Meet the Browns - Beth

The final human Brown is up as it's Beth's interview this week. Technical and marketing wiz, dog obsessed and often seen wearing some very jazzy clothes for Dulverton (or anywhere else for that matter). 

What is one thing that customers don't know about you?

I have pole danced for 7 years and am a qualified instructor (I teach in Brushford on Tuesday and Friday evenings if you're interested!).

What jobs did you have before joining Browns?

My first job was as a baby sitter. I have worked in nearly every food establishment in Dulverton including Mortimer's, The Lion, The Copper Kettle and the Tongdam. I also taught singing while at university. 

After university I joined an IT company as a sales person (terrible mistake) and then later moved into a bid manager role. After that I worked at a law firm as marketing executive and then marketing manager. I also made dog biscuits for a short while in between jobs, I like to keep busy!

What are the best and worst things about being self employed?

I definitely miss the salary from being employed, as well as the set holiday and sick pay. The best thing is being able to work on something I am truly passionate about and have full control over my work. I genuinely find working for Browns fun, so much so that before I joined I used to take holiday from my actual job to help out and attend trade shows. 

What is your favourite item you have ever had from the shop?

That is sooo tricky as I have so much from the shop which I love. My leopard bookends are probably my favourite just because they are so striking and different, not something you see very often.

If you could take one item from the shop home right now, what would it be?

There are two marble pieces I would love if I had a house of my own.

This beautiful naked lady piece...

...and this Latin piece 

What's your favourite thing about Dulverton?

How beautiful it is. I missed the countryside so much when I lived in Bristol. I love how you can walk 5 minutes from the centre of town and end up in the woodland or a field and feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. I also love that there are SO SO SO many dogs. 

If you could change one thing about the shop, what would it be?

Currently I would add a digital stock tracking system as trying to keep track of stock manually now we are selling in store and on the website is a bit of a nightmare. 

What is your proudest moment?

When I was taking my A levels I developed agoraphobia and suffered panic attacks whenever I was out of the house, my attendance at college dropped bellow 50% and it was suggested that I defer for a year. I was determined not to do this and stuck it out, revising like mad at home. I completed the year with AAA and got into Exeter University to study Law. 

What three things couldn't you live without?

Coffee, friends & family/dogs (I am counting that as one!) and pole dancing 

What is your favourite film?

Maybe a bit childish but I love Ratatouille. It is such a feel good film with such a beautiful soundtrack. 

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going self employed?

You need to be self motivated. I have always been a self starter and someone who likes to keep busy so it's perfect for me as there is always something to do. 

And finally, if you were a dog what breed of dog would you be?

A Shiba Inu because I can take a while to warm up to people but once I do I am fiercely loyal and protective. I am also very strong headed and determined. 

 A few photos

A pole photoshoot while at the University of Exeter

A more recent pole photoshoot

Phil, Seonee and Beth at her graduation

Harvey, Beth and Seonee on holiday in Italy

Bit of modelling for Browns

Missed our last interview with Phil Brown? Find it here.