60 seconds with … Amy Curtis, Sleepeezee

To mark our 60th anniversary in 2023, we highlighted 60 of the industry’s most promising young professionals through our‘60 for 60’ campaign. To discover how they view the trade, Furniture News is inviting these rising stars to share their stories – this month, our quickfire questions go to Amy Curtis, head of marketing at Kent-based bedmaker, Sleepeezee.

How did you come to work in the furniture industry? 

I studied criminology at university, and had actually been accepted onto a graduate scheme for management in the prison service once I finished. It could take up to 18 months to be placed locally, so in the meantime I got a job at another bed company in the sales team. From there, I never looked back!

How has your career progressed since you started?  

I quickly moved into the marketing department and really loved it (beds too!) so I took a CIM course in brand and marketing communications alongside my job to start building my knowledge in the fundamentals of marketing. 

After nearly six years there, I was offered a marketing manager role at Sleepeezee, which then turned into a head of marketing role 18 months later. I am now part of the senior management team at Sleepeezee, helping shape and drive the overall business strategy.

What’s been the biggest surprise in how the industry operates? 

The industry in general can be pretty old school – sometimes it can be about who you know, and not what you know, or do! So it’s always great to nurture and foster good relationships with customers and suppliers. I generally find people stay in the industry a long time, even if they move to another area, which is really positive.

What does being named one of the ‘60 for 60’ mean to you? 

I am extremely proud of this achievement as I’m sure there were a lot of worthy contenders out there. I think it is great that The Furniture Makers’ Company is helping to develop and recognise younger talent within the industry. Ultimately, these will be the people shaping the industry in years to come, so helping to raise awareness amongst a younger generation will hopefully help drive more diversity and talent into this wonderful and unique industry. 

To read the full article on the Furniture News website, click here.