Car selfie on my way there (I’m a passenger obviously)! Dress gifted by Great Plains.
My work as a professional blogger is so diverse that no day is ever the same and I love it all, firstly documenting our lives as family right here along with my other passions- food, beauty and style.
A lot of my paid work focuses on making sponsored posts and advertising interesting, dynamic and engaging and the most fun has to be my modelling and ambassador deals (I have another shoot coming up in a few weeks for Nova Harley).
New exciting developments to my career have seen me take on new clients for consultancy and mentoring work and I’m also speaking at blogging events solo or on panels to other bloggers and global brands.
I will be speaking at the IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau in November) and was honoured to speak at Tots100‘s Blog Camp (I’m linking my Top 10 Blogging Tips post from my sessions to #brilliantblogposts too in case you missed it).
Above with Marketing Manager Emma
Yesterday, I was hired to speak to John Lewis (management and employees from many branches) on Cosatto‘s behalf who are stocked in John Lewis stores nationwide, about my blogging career and my work with Cosatto.
It’s wonderful to be flying the flag for how parenting bloggers are vital to advertising campaigns for brands worldwide!
Incidentally John Lewis also advertise with me too so it was a perfect way to discuss how I work with both brands, both whom I love (I only work with brands that fit my ethos and I deem are of interest to you, my readers).
I must add I haven’t been paid to write this post-solely to speak at Cosatto but I thought it might be interesting to see into a different side of my blogging work life!
…A Charlie and the Chocolate factory equivalent for gorgeous kids products-as Cosatto’s tagline states, they truly are ‘baby stuff with personality’.
HQ is a visual feast of vibrant, bold, patterned prams, pushchairs, car seats and more and the WHOLE place is nothing short of JOYOUS!
…My lovely Dad, Papa G drove me to Bolton that morning (apologies to his two secretaries and 4 restaurants that I stole him away from for the day) but he saved me from crazy-early train journeys (two) and really he is the best Dad in the world! So much fun to be around-a big kid really!
He had a lot of fun drinking coffee, feasting on a spectacular lunch (thanks Cosatto) and reading his paper in the plush offices-I just had to snap him behind this wall too!
…Back to HQ-bunting, scandi style lights, a metal slide that takes you from office to showroom (so much fun-went down when everyone left) stripy tables filled with jars of multicoloured sweets, even the toilets screamed colour with green and orange walls and toilet paper (really)! Cosatto live and breathe their art and really know what stylish parents want in their lives!
These are the toilets above (I know)!
The offices and showrooms are not open to the public, just the buyers so it’s awesome to give you a sneak peak into the ‘behind the scenes’ of the brand!
Original, innovative, modern and utterly distinctive, Cosatto are a company I admire hugely and feel privileged to work with.
Emma, their Marketing Manager is so similar to me it’s scary-she, an Italian background, I Greek, we like to chat as much as each other and are a lively twosome together! We just click and in work, as in life, it’s amazing to have great relationships with those you need to spark off creatively!
…New friend we picked up!
And I’ve tried and tested Cosatto! The Ooba pram in duck egg that Emma gifted us earlier this year really is our all time favourite pram ever.
I can’t push it anywhere longer than a minute before the admiring glances start and I’m often stopped to ask where it’s from on my travels!
…Starting 45 years ago, this is a brand with a strong British heritage that really does its research.
It was fabulous to meet CEO Andrew Kluge below and listen to the design team, the Creative and Marketing Director and Social Media Head of Department speak about their roles and sources of inspiration from parents to Pinterest and fashion magazines…Most of all their passion, everyone’s passion there, is so evident and infectious.
So much so, Emma said she loves her job so much, she wants to always work there unless she dies! Now that’s love for your job if ever I heard it!
Before long it was my time to speak.
Presenting to a large group of experts in their field from John Lewis, behind me a projector of slide shows Emma had created about my blogging work-a visual media pack mentioning my followers, readers and reach along with press cuttings and family pictures, it was all so exciting. It was my time to shine and inform the audience of how important we bloggers are and about my relationship with Cosatto.
I don’t want this post or any of my posts to be ‘Hey look at me, I rock’ not at all, more that it’s quite an incredible world us bloggers are working in right now!
I find it so rewarding to champion parenting bloggers and inform others about our HUGE potential and worth.
People will never stop having kids and they will always need and want honest voices firstly-blogs for advice, support, love and humour and they will also want trusted opinions on products they want for themselves and their families.
This put parenting bloggers in a power of authority, we are influencers.
However big or small you deem your blog, your readership is specific and targeted, you are a trust worthy voice to your readers and thus, vital to advertisers and brands.
