CLAIRE BRISTON – MAMA OF TWO – NORTH EAST BORN, NORTH WEST BASED – 30 SOMETHING – 5 FOOT NOTHING – NEVER, EVER CONCISE.
As I’m in the final stages of my wee ‘re-brand’, if you will. I’m sure a lot of people will still refer to me as Judy Pink, and thats cool, but my online alias of Judy Pink & Memoirs of Judy Pink / Memoirs of Maternity will soon be devoid. I’ll be going by my ‘real name’ and as most people will also concur, I’m never, ever, concise. Whether that be re-telling a story or writing for business or pleasure! Hence my new site name, Never Knowingly Concise.
So here is the story, so far…
Many moons ago, my career path started in Retail – working through store Visual Marketing & Styling roles . In 2008, we took a permanent one-way journey from The North to The Big Smoke. I swapped a role in Buying & Merchandising (Arcadia) for eCommerce and Copywriting (AllSaints). Moving on from there, I found my passion in Digital Marketing, where I then progressed through Exec roles for AllSaints (Global Social Media Coordinator), Godiva and eBay UK & DE. However, I’ve recently changed career paths completely. I saw 2017 in with a brand new role as an Early Years Practitioner – splitting the working week between Pre-School Assistant (SEN & Mat Cover) and Support Assistant at an Infant School. Writing, has always been a passion of mine – heck I wanted to be an English Teacher-come Fashion Journalist at one stage (taking on a stint as a Fashion Writer at The Sunday Sun newspaper and Copywriting role at AllSaints). So now that my work/life balance is in order, my site can take my attention once again.
In 2012 I became a Mama, to Mr Eli. He was born with several medical conditions (more on that below and in OLD posts). Eli began his journey into the Education system in September 2016 – though, he is one of the youngest in the school, with his birthday being August. He’s cheeky, cheery and creative – very imaginative and loves his Art. In August 2019, our daughter Edie was born in somewhat of a whirlwind. You can read my positive birth story, here.
I am a huge champion of independent brands, especially those founded by parents. There’s something a little bit special about buying products from a family-run business; whether that be a Husband-and-Wife team or a Mum-Boss/Dad-Preneur. You’re not funding a corporate machine – you’re helping out real people. A real family. Allowing a family to continue to be creative, perhaps alongside that oh so frustrating restraint of ‘inflexible working’, putting food on the table and supporting the roof over their heads. And that feels really good. I’m also keen to find out how people juggle their work & family life. What helps? What doesn’t help?! Is life really as rosy as Instagram has us believe? I will soon have a ‘Never Concise // Chat’ series to dig a little deeper with some incredible creative families.
If you’re a new or established family-run brand, business or service, please do get in touch. I’d love to give you a big up in any way possible!
Follow me on Instagram for my latest updates: @JudyPink
Cx
LATEST EDIT: March 2017.
—
Memoirs of Maternity was born in August 2011 after my other half and I decided that it was definitely time that we wanted to start our family. This blog documented the stresses and strains that came with my pregnancy. Our absolutely incredible darling boy, Mr Eli, was born on 6th August 2012. The day our lives changed forever. Mr Eli is completely one-of-a-kind. SUCH a character; such a happy little boy. I then went a little bit quiet as the throws of Motherhood quickly took over!
Mr Eli was born with two conditions, Talipes and Torticollis. I spoke about the Talipes during my pregnancy blogs. But the Torticollis was not diagnosed until Eli was 10 weeks old. I’m striving to raise awareness of both these conditions and would love to hear from those who have experience with them.
Expect to also find features on my other passions: Fashion, Design & Lifestyle… oh and the odd adventure from us, Eli & Edie!
I absolutely love Mum and Baba brands, always on the look out for new start-up’s, so do give ma holler!
MM. x
Follow me on Instagram: @JudyPink