Sarah is the founder of The Edit.
Growing up in Devon, she now lives in London and loves the buzz of city life. A self confessed events addict, with a degree in design, she has been in the industry for almost 15 years. Event life for her started at a small agency before moving on to work at an established creative agency. It was there that she was promoted to MD and then excitingly founded a new events company with former colleagues. Her experience lead her to go on found The Edit where she has since been building a professional, experienced and friendly team and an exciting client list.
WHERE DID YOU STUDY AND WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
I studied Graphic Design at Kingston which I loved. It was really creative and taught me so many amazing skills such as how to develop ideas that are grounded as well as creative, how to budget and how to explain my ideas and welcome criticism. I use those skills every day now!
WHERE DO YOU LIVE AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?
I live in South West London, about 3 minutes from our office which actually wasn't planned but is the best coincidence. I live right by the common which is great. It's great being near friends and having access to some great local restaurants and cafés.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
I entered the design world and quite quickly realised that it wasn't for me. I missed the social aspect from my course and the fast paced nature. After talking to a wide range of people I realised events was the perfect mix of what I was looking for. I then set about getting a job - I must've called around 50 agencies and eventually got an interview and a job at a small agency. I loved it from day one.
IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE IN JUST THREE WORDS, WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT EVENTS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
The pace, creativity and people.
THE EDIT TEAM ARE ALL QUITE OBSESSED WITH EVENTS, AND REAL STICKLERS WHEN IT COMES TO DETAIL - WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU COULDN’T WALK PAST ON SITE OR IN THE OFFICE?
On site, unpolished glassware or a cloakroom queue. At my desk, it'd be proposals with images not lining up! I'm forever trying to make them look perfect.
IF YOU DIDN’T WORK IN EVENTS WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I'd be running my fitness business Lifting Pretty full time which of course means running lots of brand events - I can't not be involved with events it seems!
WE GET TO EXPERIENCE SOME AMAZING FOOD AND RESTAURANTS BEING IN THE EVENTS INDUSTRY, WHAT THREE RESTAURANTS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER TO SOMEONE COMING TO LONDON FOR THE FIRST TIME?
So many choices! To start with I would suggest an out of town spot for brunch and i think South West London has some amazing choices at at the weekends the queues can be up to an hour long. I'd suggest the sweetcorn fritters at MILK in Balham with a milk bottle smoothie
.Then for lunch I'd suggest Sushi Samba on the 48th floor of the Heron Tower for a light lunch with the best views. I'd end the day with a fun evening starting at Copita in Soho for tapas (you have to try the truffled goats cheese, almond and honey) and huge G&T's before having a nightcap or two at underground cocktail bar The Vault of Soho which can be found hidden behind a bookcase in a whisky shop.
IT’S A HARD ONE – FAVOURITE VENUE?
So hard, I can never choose. If pushed I'll always have a soft spot for the V&A. It's a pinch me moment to run an event there.
CANAPÉS ARE LIKE LITTLE BITES OF HEAVEN – FAVOURITE CANAPÉ YOU’VE EVER HAD?
Totally agree. I once had the most amazing parmesan shortbread topped with blue cheese and an onion chutney. Although I have to say the 'Eggs Benedict & Eggs Sarah' created by Jimmy Garcia Catering for my wedding (my husband is called Benedict) were delicious and so special - Croque-Monsieur/Asparagus dipped in truffle mayonnaise.
FAVOURITE CATERER IN THE INDUSTRY AND WHY?
I can't decide between Moving Venue and Jimmy Garcia Catering - both amazing and incredible teams.
IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE YOUR WORKING STYLE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
As a boss I think I'm firm but fair and a strong believer in good communication and trusting your team with lots of responsibility - it's the best way to develop people.
WE ARE REALLY ADDICTED TO OVERINDULGING IN LEFTOVER PICK & MIX FROM EVENTS, WHAT’S YOUR GO TO SWEET?
White mice - they're my nemesis, I can't be near them or they're gone.
TOP TIP FOR ANYONE WANTING TO GET INTO THE EVENTS INDUSTRY.
Work really hard, be nice to people, say yes to everything (it's all about the networking) and know that you'll get to great places if you work hard, listen to a clients' brief and enjoy yourself.