Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
I spent 14 years as part of the start-up team at Ocado, leaving my role as Head of Marketing in 2015 to pursue my own ventures. I co-founded MILK Wellbeing, bringing beauty and wellness services into offices and homes, and sold the business in 2018. In 2023, after 4 years of education, research and planning, I launched my lifelong dream: Anara Skincare: A capsule range that blends luxury, nature and self-care without compromise. Created for sensitive skin and all life stages, Anara won 22 prestigious industry awards within its first year and is proudly certified vegan and cruelty-free.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
No two days are the same, which is exactly how I like it. I split my time between product development, marketing, customer experience, and growing our retail partnerships. I still hand-pack most orders myself, which keeps me connected to the details and to our customers. Mornings are usually focused on customer connection and strategy, while afternoons are for calls and creative collaboration. I also carve out time for thinking space: walking, researching, and listening to customer feedback. As a founder, the work is never done, but that’s part of the joy.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
Launching Anara Skincare has been the most rewarding milestone and the result of everything that came before. My time at Ocado taught me how to grow and scale a business with innovation and customer-first thinking. With MILK, I learned how to build a brand from scratch and bring wellness into everyday life. Both ventures gave me the experience and clarity to create Anara - a brand rooted in nature, luxury and care. Bringing it to life after four years of research, and seeing it support so many with sensitive skin, has been the most meaningful and fulfilling moment of my career so far.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Studying Maths and Management at Brunel gave me a strong foundation in both analytical thinking and business strategy. The four-year sandwich course, including a year in industry, gave me valuable real-world experience early on — something that proved vital when working in fast-paced start-ups like Ocado. The blend of academic learning and practical application helped shape my approach to building and scaling businesses. On a personal note, Brunel was also where I met my husband, so it has been a special part of my life both personally and professionally.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I was drawn to Brunel by its strong reputation and the Maths and Management course, which offered a great mix of analytical and business skills. The sandwich year especially appealed with the chance to gain real work experience while still having the structure and support of university life. I enjoyed the campus atmosphere, made lifelong connections. Brunel holds very fond memories for me, both personally and professionally. I’d absolutely recommend it to others.
What is your best memory of studying here?
Some of my fondest memories of Brunel are rooted in the everyday moments - studying with friends, late-night conversations, and the vibrant energy of campus life. It was a time of learning, growing, and discovering who I wanted to become. It’s also where I met my husband, which makes my time there especially meaningful. Brunel was the starting point for so many parts of my journey - friendships, confidence, and a strong foundation for life beyond university. It gave me more than a degree. It gave me the space and support to grow into the person I am today.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Be open to the journey not going exactly to plan, because that’s often where the most meaningful opportunities lie. The skills you’re building now, both inside and outside the lecture theatre, will serve you in ways you can’t yet imagine. Say yes to real-world experiences, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path, even if it looks different to others. And above all, back yourself. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about trusting that you’ll figure things out. That mindset has guided me through every stage of my career and life.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out because most people don’t. Your first step doesn’t define your whole career, so focus on gaining experience, building resilience, and learning what energises you. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Keep an open mind, work hard, and stay curious. Every role, even the ones that don’t feel perfect, will teach you something valuable. Most importantly, trust yourself. You don’t need to have all the answers, just the willingness to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward with purpose.
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