14 AUTUMN//WINTER 2017 NAME: Jennifer Rea COMPANY: Ink Monkey Art JOB TITLE: Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Started a retail space selling stationery and art supplies, expanding to provide a printing, binding and laminating service. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS:“A great looking business and excellent consumer engagement.” JF:“I am impressed by her drive to create, build and manage a physical and online community for creatives in her area.” WV:“She demonstrates passion, creativity and an innovative approach to her business.” NAME: Lianne Devonish COMPANY: NPW Gifts JOB TITLE: Product Developer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Key member of the Product Development team. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV:“Lianne is a hard-working, creative and committed young professional.” JF:“A perfectionist in her role and a resourceful, helpful team member.” NAME: Natalie Lea Owen COMPANY: Natalie Lea Owen JOB TITLE: Founder and Designer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Surface pattern designer who started her own independent stationery brand in 2015. Her products are now stocked in stores internationally. She was a finalist in the 2016 Etsy Awards. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV:“To set up as a freelance designer after graduating, and then to create her own range of products shows courage, creativity and determination.” JF:“A talented illustrator with an eye for current stationery trends. Her ‘can-do’ attitude inspires me.” NAME: Nikki Strange COMPANY: Nikki Strange JOB TITLE: Designer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Self-funded setting up her own business in 2013 with an initial line of notebooks, which she has expanded to include more stationery – greeting cards, notepads, planners and accessories. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS:“A very impressive website and a good product range. Her list of suppliers is impressive too. Her attitude to hard work, and her understanding that starting a business takes commitment, is commendable.” NAME: Joshua Allsopp COMPANY: OPI JOB TITLE: Reporter JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: News reporter focusing on office products and supplies; rejuvenating social media and video content for the well- established trade title. Part of the BOSS Leaders of the Future committee, where he looks after the communications side of things. He is also helping to set up an LGBT+ support network for the office supplies and stationery industry alongside BOSS. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF:“Joshua has made a significant impact in a relatively short space of time.” NAME: MaryYusuf COMPANY: Cocoon – Home & Stationery JOB TITLE: Founder and Creative Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Created her own stationery line, sold through her online store. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV:“She is a determined and self-motivated individual with a passion for stationery.” JF:“I’m impressed. Only 25 and already a Boss Lady.” NAME: Natalie Richardson COMPANY: Mall Galleries JOB TITLE: Bookshop Manager JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Sources new product lines, analyses buying patterns of designs and listens to customer feedback. Started a new range promoting artists exhibiting in the galleries. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV:“Natalie’s decisions are based on analysis and customer feedback, and she is sensitive to pricing. Her idea to promote the work of visiting artists through greeting cards shows innovation and she has an eye to the future with a desire to grow the stationery range.” NAME: Qusai Jafferji COMPANY: Newmans Stationery Ltd. JOB TITLE: Head of Sales & Marketing JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Works across website design and digitisation of the printing side of the business, and directly with clients.Works with the community to promote local small businesses. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV:“There is certainly evidence of Qusai’s commitment to his role within the stationery industry, but equally impressive is his involvement with charity organisations in the commitment, which will help reflect positively on the stationery industry.”