I’m not much of an early bird, I like to enjoy a few extra minutes in bed before starting the day. My mornings are all about simplicity. I’ll get ready with a cup of coffee in hand, accompanied by some classic rock from the 70s (my go-to for setting a positive vibe) and then head into central London to start the day.

I am usually found working at DBR’s head office, which serves as my base as marketing officer. In this role, I oversee our digital presence – managing social media, engaging with clients, and coordinating community engagement and sustainability initiatives. It’s a diverse role, and no two days are the same. What’s special about my job is that I also get to continue my work as a conservator. On some days, I’m tracking online activity and fine-tuning our messaging, while on others, I’m out on site, climbing scaffolding and working on one of our fantastic masonry conservation projects. It’s a unique blend that keeps me on my toes.

A typical day starts with checking how our social media posts from the previous day have performed, monitoring engagement levels, and seeing what conversations have sparked online. I have regular calls with various team members, discussing everything from preparing tender packages to arranging site tours and CPD events for our clients, colleagues, and supply chain partners. I usually listen to music or podcasts to keep the flow of the day going. Quite often, I split my time between the head office and our project sites, capturing photographs of our projects and the amazing people who bring them to life.

What continues to surprise me is just how varied and dynamic my role can be. At DBR, many of us have the opportunity to take on a wide range of responsibilities, which keeps the job feeling fresh and exciting. Being in a position where I can both market DBR and actively work as a conservator is incredibly rewarding. The company has grown from a specialist masonry conservation firm into a multi-million-pound principal contractor that can offer all aspects of conservation and restoration. I get to showcase that growth to the world, while still getting my hands dirty in the conservation work I love. It’s not a common career path, and I’m immensely grateful for it.

When I was younger I wanted to be anything that involved creativity or craftsmanship. I’ve always had an interest in history and different cultures, which led me to study cultural anthropology and archaeology, following in the footsteps of my grandmother. Through those studies, I developed a deep appreciation for the past and the ways in which we preserve it. That passion ultimately led me into the field of historic building conservation, where I get to combine my love for history with hands-on restoration work.

Something you might not know about me is that I’m certified to operate a forklift, mobile tower, and boom lift. This skill came in handy during a project in Somerset, where I had to step in as the plant operator when the main operator went on holiday. I was the only other certified person on the team. Some of my male colleagues were sceptical about whether I could handle the forklift, especially on a bumpy, uneven site, but I proved them wrong. It’s a reminder that sometimes the skills we least expect to use ends up being the most valuable.

One of the standout moments in my career was laser cleaning the terracotta sculptures on the façade of the Natural History Museum. Having a direct hand in conserving such a globally recognised landmark was an absolute honour. I first became certified in laser cleaning while working on sculpted marble in Washington, DC, and I never imagined I’d get the chance to apply those skills in London, let alone on such an iconic building. It felt surreal at times, standing on scaffolding in front of those magnificent sculptures, knowing that my work was helping to preserve a piece of history for future generations.

If I could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career in the stone industry, I’d say don’t let fear hold you back. When I first started in the industry as a conservation technician in the US, working on the marble of the US Capitol Building, I often felt overwhelmed. But I quickly found my footing, especially after discovering I was surrounded by a team of talented female conservators. That experience gave me the confidence I needed to push forward. Now, working with DBR as both a conservator and marketing officer, I’m proud to highlight the incredible women in our field; I love being able to post about these incredible women on the tools to promote the beauty, strength, and tenacity of women in conservation. My advice to anyone considering this career, particularly women, is to embrace the challenge. 

The stone industry may have traditionally been male dominated, but that’s changing. Pursue your passion, prove any doubters wrong, and show the strength and resilience women bring to the stone industry. There’s a growing space for us in this field, and it’s incredibly rewarding.