Meet Team LAD – Introducing Claire

How did you start working for LAD? 

I applied for a job for a studio assistant two years ago, and wasn’t successful at that time but Lauren got in touch the following year to see if I had any availability to help out over Christmas. We agreed that I would do a couple of days a week to help out until Christmas 2020, but I never left! 

What do you remember from that time? 

Well it was Covid and I remember Lauren was reassuring me that there was plenty of sanitiser and we were social distancing – she was really concerned making sure I was happy coming in. When I arrived I saw she was pregnant which also explained why they needed a bit more help! 

When I first started, I didn’t know all the yarn colour names and just held them up to Sally saying any random colour name that I’d made up before they all sank in! I never thought I’d be able to learn all the names of the colours.

I also remember just thinking that I wanted to knit everything and how beautiful everything was and being scared to death I was going to ruin something! I would also watch Lauren’s stories on Instagram before I came to work to prepare me as to how busy we were that day!

What do you love the most about LAD? 

The LAD’s of course! I just love how lovely everything is – how beautiful the studio is, how supportive the facebook group is, the team, and how nothing ever seems to be too much trouble. Everything is so genuine – what you see is what you get. 

What’s been your biggest challenge? 

Fitting stock into the studio! Since I’ve started we’ve increased our mini mohair range, launched the Big Cotton yarn and British Wool, introduced more patterns and kits with lots of elements that we need to store.

Trying to streamline the studio and fit everything in has definitely been a challenge! It’s easier now we’ve got the storage space but I know that will fill up quickly too.

Another challenge was at the beginning of this year we had so many orders and I’d spend evenings winding yarn and stocking up the shelves only to find them empty the following evening after Sally had packed all the orders – she’s impossible to keep up with!! When we were waiting on yarn deliveries, that was hard too, our suppliers were out of stock due to Covid so we had empty shelves for weeks – so it was definitely tricky at that time.

Favourite IG Account? 

I actually love seeing my friends pop up in my feed. Other accounts though are @eve.at.thrive who is a clinical nutritionist and fertility and womens health specialist. I love @scummymummies because they make me laugh and @thefrugality for lifestyle & budgeting!

Favourite LAD knit? 

I think it has to be the Dreamy Oversized Cardigan because it just wraps you up. I’m into things that feel like a hug!