With the inequality for parents in the workforce a very real stumbling block (particularly for women), blogging is enabling us all to have a voice and make a living doing something WE love that works around our families.
It’s such an incredible time to be a blogger and what I love most about my job aside from actually tapping away at my laptop to create these posts, is getting out there and hopefully inspiring other bloggers and brands on just how much parenting bloggers ROCK. Because you do and OK maybe I rock a little bit too!
Thanks for reading!
Hello. This is a great insight into your day, what bloggers are capable of and how much influence they can have. Thanks for this really interesting post! 🙂
You are 100% achieving what you say as you have very much inspired me in my early blogging career – thank you 🙂 Your dad looks fab! xx
That is so lovely of you to say, so pleased, thank you. Papa G is the man x
Amazing day and always so inspiring to see how you’ve managed to carve out a succesful career with your blogs. Also talk about incredible brand engagement. Cosatto’s looks like a theme park instead of a store. Love it!! x
Sharmin recently posted…Juice & Salad: Easy does it
Thanks Sharmin, they are amazing huh, the best place to work ever, loved every minute of it. Thanks for your lovely words x
I want to move in to Cosatto!!! What a fabulous event – and I’m so proud of you, totally awesome that you’ve got our backs 🙂 you are rocking it and I love your dad, he looks so proud too! Much love!! Xx
Hannah MumsDays recently posted…Jesmond Dene House
Thanks Hannah was such a fab day and lovely to spend time with Papa G! xx
Love that your dad took you… Love that having a fantastic fully fledged successful blogging career DOESN’T mean leaving your kids or your family by the wayside. I love seeing how you manage it all in a way that keeps your family as your first priority.
…Sounds like you had a fantastic day 🙂
Steph @MisplacedBrit recently posted…5 Instant Pick Me Up Tools for Parents
That means a lot to me Steph, my family are number 1 and it’s because and for them that I can do all of this. My Dad is an inspiration, a successful caring entrepreneur-was so fun to hang out together too!
Hey lady, you totally rock and you’re a great ambassador for parent bloggers! I’m particularly impressed with the discreet crossing of the legs for coming down the slide 🙂
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…The Jekyll and Hyde of Gentle Parenting
Haha! Thanks darling Zena, was so much fun hanging out with you at Tots100 Blog Camp, thanks for being so lovely (ladylike slide pose-ha)! x
GOOD WORK Honey! Congratulations to you all for finding each other and working together so brilliantly. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer recently posted…The Pluses and Minuses of our Mark Warner Holiday in Lemnos.
Thanks Anya for your lovely comment!
What a great gig 🙂 I love Cosatto and in fact I spotted our changing table in one of your photos! Looks like you had so much fun and thanks for sharing our blogging world with those two great brands x
Franglaise Mummy recently posted…Breastfeeding: What they don’t tell you
My pleasure, a real privilege and joy x
FAB post, it’s so interesting to get a behind-the-scenes peek at your work and also at Cosatto HQ. I have to say I’m practically drooling over the pics – there is just SO much colour! We have a Cosatto travel pushchair and we love it. It’s so different from anything else out there and even the very style-conscious Milan mamas often ask me where I got it 🙂
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork recently posted…Crackers for Cloth III – Cracking the maths: how many washable nappies do I need?
It is bursting with colour and love their whole ethos, so stylish, no wonder the Milan Mums love yours!
Glad to hear you’ve been flying the flag for us bloggers. I can think of few better qualified to do it! #brilliantblogposts
John Adams recently posted…Short story; Opposites attract
That is very kind John, thank you!
Wow what an amazing place to work. Thank you for all your blogging promotion as well!
Mum in a Nutshell recently posted…My Top 10 Baby Buys
Gorgeous isn’t it?!
Fab post. Cosatto is such a cool brand, I love the pushchairs and highchairs and the offices are awesome!
Emma recently posted…5 Easy Halloween crafts
They are wonderful x
I have to confess to being mightily impressed that you’ve carved out a career as a blogger. I’m sure that it takes a large amount of effort and energy which you apparently have in shedloads.
Al Coates recently posted…Men
Thanks very much Al, it’s a brilliant time to be a blogger and these last few years have seen me go full time, I’m so passionate about it and thankful it works well around my family, thanks for your lovely words!
