MEET THE TALA TEAM - 2021 EDITION

Welcome to TALA HQ! Step inside and meet some of the brains behind the operation, who work to bring sustainable style to the masses. 

Our team has grown significantly since we launched in May 2019 - what started as a small but mighty team has started to expand and build out into various business functions. We have now developed an ever-growing team of experts who have a passion to help slow down fast fashion. 

One of TALA’s pillars from the outset has been diversity and inclusion whether that be through the models that showcase our products or the in-house team that we recruit. We believe that by ensuring we recruit diverse teams that this leads to increased performance, innovation and productivity.

So without further ado, let’s meet some of the team!

Disclaimer: This is a selection of the TALA team at HQ.

Lizzie - 

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

I support with TALA's brand creation and growth which includes liaising with different companies to fulfil exciting new retail and brand partnerships, managing the marketing of our new collections through our email channel and directly on the website and support the creative team with content creation.

What did 2020 teach you?

2020 is an interesting one. Despite the series of incredibly unfortunate events, this year has not only made history but also taught me the true meaning of gratitude and how important it is to take time for yourself. Our normal routine in the rush of daily life often makes us forget how fortunate we are to see, to walk, to have a regular supply of food, water and heat and that only scratches the surface! Appreciating the little things in life allows me to live my life to the fullest and see the value of what's around me and in myself. Self-love is the best love after all.

What are you looking forward to in 2021? 

I'm looking forward to exploring my creative fibres and starting new exciting projects within TALA as well as having a positive impact on everyone and everything that pertains to me. Having healthy daily habits and surrounding myself with an incredible support system makes every day that little bit easier so all I can do it put good energy out there and hope 2021 is a year of positivity, good health and happiness!

A hobby, interest or project that you're passionate about. 

 I'd describe myself as a visionary as I enjoy creating concepts and bringing them to life using mediums such as music, visual content and story-telling. I also have a podcast on surviving through every week to try and spread some positivity and relatable content to the world - @noideasjustvibes!

TALA product to use forever?

No one can separate me from my Nava leggings. I wear them almost every day because they're super soft, accentuate my legs and provide comfort to the next level! A staple legging that everyone needs to get involved with.

Ally -

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

I worked across various sectors from design, to managing our socials, to conceptualising and directing TALA campaign shoots. So there is never a dull moment!

What did 2020 teach you?

2020 taught me to be grateful always! To slow down, look after myself and be more present in the moment opposed to constantly moving onto the next thing. 

What has been your biggest challenge at TALA?

Without a shadow of doubt my biggest challenge and also one of my biggest achievements was managing to pull off our first ever TALA pop up. Myself and Sarah, lost lots of sleep and may have shed a tear or two (or several haha), but it was truly one of the most rewarding moments of my TALA journey so far and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!

Name a resolution/s you’ve put in place for this year.

I am aiming to learn french and want to at least be able to hold a basic conversation by the end of the year. I also plan to allow more time to express my creativity through different mediums such as painting and clay moulding, so wish me luck! 

A hobby, interest or project that you’re passionate about.

I am beyond obsessed with food, it’s honestly on my mind 24/7. So I’m looking forward to creating new vegan recipes and getting better at baking because we are no Mary Berry just yet!

Mel - 

Sum up your job role in one sentence.

I am the Customer Service Team Lead, so my days are spent helping our lovely customers with any problems or queries they may have! It keeps me very busy, but I really enjoy it!

What did 2020 teach you?

2020 has taught me to appreciate the little things I used to take for granted, like spending time with family and friends, being able to travel and shop etc. Above all I now have a huge (and i mean HUGE) appreciation and admiration for teachers, as I am currently trying to tackle homeschooling my children!

Name a resolution you have put in place for this year.

I'm never one for resolutions, as I find it hard to stick to them, but this year I made a resolution to take more photos! Of anything and everything, moments with my children, friends, family, places we visit etc. I don't take enough photos, and I worry it's something I will regret in years to come.

What has been your biggest challenge at TALA?

I'd have to say adjusting to working from home and balancing being Customer Service Team Leader, Teacher and mum to my children! The first few months of the 2020 were a bit hectic for me, but I thankfully now have everything under control, and feel like we are all doing ok!

