Meet the Members: Jules Parker

This month’s "Meet the Member" features freelance social media maestro, video creator and mum, Jules Parker.

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.

I chose Unicorn Studios because I had struggled to find an affordable office space that was also relaxed. I wanted to meet other creatives, and occasionally talk shop or Netflix gossip. I was nervous walking in but everyone has been really friendly and it's lush to have someone make me a cup of tea occasionally!

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.

What work accomplishments are you most proud of?

I've been lucky to edit videos for household brand names like Disney, Nick Jr., St Tropez and Iceland. This gave me a strong understanding of ensuring a brand's ethos shines through storylines.

I've worked in my comfort zone for creative agencies for years, so I'm proud that I finally stepped out on my own. I honestly worried I wouldn't have enough work, but I've been fortunate.

This week I was looking back at the statistics on the social media accounts I manage. It was affirming to see that everyone has grown, with some lovely viral posts and videos like this for a charity https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYQeXEtoeTi/ and this during the pandemic https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI6XwKvnVEw/ which accrued over 400k views in 24 hours on Instagram.

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.  

What's one of your favourite memories from the last year

Staying up late into the summer evening with friends in the garden, chatting for hours while our kids make Tiktoks. I can't wait for summer again.

What's something you're planning on doing in the next year that you've never done before?

For my birthday present, my family have booked me onto the fastest zip line in the world in Wales. Can... Not... Wait.

What is your hidden talent?

My toes are so long I can hold a brush with my toes to paint?

What would it be if you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something?

Can I become an expert in how to sort out our government? Controversial ;)

What three people would be your fantasy coworkers at Unicorn studios? And why?

Banksy - He could decorate the studio walls (he's done Lowestoft, so why not Unicorn Studios next?), and I'd like to hear his opinions and stories of activism.
Jim Carey - There would never be a dull moment. My son is a mini version of him.
Hollie McNish - She's a unique, gritty poet who gets life.Would you rather be a tiny unicorn or a giant hamster?Unicorn. Hamsters smell funky.

More from Jules on her website, Instagram, Etsy and Linkedin