Meet the expert: Lizzie Hughes, Brand Strategist & Stylist

Lizzie tells us what it's like juggling her own vintage fashion feed while masterminding brands' marketing campaigns...

Tell us a little about what you do and your background

I work with brands in many ways. I am a strategic brand and marketing consultant. In a nutshell, this means I help businesses express who they are, find their audiences and create impactful marketing campaigns. Over the years, I've worked with BBC, Harrods, National Lottery, Scamp & Dude, The Palm Jumeirah, Guinness, Chanel, Unilever, and MasterCard.

I also work as a fashion stylist for the last few years, which I fell into from creating content and styling shoots for campaigns! And I run my vintage fairs locally. So, wear a few hats! My background is advertising agencies, then in-house marketing, working up to supporting CEOs and founders with their brand and marketing vision.

Describe your typical working day

Gosh. It’s a juggle. It’s a mix of shoo-ing kids out to school with packed lunches, then knuckling down to work, which is often a Teams call with a client to plan in new campaigns, or out at a photo shoot or shooting video content for brands. Sometimes I fit in some exercise (and often that’s walking our labrador at lunchtime).

I might also do a very quick video for my Instagram of a new second-hand purchase or create content for a fair or collaboration. I spend the afternoon in online meetings or writing up strategy docs for clients. I try to finish around 4, so I can chat to my girls after school and panic about what to cook for tea!

I often do work in the evening, but I have tried to stop this as it’s a terrible habit to get into! And means you never switch off. I love that my weeks are often very different week to week. I try and have Fridays off. It’s hard in media and marketing as it's now 24/7 – especially in social media land!

What has drawn you to vintage fashion as your niche?

Now that is an interesting one! I always bought and shopped it, but my work has spanned many sectors. For the last 8 years, it has focused on fashion and sustainability projects, as I wanted to align my working life to brands that fitted my personal values too. I am passionate about circular fashion and a circular economy, where we are more mindful consumers. My social media reflects a bit of my client work, but certainly not all of it.

The Prelovd Fair

What’s been your favourite thrifted item that you’ve found?

So many it’s hard to choose! Probably my vintage 70s navy military-style coat with the most stunning silk lining and gold nautical buttons. It looks amazing with everything, is a real one-off and I get so many comments every time I wear it out – as it is so, so special.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for content?

OMG my daughters would say every video! Anytime you stand in public and create any content, that seems a bit crazy!

What’s been your biggest viral moment?

Well, in my last full-time role heading up marketing and content at Scamp & Dude, there were lots and lots. The fashion collaborations and content with Vicky McClure, Shaznay, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Billie Piper were quite the viral moments as they are such popular stars. And they were all super lovely too – you’ll be pleased to know.

Scamp & Dude

What’s one piece of advice for someone trying to grow their presence on Instagram?

Well two really. It’s all about connections and conversations. So, make time for both – it’s called socials for a reason. And think about what content is going to connect with your customers. Not what’s trending, but what showcases your business and values. And Insta isn’t the be-all and end-all! Having loads of followers doesn’t necessarily mean loads of sales!

Traid

What’s next for you and where can we find out more?

Well, as I say I wear a few hats. I am collaborating with Greener Henley for their Big Green Week in June with another The Prelovd Fair on Sat June 7th, locally. And continuing to work with my (big and little) clients helping them build brilliant brands for the long-term, that stand out and grow. I have a great campaign coming out soon with charity fashion retailer Traid and some well-known faces – watch out for that!

Follow Lizzie on Insta @thelizziestyle

Find out more about the do’s and don’ts of influencer marketing from Lizzie and our other panelists Siân Smith and Anthony Campbell, at our forthcoming Influencer Marketing for Small Businesses talk, taking place Monday 28th April in Henley-on-Thames.

Book your place