Get to know the team

Claire

How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Dry fried both sides.

What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?
Move to Spain. But it's too crazy an idea to even contemplate.

What’s your favourite tipple?
Lager.

What F.R.I.E.N.D.S. character do you see yourself most like?
Probably Chandler. I just had to Google why: flips between displaying introverted and extroverted characteristics, Chandler's extroverted intuition is indubitably his lead function – his quick wit is his most defining trait.

What was your first CD/Tape/Vinyl?
The Bangles - Different Light LP

If you could travel anywhere where would you go and why?
I’m a girl of simple pleasures. A quick flight to Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca would suit me just fine. I love the Mediterranean.

And as sad as it sounds - I’ve never been to Paris. So that’s on the list.

Describe your role within Parade
I’m first and foremost a graphic designer. But as the founding owner and manager of Parade, my role includes the day-to-day running of the business. With a team to lead I have naturally evolved into a creative director but I still design - everything from scribbling ideas to final artwork. I have and will always love visual communication, and it's one of the few things I think I'm really good at! 

Innie or an outie (we mean belly buttons, not Brexit!)
Innie!

Share a childhood photo

Describe yourself in an era
I’d like to say a stylish, glamorous era like the 50’s. In reality, I’m probably more like the 60’s or 70s. Casual and carefree (I say this whilst being stressed to my eyeballs at the moment!) I love the Victorian era too. 

Lauren

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

Non dippy. Always (sometimes even without egg yolks). Controversial, but i still have soldiers, and try and dip them.

What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?

Basically every kind of adventurous activity. I really enjoy adventurous stuff but scare myself out of doing it. I’d love to try proper surfing, as I’ve only tried indoor surfing, but I’m scared of things that are under the sea, and generally just putting my bare foot on the sea bed. Maybe with some ‘sea shoes’ I can combat my fear.

What’s your favourite tipple?

I used to be a bit of a Guinness drinker, but I like to think that my fav tipple has matured a little bit since I was a student, and is now an espresso martini, because I can’t be falling asleep on the dance floor! Usually I’ll drink anything, I quite like Brewdog craft beers, but I’m pretty sure that’s more down to their letterpress packaging and brand.

What F.R.I.E.N.D.S. character do you see yourself most like?

Phoebe! Because I’m a little bit weird and like to think I’m a bit of a hippie deep down without all the funky clothes. BUT Monica’s my favourite, I just don’t have her OCD.

What was your first CD/Tape/Vinyl?

Shanks & Bigfoot – Sweet Like Chocolate (on tape)

If you could travel anywhere where would you go and why?

Top of my city break list at the moment is Berlin, I think it looks like a great place to visit full of things to do. On my ‘I will never be able to afford this list’ is Bangkok, I love the look of the culture, vibrant colours and there’s also a creepy museum of death 💀

Describe your role within Parade

I'm a graphic designer, and like to think I help take some of the pressure off Claire! I also take care of our social media, but mostly I just eat lots and lots in the studio.

Innie or an outie (we mean belly buttons, not Brexit!)

Innie!

Share a childhood photo

Describe yourself in an era

I think it would have to be the one I was born in – the 90s. I love bright colours and clashing patterns (and a bit of The Spice Girls on occasions), you won’t be seeing me coming into work with a bubble bag on my back any time soon though.

Gayle

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

I literally love eggs; however, they have to be hot and not snotty! So, fried, poached, scrambled, soft boiled I am more than ok with any of these - just NOT snotty.

What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?

Karaoke! I’m not one to shy away from things normally, however, I am tone deaf- imagine the scene in Happy Feet when Mumble tries his calling song. That’s me!

What’s your favourite tipple?

I love Belgian beers, Leffe, Hoegarden anything like that and Ale, or if I am being fancy I love to have Caiprinhas. (although, I will pretty much drink anything)

What F.R.I.E.N.D.S. character do you see yourself most like?

Definitely Monica, she is my favourite and 100% the one I relate to the most, I am very particular so borderline OCD, however, I’m probably not as competitive as Monica- others may disagree!! 

What was your first CD/Tape/Vinyl?

Madonna- Immaculate collection was the first Album I had bought for me and the single I first bought myself was Gat Décor- Passion.

If you could travel anywhere where would you go and why?

This is a really tricky question! I’m always amazed by the world and its countries and the one thing in life I regret is that I did not go travelling, there are so many places I want to go to - New England in the Fall, Portofino and the obvious Indian Ocean! The list is endless!

Describe your role within Parade

As Studio Manager I try and keep things as organised as possible - the Monica Geller in me! I take care of all finance duties, client accounts and studio administration duties. In order for Claire and Lauren to fulfil their role and daily duties I will assist in research and anything else they need.

Organisation is key- with some laughs and giggles thrown in.

Innie or an outie (we mean belly buttons, not Brexit!)

Innie!

Share a childhood photo

Describe yourself in an era

40’s. Although lots of women of the 40’s were expected to take on the male role after they went off to fight and I have no doubt that this would have been a very hard time for those women. However, something about that era is very appealing to me- Fashion, glamour, elegance and the music is all very beautiful despite the struggles they would have undoubtedly faced.