have finished my MA. Aside from that I have been playing a lot of pool and chess recently.
💬 Who are your icons?
One of my 2024 icons is Julia Fox whose book I read recently. Some parts gave me a minor anxiety attack, but I love her organic attitude. With a uni module in ‘fashion marketing’ coming up, she is somebody I will definitely be gathering inspiration from.
💬 What is your 2023 event highlight?
I loved working at Boardmasters – great venue and group of people to work with. Working there restored my faith in coming-of-age festivals and I’m looking forward to returning in 2024. Outside of work, I visited the Drumsheds in London to see Skepta, and I thought it was a beautifully laid out venue - giving other commercial warehouse events a run for their money!
💬 What song have you got on repeat at the moment?
I’m loving a bit of George Benson – Give Me the Night, recently. It just reminds me of driving around on Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which I think is a funny game. Looking forward to the new one coming out.