Amazing! You are such an inspiration to bloggers like me. I think it’s so sweet your dad went along and that you have such a nice relationship. The offices look so cool, what a fun place to work. I’m sure the people there were blown away by your talk. And you look amazing as always, gorgeous dress gorgeous lippy! Well done xx
Amy Treasure recently posted…Garfunkel’s in Bath-Preview Christmas Menu
Thanks so much Amy for your lovely comment, means a lot, Dad is such a trouper and we had lots of fun together x
Firstly, well done – such a wonderful achievement! Secondly I love these pics ha ha! Especially the slide ones, just fab. Cosatto HQ looks utterly beautiful xx
Potty Mouthed Mummy recently posted…Opposites Attract | The Prompt
Thanks so much lady, it’s a stunning HQ and it was a joy to talk to everyone x
Such a wonderful post. It just proves that we are a force to be reckoned with and our voices are heard
PS Cosatto blooming ROCK
Clare @ Emmys Mummy recently posted…First term of school – We survived!!
We are super powerful Clare, we know it and the brands know it and Cosatto and JL value us, a lot x
I love the fact you’ve been able to carve out a professional career doing what you do, Vicki. It’s so important – even to those of us for whom blogging will never be more than a part-time hobby – to see the value that someone who is professional and enthusiastic can bring to both brands and fellow bloggers. It underlines the value of the blogging community as a whole. Keep up the good work!
Tim recently posted…Six of the best
Your words mean so much to me Tim, thank you!
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum’s Hot List
Wow. Those offices look amazing and it’s fantastic to hear more about what you get up to as a professional blogger. It’s my goal for my blog, but if I’m half as successful at is as you are, I’d be very happy! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Shannon recently posted…Forward Motion Achievement unlocked! Level up.
That is such a lovely comment, thank you so much and what’s so wonderful is it’s all there for the taking so go for it x
I think I may need to have another baby just so I can buy a Cosatto pushchair! I love the range of colours they have, and designs.
What an amazing opportunity for you to talk to those people, as well as visiting the Cosatto HQ! It looks fantastic! xx
Lauren recently posted…Love The Little Things | 171014
Ha Lauren I said the same thing to Emma, so much gorgeous stuff, I’m sad Alexander is getting bigger. Not broody though. Such a gorgeous company, love everything there and it was an honour to speak x
Awesome post – it looks like a great time was had by all, and such a mutually beneficial relationship, it’s great to see win-wins in this way. Really great to see inside a brand a little bit too, I never knew anything about Cosatto but posts like this are so great to spread their actual culture, which is so important to parents. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Mackenzie recently posted…6 Great Toys for 6-12 month olds – to light the learning fire!
That’s lovely to hear, their culture and ethos is so strong and solid and fun. They truly care and are innovators, it’s really inspiring x
you really go from strength to strength. Well done on all your hard work. P.s the Cosatto offices is so vibrant. I love!
Thanks so much lovely, gorgeous place isn’t it!? x
Well done – you go girl. So, so proud of you. BTW, the Cosatto offices look like a playground, not an office which I LOVE! Can’t wait to see whats next in your wonderful blogging career x
Ebabee recently posted…The cutest knitted baby booties
Oh thanks so much Nomita, you lovely lady, really loved it there, you are so right, so much fun! Such a wonderful environment to work in, so creative x
What an amazing work environment, thanks for the behind the scenes peek 🙂 Love how you are championing bloggers in this way, fantastic work Vicki x
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…Our Garden: the digging commences
You are really going from strength to strength. Well done on all your hard work!! My gosh the Cosatto is just so vibrant. I love!
Thanks so much Joy, such a gorgeous place huhx
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum’s Hot List
Oh, the COLOUR! And the SLIDE! I want to work there. Heck – I want to live there!!
Amber recently posted…Thirty-Seven Weeks (and what is Obstetric Cholestasis?!)
Haha! Me too x
I love the way you talk about blogging / bloggers – so empowering! Looks like an inspiring day and I love the design feel of Cosatto HQ, so happy.
Sian recently posted…Autumn Salt Dough Leaves
Thanks so much Sian, it was a real honour and Cosatto HQ is dreamy x
Love this post – for your championing of bloggers, great writing style, foxy dad, but most of all cos you managed to get a shot of you coming down the slide without flashing your kecks! Congrats on a great role with both these companies. x
Jess Paterson recently posted…Gross! The Things We Eat For Our Kids
Thanks so much for your touching words Jess, memeans so much to me and I’m crying with laughter here-my Dad will love you forever now x
Wow what amazing offices! I think everyone would want to work there, fabulous post. Thanks for showing us behind the scenes x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Weight Loss Weigh in #2- Sponsored by Diet Chef
They are fab aren’t they! So glad you enjoyed the post x
I love this post! And I think I’ve fallen in love with Cosatto; what a bright and colourful work environment! Well done on being hired to speak, that’s really brilliant for you.
