Hi, I’m Abi! I’m a Foresight Writer at The Future Laboratory; here I’m able to research trends and write about them to help brands futureproof themselves. Unfortunately, this is not aided by a crystal ball! I have a background in fashion, having studied at London College of Fashion and spent my childhood pouring over magazines. I’m constantly curious and obsessed with exploring new places, and finding my way around the best coffee spots and book shops. I’ve also really enjoyed working on my fitness; particularly running and yoga. And at some point would love to become a yoga teacher, among other things!
I’m extremely passionate about creativity – whether that’s expressed through clothing, artistic practice, sound or words. I love anything that allows people to engage with and communicate messages in a way that is meaningful to them. I’m also a passionate traveller. I love soaking up the idiosyncrasies of different cultures and people, and using this as inspiration for my own ideas.
I recently started my role as Foresight Writer at The Future Laboratory. It still feels slightly surreal to me to be working at The Future Laboratory, because it’s somewhere I had wanted to work for a while. I initially applied for the company’s graduate scheme when I first finished university but was unsuccessful. I then took another full time position for a year, which allowed me to save money and go travelling. In hindsight, I’m really pleased with how everything worked out. I’m constantly grateful I was able to take time out between jobs to experience different cultures and really think about the direction I wanted to go in. Some of my biggest learnings in my journey so far is to learn embrace when things don’t quite go to plan, and enjoy the more unexpected moments.
It really varies for me because sometimes I feel particularly creative at night, feeling like I can get into the flow when everything else is quiet and there are no other distractions. Other times, I like to get up really early and write something before I start work. I often feel more productive and creative on days when I’ve exercised. Going for a long run or having a good yoga session seems to settle my mind enough to help me get into an effective working state.
I’ve recently moved to Lower Clapton in London.
I like how it feels like a village in London, it’s an area with very few large chain shops and the area where I live feels very residential. It’s close enough to the canal and Hackney Marshes that I can easily reconnect with nature. It is also well connected to the rest of East London. I think Chatsworth Road makes the area unique – with its Sunday market with quirky independent shops and cafes. It’s just somewhere I always like to explore when I take breaks.
There’s a few cute cafes on Chatsworth Road, like Millfields and Austra – which also doubles up as a small second hand shop! I haven’t been inside yet, but The Castle Cinema close by also looks interesting. It’s also right next to the Eat17, a gourmet Spar, which is is probably the hippest convenience store I’ve ever seen.
I would try to make more equal opportunities for people, ensuring the creative industries are open to people from different backgrounds. I would start by making sure work experience placements accessible and egalitarian so the future of the sector is more diverse and representative of society.
If you want to meet people like Abi, participate in paid brand projects & contribute to creative activities you can join The Sense Network.
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