KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DEBBIE GEORGIOU
KEYNOTE THEATRE Thursday 14.00 - 14.30
The move from Olympic gymnast to jewellery maker may seem an unusual one, but it allows Debbie the freedom to indulge her passion - and make money, too. At the tender age of 36, Debbie Georgiou has crammed two successful careers into her lifetime. Widely regarded as the most talented British rhythmic gymnast at the peak of her career in the early 90s, Debbie Georgiou (nee Southwick) was 9-times British Champion. At 18, Debbie retired from Gymnastics. Debbie’s background meant she had to grow up rapidly. Being so mature, Debbie was ready to marry and have her first daughter when she was 21. Debbie now has two lovely girls by husband George; Mae (13) and Olivia (10). Debbie Georgiou’s gorgeous jewellery brand Jinkksy was started via a website and publicised solely via Twitter in the early days. All the jewellery is costume, designed and handmade to order by Debbie herself, and already a firm favourite with celebrities. Joining Twitter in February 2011, within six months, Jinkksy had 10,000 followers (including numerous celebrities from sport, TV, music and film) and to date has over 24,000 followers!
HENRIETTA MACEWEN Have you ever worked through the night or into the weekend, just to line someone else’s pockets and wondered if your time and energy couldn’t build your own business instead? Henrietta might be able to help.
KEYNOTE THEATRE From PA to Business Owner
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| OFFICE MANAGEMENT & PA JUNE 2013
Have you often sat at your desk and wanted to run your own business? Going from a PA to a business owner is full of twists and turns. You can do anything that you put your mind to.
Friday 12.30 -13.00
From Olympic gymnast to celebrity jewellery designer – Why I started my own business Having pursued a successful career as an Olympic gymnast, Debbie learnt that nothing was impossible and she could do whatever she set her mind to. She was always on the hunt for a new hobby that would hopefully lead onto a new career path, and it wasn’t until she discovered the art of jewellery making that it all clicked into place, Jinkksy was born and the rest, as they say, is history.
After a long and illustrious career as a Personal Assistant, working for a range of very different bosses that include the likes of media moguls, financial gurus and CEOs, Henrietta founded Miss Jones. She made the decision to launch the business with the aim of providing an efficient and invaluable resource for the PA community to assist business professionals across the UK with original ideas and useful information to ensure the smooth running of corporate life. Their services include finding a restaurant for a formal dinner, organising networking events or booking a bar for surprise birthday drinks. Miss Jones have negotiated exclusive deals, gained access to cool venues and events, and can put you in touch with the best services and brands, all of whom Miss Jones has personally vetted. Five years on, Henrietta remains the definitive voice of Miss Jones and her ingenious idea more than proves itself as the ultimate online resource.
Office Management
PA
Exhibition and Conference