Popping over from Brilliant Blog Posts.
Thanks very much lovely lady, Cosatto are a gorgeous brand, loved how passionate and happy the team were too, a great ethos right through the company and the products are just stunning x
Such a cool brand and i love the offices!
I’ve never been that bothered about buggies – i’ve only ever had one which is very old and tatty now. Cosatto however might be the one that sways me 😉 I just love the colours and designs x
p.s looks like you did a fab job – go you!
Hurrah For Gin recently posted…School – what’s the crack?
They are super cool aren’t they, if anyone will sway you, they will-gorgeous! Thanks love!
What a fun looking place! I love Cosetto the stuff is so bright and fun!
Seychellesmama recently posted…Another tale of a messy play fail!
Thanks so much, fab place!
Such a great post – I love it when you visit a place of work and you can tell everybody absolutely loves and is proud to work there – speaks volumes for the brand.
Samantha Rickelton recently posted…What it means to win NE Blogger of the year
It really does show and it’s such a happy, positive, productive place to be x
What a brilliant insight and how stunning are those offices! I could have taken you to Bolton and showed you all the sights (I went to Uni there you know!) 😉 Brilliant post darling, love the way in which you champion bloggers too, as always xxx
Katie / Pouting In Heels recently posted…Today I am pissed off because…
Thanks Katie, did you? Oh let’s do a day there and night out in Manchester, thanks for lovely words x
My goodness- their offices look AMAZING! What a fun and creative place to work!
Katie @mummydaddyme recently posted…You Are Nearly Four…And An Apology.
Amazing aren’t they Katie! x
What a lovely office! We had a Cosatto stroller with my first and loved it, great brand.
Really interesting to see behind the scenes!
Xx
JoyandPops recently posted…San Francisco to L.A Family Road Trip!
Glad you enjoyed the post, stunning place and brand x
Aw you are so inspiring! What a wonderful opportunity. The offices look amazing! that slide! Wow! You looked beautiful as usual 🙂 x
vicki-elliebearbabi recently posted…“Never have two kids”
You are too lovely, I forgot my mascara as did make up in the car so didn’t feel I looked my best so thank you xx
Wow that looks awesome. Well done you x
Susan Mann recently posted…Talent – The Gallery 205
Thanks lovely x
I freakin’ love you Vicki Psarias. That is all.
PS Loved seeing you on the slide, but Papa G steals the show. And how can I work at Cosatto? That office is the bomb shizzle!
Babes about Town recently posted…Adventures in London: Climbing Up at the O2
Haha love you too Uju, Papa G is the man huh, love that dude. I know, I want work there too x
We totally need that polka dot buggy in our lives… and I need to go and work for Cosatto because this is amazing. Brilliant post xx
Ps – Could you please ask Emma where I can buy her dress? xx
Gorgeous aren’t they. It’s Bowden, beautiful huh x
Can I adopt your Dad too? Well done and congrats, it’s great to see what you’ve achieved and how you can continue inspiring companies to work with bloggers. x
Donna recently posted…Mummy SOS: My Child Vomits when he Chokes
Ha you can, thanks for your kind words x
Love the fact you went down the slide, so you! Looks like you nailed it lovely. Go girl! So proud of you, and the fact you are my friend. Is it bad I have never reviewed anything from Cosatto on All baby Advice in my blogging career of almost 6 years? Love the colours!
Mirka Moore @Kahanka recently posted…My Pampering Day with John Lewis intu Watford
Ha couldn’t resist, thanks so much, amazing day-sure they’ll know about you hun, I was saying I might need to have another baby to keep working with them hehe! x
I follow Cossato on Instagram…I love their offices,I’m so jealous you got to visit!
becky recently posted…Oh No!! Kids Say The Funniest Things!
Gorgeous aren’t they!
What an insight! Thank you for sharing this sneak peek behind the scenes of a pro blogger and also such a fab brand! I don’t knowing about Cosatto but now see what a great brand they are; fun, positive and very well thought out.
And you look FAB!
Helen | cocomamastyle recently posted…Updating your LBD
So glad I’ve introduced you to them because they are wonderful x
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum’s Hot List
The more I read about your dad, the more I want him to adopt me! He seems like such a fantastic dad, granddad, chef, private chauffeur… Those offices are so funky and the atmosphere seems rather relaxed. I would love one of those colourful pushchairs for Wriggly: they are so unique! x
Mel recently posted…A Present with a Difference
He is wonderful Mel and runs 4 restaurants too so I stole him from his secretaries yesterday, love hanging out with him. Cosatto are a stunning brand x