Finding the Right Career

Finding the Right Career

WITH KIM, FOUNDER OF HALF BAKED LONDON

This is a special edition of IAB magazine marking the one year anniversary. What better way to celebrate “Finding the Right Career” than a feature on Kim the creator and owner of Half Baked London, a female-owned swimwear brand. It focuses on creating fashionable and comfortable swimwear for women without compromising on style. Its mission statement is simple to make women feel good about themselves while also emphasising sustainability. Let’s have a look at Kim’s career journey.

1. WHAT DO YOU WORK AS AND WAS THIS A CAREER YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO PURSUE?

I am a London baked swimwear designer but, I also have a thriving side hustle as a cleaner. The end goal is to work solely on my swimwear and grow the brand into something more. Over the years I thought there were other industries I would end up working in. I worked in the photography industry for 7 years but ultimately it wasn’t where my heart lied.

2. DID YOU HAVE A SET PLAN FOR YOUR CAREER OR WAS IT SOMETHING THAT YOU DISCOVERED ALONG THE WAY?

Definitely something I discovered along the way. My brand is my passion and it came about from a need for something I couldn't find, and so I created it. The creation process is never-ending. One thing leads to another and I’m constantly bursting with ideas.

3. WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF IN TERMS OF CHOOSING A CAREER PATH?

I think I would tell my younger self not to procrastinate, to believe in myself and to let go of any fear and self-doubt. It’s still something I battle with to this day. It can be crippling and I’ve missed out on opportunities back in the day because of it. I am now aware and I know it isn’t real, and that allows me to move past any doubtful feelings that could potentially get in my way.

4. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AND HOW DID YOU APPLY FOR IT?

My first job was at Dune shoes lol. Not even sure if they’re still around. A close friend worked there and got me the hook up. I worked there for a couple of years before moving on to Accessorise. These jobs actually taught me great lessons about customer service.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN MORE VALUABLE IN YOUR CAREER -  YOUR EDUCATION OR YOUR EXPERIENCE?

100% my experience! Obviously, it’s great to be educated but for me personally I learned so much from the positions I worked in over the years.

6.  WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

I grew tired of retail after a while. Back then it was more about earning money in my teens, so I stuck it out but it wasn’t fulfilling. Later down the line, I did work experience for a well-known photography and styling agency, that was probably the worst place I ever worked. Don’t get me wrong, it helped me grow a thick skin but the environment was horrible, I didn’t feel a sense of support, more dog eat dog and every (wo)man for themselves and that’s not for me.

7. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR CAREER?

I’ve actually worked in a few different industries, photography/fashion, events and retail, all of which have brought something to the table. I have taken snippets of knowledge from all of them and they’ve helped shape who I am  today.

8.  WHAT WAS THE BEST JOB DECISION YOU EVER MADE?

To leave a position I worked in for years and was very comfortable in. That was the problem, I got too comfortable. It was convenient, but it didn't pay very well and I got no satisfaction from it after a while. I didn’t think I was good enough to go for something bigger and better, which was obviously just that silly voice in my head and that wasn’t true at all. That lesson taught me that life is too short and not to waste time spent in jobs (but applies to all areas of life) that don’t make me feel alive.

9. WHAT DOES JOB SATISFACTION MEAN TO YOU?

Working has always been a big part of my life, but hasn’t always been satisfying. At this point I probably work too much but I’m working towards a better work/life balance. I’m the type of person that needs projects to keep me occupied. Half Baked is the best project I’ve ever worked on and I look forward to it growing and blossoming.

10. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER PATH, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Erm…. I think I would like to be a property developer although I know nothing about it lol. I’m really interested in building houses and renovating properties so I guess that would be my plan B!