Stacey Nottingham Director, Bombshell Design
Did you always envisage a career in the Media industry?
From a very young age I always wanted to have and run my own business. I can’t remember specifically what age this began. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do but the older I got, I realised that my talents and love was in drawing. Initially I thought my line of work might take me into fine arts however this changed when I started university. There I discovered a passion for digital art. It was only at this point I knew that graphic design was the way I wanted to go. Then into web and then marketing!! So I suppose the answer is a resounding yes!
What has been your career path so far ?
Once I left university I began, like thousands of other students to search for graphic design work. This was a lot harder than I imagined and as such I had to take jobs in other areas. Through what I can only assume is fate I crossed paths with an old friend who was a graphic designer. She re-located back to the North East after losing her job and without sounding cliché it was a lightbulb moment. We got our heads together and confronted what was a male dominated sector. There were no other female only run design companies and we decided to make that change. I then took over as owner a few years later and the business has gone from strength to strength and continually growing. 19 years in business and still going strong. I totally think working part time when leaving school in various jobs really gave me my confidence, structure and discipline to start my own business.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
The challenges were establishing myself in a world that I had previously found it difficult to get a job in. There were some pre-conceived ideas which I had to battle and I knew that by being myself would ultimately prevail. Slowly this started to gain momentum and I was becoming well known in the Tees Valley area. Personal circumstances took me the South of the country in East Anglia where I spent many years. After several years I realised that the North East was for me. I re-located and again the portfolio of clients began. I’m at a place where I am very happy in life and work and I am overjoyed to being doing business in the greatest part of the country. We have now grown to a team of three and looking forward to what the future holds.
Which fictional media character can you most relate to?
Piglet from Whinnie the Pooh! It’s safe to say I am a worrier. Whilst it frustrates my partner to near death, I try and use it to my advantage and ensure the things I am worried won’t get done, do! – I’m working on it though!
What has been your proudest achievement?
The biggest achievement is actually setting up the business itself. I was fairly young when I did it and had to mature quickly in a business sense. However, like any business, it can have its up’s and downs. I took sole ownership of the business and this came with its own rewards and struggles. I personally, full of self-motivated strength and determination have transformed this business. Bombshell is going from strength to strength and this has only happened because of me and a great family and circle of friends.
Sometimes you have to look back and pat yourself off the back. This has only encouraged me to achieve greater things and really put Bombshell design on the map. My aim is to have Bombshell design as the go to marketing company in the North East and UK. What a goal to have!
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years ?
Like most industries the marketing world is ever evolving. There is no denying that we are now in the digital age and therefore people are more skilled. We are quite and impatient nation so with the evolution of technology we seem to want everything at our fingertips with just one scroll or click away. With AI and other digital sectors continually evolving it is certainly exciting times.
As we move forward, the digital industry is bound to emerge as one of the strongest pillars of global economy. From e-commerce to social media, we already see a shift in the way we interact with each other and with businesses. However, the real transformation is yet to come. Over the next 10 years, we are likely to witness unprecedented innovation, integration and collaboration.
One of the most significant changes is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). With machine learning, natural language processing and advanced analytics, AI is set to transform many industries. From healthcare to finance, from transportation to education, AI will revolutionise the way we work and live. By 2030, it is predicted that AI will have added $15.7 trillion to the global economy.
The digital ecosystem is also likely to become more immersive, interactive and personalized. With virtual and augmented reality, we can expect to see a newfound wave of creativity, where people can experience things like never before. Gaming, tourism and advertising are just a few of the industries which have already started integrating VR/AR in their operations.
Another key trend is the increasing importance of data privacy and security. As data breaches become more common, consumers are demanding stricter policies and better protection of their personal information. Firms who are able to provide transparency and accountability are likely to win the trust of their customers and stay ahead of their competition.
In conclusion, the digital industry will continue to evolve at a rapid pace over the next decade. By embracing newer technologies, enhancing user experiences and prioritizing data privacy, businesses will have the opportunity to stay competitive and thrive in a world that is increasingly digital.
How do you like to unwind?
The simple things in life help me relax and unwind. I like to go for a run with or without the dog and walk her for miles. I do things with my partner and of course a glass of wine and a bubble bath. What female doesn’t like that?
hello@bombshelldesign.co.uk
www.bombshellldesign.co.uk