What are 3 words your friends would use to describe you?

Loyal, kind and hardworking.

Grace - 

What did 2020 teach you?

Just putting one foot in front of the other is enough. You don't need to be working towards big goals constantly, sometimes the most effective thing to do is to just keep swimming!

Name a resolution/s you’ve put in place for this year

To take my rest seriously, and to read a book a week!

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

SkinLuxe leggings! I never really do take them off so there's that. I had to order two sets so I can alternate effectively - they really are the one and only best legging out there.

What has been your biggest achievement at TALA?

Seeing it grow from an idea to the incredible brand it is now. It's been quite the journey and it's been such a pleasure to watch it grow. I can't wait to see where our incredible team takes it! We’re only just getting started.

 What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Summertime, to be completely honest! Last year made me really appreciate English summer (with all its ups and downs), and I'm excited to get the BBQ out hopefully with a few friends and enjoy being outside when we can be!

Vera - 

What has been your biggest achievement at TALA?

My biggest achievement since moving to TALA is transferring my skill set to a new role. I have always been very confident in customer service and problem solving but in a retail, face to face, environment. Moving to an online customer service role was exciting but I also felt apprehensive. However, I quickly found myself adapting to my new role and thrived! 

What are you looking forward to in 2021? 

Going to gigs, music festivals, traveling, seeing my friends and family.

Name a resolution/s you’ve put in place for this year.

Make more time for yoga practice, 15min in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening, every day!

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

Skinluxe leggings and Skinluxe tank sport bra in Copper.

What are 3 words your friends would use to describe you? 

Funny, stylish, loyal.

Andrew -

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

I’m the Ecommerce Director here at TALA and ensure that we’re ordering the right stock, selling our great products, executing fantastic marketing and delivering our products to customers with passionate customer service.

What did 2020 teach you?

To be thankful for what you have, and not to take for granted simple things like friendship and your own personal health (physical and mental).

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

 At work, I’m looking forward to seeing TALA continue to grow as a brand and engage with more customers. On a personal level, I’m looking forward to being able to travel again… I usually always have a holiday booked!

What has been your biggest achievement at TALA?

We’re really growing and we’ve built a strong and talented team. I’m really pleased with how the team has grown and adapted to lots of changes in 2020. For such a small team, we deliver a huge amount of content, creative and connect with thousands of customers 1:1 every week.

Name a resolution/s you’ve put in place for this year.

I’ve started the year by doing Dry January and as I love numbers (as well as creative) I have a very clear goal of losing 2.5kg in weight!

Sarah -

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

Leading TALA's brand and partnerships strategy, ensuring all channels and messaging reflect TALA's values. Working with exciting brand and retail partners to develop new products, drive awareness, and grow our audience.

What did 2020 teach you?

To appreciate time spent with family and friends, that I'm unbelievably lucky to have a job that I love, and to invest in my skincare routine.

What has been your biggest achievement at TALA? 

Pulling off our pop-up shop! We were a very small team at the time, and myself and my colleague worked tirelessly to bring it to life. There were lots of sleepless nights, blood, sweat, and tears (literally!) but seeing it all come together on the day was the best feeling in the world. 

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

My wedding (if it can go ahead...), holidays, and hugs.

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

The Leaf face cloth really does need to be tried to be believed! I love that I can remove my makeup without any products. 

Steve -

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

Essentially my role is to ensure customers get their orders quickly and accurately and then ensure any problems that do come up along the way are resolved as quickly as possible.

What does a typical day at work look like? 

Catch up with our warehouse team, customer service team, product teams and make sure everything is on schedule and no problems, plan for deliveries due in to our warehouse, then help the customer service team with any trickier problems to get them resolved as quickly as possible. 

What did 2020 teach you? 

Expect the unexpected. Don't be afraid of change or having to try a different way to get the solution you need as your normal options may not be available.

Name a resolution/s you’ve put in place for this year.

Drink more water - less headaches, more energy, keeps your brain running smoothly.

