Meet our Head of Fulfilment, Lesley Girvan!

Creating a close knit community is even more important to us than our beloved handbags, and with our fabulous joy squad growing each day, we wanted to take some time to introduce each one of our incredible staff members to you all.

Today we sat down with Head of Fulfilment, Lesley Girvan to find out exactly what she loves about the brand, her wardrobe must haves and her long friendship with Sarah.

 

I’ve known Sarah for 30 years and always admired her drive and determination. Sarah made me my first VVA (as her brand was known then) handbag in 2012. We met up one afternoon for a style consultation and chatted about what  I would like and then Sarah designed my first “Sarah” bag. I was absolutely delighted with it. It’s definitely going to be one for the SH museum in years to come.  Sarah and I attended many events together in Glasgow and Edinburgh in the early days where we would showcase some of Sarah’s designs, hoping for some interest. We would jump for joy if someone placed an order following the event and often wondered if all our time and hard work would pay off. I loved helping Sarah at these events and then in the summer of 2020, Sarah asked me if I would like to join her and Martina as the Fulfilment Manager. This was a complete change of career for me and I felt honoured to join the team. 

 

 

Prior to joining SH, my career was in banking for 25 years and I worked for the Halifax Building Society which then merged with Bank of Scotland to become HBOS. In 2009, when Lloyds acquired the company, I decided to accept an offer of voluntary redundancy and my intention at that time was to consider setting up my own business, however during that year I was involved in some voluntary work at a local school. I absolutely loved interacting with both pupils, teachers and parents. I was then offered a permanent role in a school, where I supported children with Additional Learning and Support Needs. I also ran the school choir and attended many meetings and training courses which helped further develop my love of the job. After 11 years of working in education I joined SH in 2020!

 

 

According to my husband, everything in my wardrobe because it is bursting at the seams although I still complain that I have nothing to wear!

I do have to admit to having a thing for boots (ankle, knee high, flat, heeled, even cowboy - you name it, I have a pair in every style!)

 

 

I love both. I usually use a maxi bag for work and travelling however I tend to use a mini bag more for socialising or popping out for some retail therapy. My favourite work bag is the classic Dahlia, as I love to be organised and it holds everything I need for a day in the office. Jessica is my flight companion as she carries everything I need and fits perfectly under the seat in front. Jasmine or Mini D are my minis of choice. I also love to attach an Ivy to Jasmine to give her that extra space.

 

I love a bit of animal print. I particularly love my porcelain Jasmine with leopard cream accessories, and I love my disco glamour Mini D for a glam day out.

 

 

I love when customers visit Joy HQ and I can help them find their special bag combination. I also love chatting to people about our amazing bag concept and introducing them to our wonderful world of SH handbags.

It’s always lovely to receive feedback too from our customers when they receive their box of goodies as our team take great pride in ensuring our customers’ orders are always beautifully packed. 

Being part of such an exciting journey with Sarah and the team is a definite highlight. I live locally so the five minute drive to work is an added bonus!

 

 

My family and friends bring me joy especially my daughter Jenna who, at 21, has grown into a strong, independent woman. We have lots of fun and laugh a lot together, but oh the state of her bedroom drives me mad as I am slightly obsessed with tidiness. A tidy home also brings me joy!