Marathons, The Ancient House and getting to know Jules

The studio is lively once more with a mix of members old and new. This month we're getting to know one of our new members Jules Parker as well as seeing what studio stalwarts Matt and Rob have been getting up to.

Meet Jules

Tell us a little about yourself and why you come to Unicorn Studios?

Hello! I'm Jules. I run The Thoughtful Studio, a social media creative service.

It's enabled me to bring together my Psychology degree and background in Graphic Design and Video Editing. No day is ever the same. So what do I do?

First, I manage the Social Media accounts for a few brands. Each brand chooses the level of service they need, from planning their social media strategy to creating design and video content, liaising with influencers' to engaging with their communities. It helps business owners focus on the other areas that need them most.

Secondly, I create video content and brainstorm ideas for a couple of top tier influencers.

As a side project, I am currently setting up an online shop providing special occasion stationery. This gives my brain an outlet when I want to get creative in my own way.

What was your first job?

I've worked since I was 14. It was the only way to afford the dresses in Topshop for the village disco, and I constantly needed to pay off Blockbuster fines! Remember that place? You'd forget to return it for one day; suddenly, you owed twenty quid.

I began as a waitress in our local Indian restaurant. It was a lovely team and looking back, it gave me customer services skills I still use today. I also learnt to make a mean curry.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am naturally a night owl. However, I'm constantly battling with myself to blinking go to bed, so my husband doesn't always get the tired, grumpy version of me.

When working at home, what is your guilty pleasure?

In the summer, it's sitting on an outdoor sofa while I work, legs in the sun with a dalgona iced coffee. Living the dream.

Read more of our interview with Jules over on the blog and check out her website and Instagram.

An Ancient House with a new lease of life

Studio member Matt, is helping to host a pop-up department store in the historic town centre building, the Ancient House this month. Ipswich Borough Council are hosting a Welcome Back Ipswich weekend on 12/13 March to encourage people back into the town centre after what have been the weirdest two years.

Over the weekend the Ancient House will be home to amazing local makers and traders, welcoming some out-of-town clothing and homeware brands and hosting tours of the incredible building with some of Ipswich's Town Guides.

It is hopefully the start of a longer-term project for Matt and two other Ipswich business owners, Annie Debrick and Miranda Acres; who are currently negotiating with Ipswich Borough Council to take on the Ancient House and bring it back to life. The plans are to create a vibrant hub with a buzz; a building with a mission and a link between all of our incredible town's amazing assets, and to do this all as a Community Interest Company (meaning that all profits go back into the Ancient House).

Find out more about the Welcome Back Weekend and the group’s plans for Ancient House, visit: www.ancient.house

Everybody wants to run the world… well, maybe just Rob

Co-founder of Unicorn, Rob, is running the Manchester Marathon on Sunday April 3rd. His new obsession built up over lockdown’s since 2020 has led to him taking on the massive challenge.

I never thought I could run 5k again let alone 26.2 miles when I started running! My mate Stu challenged me to run 100k in September 2020, although I did not quite make it I was already hooked and we drove each other on to run 100k the next month. I’ve always been a competitive person so after noting my wife’s cousin, and run buddy, Rebecca’s personal running achievements I started to make plans . Fast forward three pairs of trainers, over 1000 miles in 2021 and the marathon is now my big goal!

Rob’s bib number is 18130 if you want track him live on the day.

Game of Phones

No need to battle to see who can make the loudest phone call anymore… Over the winter months we have been putting the finishing touches to our phone booth. Sound proofing, carpets and heating means the space is complete for use whenever quiet space is needed away from the studio buzz (or ring, ring!).

Have a great month and we look forward to Unicorn Studios having its third birthday in April.

Rob, Dan & Steve