in the spotlight:
Lucie Taylor,Finished Goods Manager
Introducing Lucie, our Finished Goods Manager. Over the course of 18 years, Lucie has honed her expertise and demonstrated an unwavering can-do attitude. Starting from dispatching orders in the Stores office, she has steadily climbed the ladder of success, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. Now entrusted with managing her own team in the Finished Goods department which is made up of Swatch, Stores, Packing and Cut lengths. Lucie continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and drive. As Lucie continues to make strides in her career, her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
Introducing Lucie, our Finished Good Manager. Over the course of 18 years, Lucie has honed her expertise and demonstrated an unwavering can-do attitude. Starting from dispatching orders in the Stores office, she has steadily climbed the ladder of success, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. Now entrusted with managing her own team in the Finished Goods department which is made up of Swatch, Stores, Packing and Cut lengths. Lucie continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and drive. As Lucie continues to make strides in her career, her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
When did you start working at the company?
I started here in 2006, and will have been here 18 years in June. I studied art, product design and English and didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in. I travelled for a bit and then started in the Stores Office despatching orders and printing shipping labels for the packers. I had previously only worked in very office based environments so coming into a warehouse setting was very different and a bit daunting, but everyone was extremely welcoming which always makes coming to work a better experience. I worked for Paula Young, the General Manager of Finished Goods.
How far have you come since you started?
After a couple of years, I was made Paula’s Assistant. I have been incredibly lucky to work alongside such a strong female role model and she has been a huge inspiration to me. As the Swatch team grew and we took on more and more of the manufacturing process internally, I was made manager of the Swatch department in 2010. During a two year fabric launch cycle my team would produce over 20,000 pattern books. Being Swatch manager came with responsibility for managing team plus an additional 20-30 temps during busy periods. This involved co-ordinating supply of materials, fabric requirements, planning production, creating prototypes, designing swatch solutions for new products (my study of Product Design finally came in handy!) as well as still assisting Paula in her other projects. In 2012 I was promoted internally to Manager of Finished Goods and now I have two Supervisors and two Team Leaders working for me, who were also recognised for their skills and hard work and were promoted into supervisory positions.
What progress have you seen for women in the industry?
In my experience, Louvolite is good at getting to know the people it hase, recognising where they can be given opportunities to grow and try new things, finding ways to utilise their individual skills and in many cases adapting and creating roles that get the best out of people and give them a chance to succeed. There are so many people here who started out in one area and have developed over time to grow into a role they might never have expected!
Are there any changes that you would like to see for the next generation?
I do think the future generations are becoming increasingly more inclusive to women, as traditional gender roles both at work and at home change, this can only be positive for everyone. We are all people with different skills and abilities, I believe in treating people as individuals and nurturing the skills and interests they have. I have 3 young children, my daughter is 10 and my boys are 8 and I try to instil in all of them that there are no girl’s toys and boy’s toys, there are just toys; and likewise there are no women’s jobs and men’s jobs. There is nothing that her brothers can aspire to that my daughter cannot.
"Stay proactive, stay curious and let your journey unfold"
Lastly, what advice would you give to women who are just starting out?
I would say absorb knowledge like a sponge and actively seek ways to contribute and be involved. By immersing yourself in various experiences, you not only broaden your skill set but also gain valuable insights into different aspects of your field. Keep an open mind and embrace the unexpected twists and turns that may come your way. Sometimes, the most remarkable opportunities arise when you least expect. Your willingness to adapt and seize these chances can lead to exciting avenues you never imagined. So, stay proactive, stay curious, and let your journey unfold with enthusiasm and determination!
Lastly, what advice would you give to women who are just starting out?
I would say absorb knowledge like a sponge and actively seek ways to contribute and be involved. By immersing yourself in various experiences, you not only broaden your skill set but also gain valuable insights into different aspects of your field. Keep an open mind and embrace the unexpected twists and turns that may come your way. Sometimes, the most remarkable opportunities arise when you least expect. Your willingness to adapt and seize these chances can lead to exciting avenues you never imagined. So, stay proactive, stay curious, and let your journey unfold with enthusiasm and determination!
Lastly, what advice would you give to women who are just starting out?