A hobby, interest or project that you’re passionate about - 

I have a large number of pets which take a lot of feeding and looking after.

Abbie - 

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two. 

I’m the Social Media Assistant at TALA and I work across anything from developing creative concepts for our social channels to supporting on photoshoots.

What did 2020 teach you?

2020 has been a tough year but in many ways a good one. It has definitely taught me to appreciate the small moments, the everyday moments and everything in between. 

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Moving back to London, being able to see friends and New York in December (hopefully)!

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

Definitely our SkinLuxe leggings. They are so soft and comfy!

What are 3 words your friends would use to describe you?

I never know how to answer this question so I text my best friend and here's her answer “Creative, kind & generous”.

Tammy - 

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

I work as a part-time Customer Service Advisor within the Customer Service team at TALA when you email hello@wearetala.com you might find that your response comes from me! I really enjoy helping all our lovely customers with any questions or queries. It’s a great team and I love working for TALA.

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

My black Borg oversized jacket, it’s kept me so cosy and warm over winter. Love love love!

A hobby, interest or project that you’re passionate about.

As well as working part-time for TALA I’m also studying to be a counsellor. I’m passionate about shining a light on mental health wellness and hope to one day specialise in working with those who have experienced severe life traumas to help them find ways to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and any resulting mental health issues. 

What did 2020 teach you?

2020 taught me about what it really means to ‘love yourself’. This concept had always been a bold one to me, one that sounded good in theory, but the reality of it was always so elusive. Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions gave me no choice but to look within to find the comfort that I was so used to getting from being around others. I began the year as my own worst critic and ended the year with so much more self-compassion. 

Was it a hard and painful journey of discovery and facing realities, yes, no doubt. Was it worth it, absolutely! So, I’m grateful for having to spend so much time with myself, because without that I never would have started this journey in such an impactful way. 

What does it really mean to ‘love yourself’ I hear you ask? Well, I believe it means that you make a pact to try to always accept yourself for who you are, that you can believe, ‘I’m not perfect, but I’m good enough’. Because of this I’m becoming more confident in my own skin, more assured in my decision making, and I worry far less about what others think of me. I sense counselling theorist Carl Rogers knew what he was talking about when he said, ‘the curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.’

What are 3 words your friends would use to describe you?

Intuitive, resilient and unconventional

Alex -

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

I'm the TALA COO and am responsible for making sure the business has all of the processes, infrastructure, and resources in place to succeed - today and in the future.

What did 2020 teach you?

2020 made me more grateful for the things I wasn't able to do as much as in previous years - especially travelling and seeing my family.

Name a resolution/s you’ve put in place for this year.

To take more breaks! I'm trying to plan some time off for every quarter of 2021 in advance, because I know if I don't block the days off now I'm less likely to take them.

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

I recently switched from using organic cotton face pads to using the LEAF MINI FACE CLOTH and I'm hooked! Lifetime convert.

A hobby, interest or project that you’re passionate about.

I'm a dancer and part of the Hustle dance community in London, who have become like another family for me! If you like music, dancing, or just want to try something new and fun, come check us out at @hustlinglondon :)

Nasima -

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

My job is to help retain and keep our customers up to date via email comms, build relationships with our VIP customers. Identify opportunities to talk to our customers offer them the best-targeted comms based on their previous shopping behaviour.

What did 2020 teach you?

To be grateful for what you have, value the small things in life that you may have taken for granted.

What has been your biggest achievement at TALA?

Supporting the growth of our loyal customer base over 2020.

A hobby, interest or project that you’re passionate about

In 2020 I really found a passion for YOGA it helped with my mental health, and this year I will be spending a lot more time focusing on different methods of meditation, manifesting positivity and gratitude through spiritual and physical means.

If you could only pick one TALA product to wear/use forever what would it be?

Has to be Zinnia leggings, they are my go-to for YOGA, everyday loungewear.

What are 3 words your friends would use to describe you?

Passionate, caring, understanding.

Mus - 

Sum up your job role in a sentence or two.

I am responsible for attracting new and current customers to visit the TALA website using a range of digital marketing campaigns and also to ensure that their shopping experience is an enjoyable and productive one.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?