National Career Development Month is an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their own professional development, to take charge of their career journeys and to ensure their work is fulfilling and meaningful to them.
We invited Louise Breadon – one of our longest serving members of staff – to reflect on her own career at Tailored Image – one that spans 20 years and counting. Read about Louise’s journey below:
I studied business and social care at Dungannon tech. When I finished my course, I was unsure what I wanted to do next in my life; whether to go onto higher education or take a year out to explore. When I decided to look for employment, I knew I wanted a full-time job but hadn’t found the right company I felt settled in and could say this was the job for me. I went through a few full-time jobs but they just weren’t suitable – my heart wasn’t in them and I knew I had to keep looking. This is when I came across Tailored Image – advertising a reception post in our local newspaper the Tyrone Courier. I said to myself -this sounds interesting a corporate clothing company. What can I say I got offered the job and was definitely happy I accepted!
I started with Tailored Image in June 2005, I have been working with the company a staggering 20 years!
As I had never heard of a corporate clothing company before that supplied uniforms this really caught my eye. It was local and I hadn’t far to travel. As I had studied business I knew my strengths were here. I always had an eye for fashion, great experience with working with the public, loved to meet new people and always time for a chat!
I am so privileged to have been part of Tailored Image journey growing from strength to strength. When I started with the company there was only roughly around 10 employees now there are over 100! To be part of a family business which has that personal touch, setting and pursuing goals, wanting to be stronger and a culture of honesty has been an amazing journey.
The directors that put their faith in me by offering me a job, are the same from the first day I started to now! In the business, communication has always been key, the importance of trust and always been part of a close-knit team. We are all committed and live up to our core values. The doors are always open for any questions.
My first role in Tailored Image was their receptionist but we always helped other departments in busy times and when there were deadlines to meet. I also had the experience with working with the accounts department and helping out the warehouse. This is how I grew my knowledge of Tailored Image.
The opportunity arose to cover a maternity post in the sales department which I was happy to accept and then I got offered the job which I couldn’t believe! I do remember my first office sale which was Springisland Supermarket and that was a big sale for me!
As the company was scaling and the day-to-day side was growing, I was appointed as a manager to manage other staff. I am delighted to have a wonderful team who have the responsibility of managing their own clients. They all work extremely hard. I couldn’t do it all without their strong work ethic. This makes us all successful.
The team in Tailored Image trusted me and gave me the opportunity to have a very successful career. They could see I was eager and full of potential.
I was very lucky where I grew with the company and had built up really good relationships with current and new customers. I was always fully supported in my career in terms of training and I knew I wanted to climb the ladder to be that better person. If you want something in life you have to work hard to get it!
The core values are so important to the company and me as an employee – these are all ingrained in our roles.
Commit – I am committed to Tailored Image, my customers and being a manager to my team.
Care – we care for each other in Tailored Image and most importantly our customers.
Own – I take responsibility for my work and this is how you achieve goals in the workplace. Be successful – own it!
Respect – We are a family. Respect all your work colleagues and how you would like to be treated. Speak to everyone in a manner that you would like to be spoken in as we are all there to do our jobs and make your day a happy one!
My advice would be if you see a job in Tailored Image and think – I could do this – go ahead and apply. It could be the best decision you ever made! Come in with a focus, have a plan in your head on where you see yourself as like anyone you want to progress in a company and be given more opportunities and responsibilities. This tells you what type of person you are.
Tailored Image is continually growing and looking to the future and we need a team that is ambitious and has that hunger for a career.
To find out more about Careers at Tailored Image, contact us on sales@tailoredimage.com.
