Please note that this was a PR invite.

…..

‘Do you know The Barn?’

The taxi driver gave me a nod. ‘I know where you are headed.’

Good, that made one us.

Five minutes later we pulled up to a magnificent building, on a rainy Tuesday, in April. I had arrived at Joules HQ. The Bloxham PR team greeted me with such a warm welcome and with open arms. I quickly met the other invitees as well as we swapped pleasantries and intros about ourselves. I downed the last remaining drops of my cappuccino and it was time for the day to start!

Gasp! The Joules head office is huge, big enough to have a mock shop inside of it! We were led to the cutest table set up. The name cards were handwritten in calligraphy and all the little details, like the flowers, the yellow-striped straws and crafted sweets were just so elegantly put together. The picnic theme was on point. We were welcomed to browse the Spring/Summer pieces and the star of the show was the new collection, ‘Be A Good Sport’.

Founder, Tom Joule gave a brief introduction to the brand and then we were invited to a picnic style luncheon, with Tom and Alice Joule, and fellow Joules creators. I had the pleasure of speaking with the Head of Marketing, talking about everything, from the vision of Joules that lies ahead, to our recent holiday trips! I must admit, I did feel a little intimidated. I was so impressed by my fellow creators’ stature. But what I have learned over the years is that you are always right where you should be. I breathed in and out, allowed the negative feeling to pass through me and carried on with the excitement of the day.

*The buzz was contagious, such a wonderful group of people coming together.*

After our lunch, we were treated to an exclusive Q&A with British Event Rider, Emily King. Emily is eventing ‘royalty’, in that her mother won Badminton twice, and at Burghley. She is also a 6x Olympian and x13 time winner of senior championship medals. One could imagine that it must be challenging to follow in a successful parent’s footsteps, but Emily takes it all in her stride, and she does so with such energetic force and gracefulness, that she is completely admirable. She has been competing since she was a pre-teen (I think I was still playing with Bratz dolls then)! It was such a pleasure to hear her story, the process that goes into eventing and her hopes for the future.

As Joules are the official partner for the Badminton Horse Trials and Emily is competing there, we wish them all luck for the big event!

*Tom Joule hosting a Q&A session with event rider, Emily King.*

*We were kept thoroughly refreshed and fed!*

A quick recess and then I was delighted to find out that Alice Joule, Head of Creative would take us through a preview of some of her favourites pieces, in the brand new Spring/Summer collections. It was a feast for the eyes! I wholeheartedly could walk away with half of the collections, because the pieces were stunning. Every piece was elevated, the patterning, the cuff details, each item was a wardrobe staple. Not only that, but they were not afraid to have fun! The cream jumper with tennis embroidery cheekily coined, ‘Kiss My Ace’ on the back.

Tom and Alice totally understood that yes, spring and summer are opportunities to get dressed up and show a little more skin. But it’s also a time to wind down and have some fun - alfresco dining, BBQs with friends and family, road trips, girls/boys nights out. The warmer weather invites us to play! Joules offers you the chance to be multifaceted in your clothing, the same way you are as a person.

*You could feel her excitement fill the room! Alice Joule (Head of Creative) taking us through some of her favourite pieces.*

This quilted jacket was the moment. We all tried it on!

Preppy, classic, holiday - there was something for everyone. This jacket set my heart aflutter!

We were refuelled yet again and ready for our next activity in the itinerary. We headed upstairs and received an exclusive, a first hand look at the design process and experience with the print team. This was magic, because here, we could see how ideas were formed. From the very first vision boards, to swatches and building up colours, as well as the print team’s expertises at hand drawing and painting designs that end up on some many pieces. It was such a privilege to listen to the artistry that goes into the Joules clothing.

Before we knew it, it was almost time to end the day…but not just yet! My fellow Joules creators and I were split into smaller groups and we had a lovely chance to play a rugby game, hosted by Ollie Hassell-Collins (plays for the Leicester Tigers). I was too shy to play it myself - I was terrible at P.E. in school and the game reminded me too much of school trauma haha! I did enjoy watching however, and some of the gals were pretty darn good!

*A cheeky rugby game that I was too scared to play!*

*A little BTS of the Joules photoshoot.*

To round off the day, we were given a chance to have professional photographs taken at the studio. This was such an incredible moment, at least for me. For one, I have not had professional photography done at this level before. I was excited and nervous. It’s funny, I shoot content all the time and I am mostly behind and in front of the camera. But suddenly, I got all timid. Taking photos of myself, alone and set up in my own space was one thing. A full studio, with lighting and props set up, and an audience of people watching you - was a whole other thing. But I am so glad I went ahead and did this!

The entire day was absolutely immeasurable. I had my first encounter with Joules last year at Burghley and began to get to know the team a little better. Now, with events like this one and the upcoming Badminton, I feel a stronger connection to the brand and a deeper understanding of what Joules are accomplishing with each season. I don’t take these kinds of opportunities for granted. I am still far too much of a novice to consider myself as ‘made it.’

These event invites are a wonderful open door to build better relationships with brands, agencies and with you, my lovely readers. You come with me on these journeys. You encourage me to step out of the background and stand in front. I feel tremendous strength in sharing these adventures with you. Each time I attend, I feel more confident. Thank you for coming with me. It wouldn’t be happening without you.

I also must take this opportunity to thank Joules for these amazing events and for believing in our partnership. As always, I have to also thank Bloxham PR, the team is such an incredible bunch and are always so supportive. I want to continue telling these stories and giving insights on what these ‘influencer’ events are like. So stay tuned until next time.

“Be A Good Sport”

Badminton Horse Trials

Winchester