So, Louise, tell us about how you came to Quilt Direct?

I was a friend of Katherine’s and I used to run my own business some years ago, so Katherine and I had a lot in common . When my last job ended, Katherine asked me to join her at Quilt Direct.

Can you tell us about your background?

I have mainly worked in the travel and hospitality industry. I had my own travel company for many years where I specialised in horse riding holidays. I have ridden all over the world and have had many exciting adventures on my own and with groups of clients. I lived in Spain for two years and then moved to Portugal where I lived on my Quinta (farm) for seven years.

What about your family?

I have four children. Cameron is 32 and works in hospitality. Emily is 30 and she is a nurse at Derriford hospital. Joe is 14 and he lives with his dad in Portugal and the baby is Jorge who is 12 and he lives with me. I also have a granddaughter, Heidi who is 2!! I have a cat with mental health issues and a dog – I will tell you more about him in another blog.

What keeps you out of trouble in your spare time?

Well, I am quite busy with Quilt Direct weekdays. I help Ali with her garden at the weekend. I like to spend as much time as I can with Jorge – usually catching up with maths homework! But we do like to go to the beach and the cinema. I have some good friends in Tavistock and I like to meet up for a coffee and a natter. I also make cakes!!! Mainly for Quilt Direct for when we have our ladies on our courses in the Bernina Studio.

So, what is your role at Quilt Direct?

My job is twofold, Marketing and Studio. I look after all the social media, so it is me that writes the blogs, does Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I also look after other advertising and organise the shows that Quilt Direct attends. The other part is that I organise all the Bernina Studio classes, Guest Tutors, Lectures and Demo’s. I am currently working on week long Bernina Retreat. This is very exciting and I have potentially six ladies coming from the north of England to spend a week in our studio being taught by Katherine.

What was the worst job you ever had?

Collecting the winning bingo tickets in a bingo hall and calling out the numbers to the bingo caller. It was terrible but someone had to do it I suppose. I did not last long!

Do you have anything on your bucket list?

Oh lordy YES!! I have not been able to travel for a long while. If I could, I dearly wish to take Jorge to Costa Rica as it is amazing. We both want to do the Amalfi Coast and even though I’ve been to India three times, I would love to take him there too. However, those trips aside, if I could, I want to ride across the Andes from Chile to Argentina, that is a four week trek!! Eek!!

 If you had a super power, what would it be?

Interesting…… be invisible? But I think that would cause me a lot of headaches and get me into trouble.

How are your sewing skills?

Ah, sadly somewhat lacking. I have tried to learn to sew many times in my life but did not really achieve anything. I am a complete beginner. Katherine does teach us all on a monthly basis. My ambition sadly does not match my ability, but I persevere! In fact I absolutely adore the quilts and the whole world that it has opened up for me.

Thanks for chatting with us Louise!