Meet Alison Lewis, Liberty Fabric Sales Consultant

Since its inception, Black History Month has provided an annual opportunity to honour the contributions of Black people to society and culture, both here in the UK and further afield. This year, we hope to celebrate exactly that, just on somewhat of a more local scale – right here at Liberty. Join us as we shine a spotlight on just some of the Black talent leading a new generation of Liberty’s artistic movement.

My role at Liberty is a Sales Consultant, an advisor to clients to enable them to fulfil their dreams wearing our beautiful fabrics. I started as a part-time Saturday sales assistant. Then I was promoted to senior sales (supervisor) and I also managed various departments (Cottons, Bed Linen, Furnishing Fabric and The Christmas Shop). I left to have my daughter and decided to pursue my degree BA(Hons) Retail Management & Logistics. On my return whilst working in Astier de Villatte, I was asked to move back into fabrics. My love of sewing and fabrics rekindled and I was asked to attend the Althea McNish exhibition which was held at the William Morris Gallery.

My motivation is simple: my clients must be happy and leave with a smile. Being happy in my job is important and working alongside my team members is vital.

My proudest achievements would be having my daughter and educating her and she has just graduated with a law degree. My mum and daughter both were my support systems with their viewpoints. Indeed, family instils the necessary encouragement to motivate you to challenge yourself. This made me always question and push boundaries to get things done. I am honoured to have a fabric in my name.

I love the Liberty building, it's fantastic!! The best part is the different people I work with throughout the entire business. However, the dress fabrics team members – we are a crazy bunch. There is always laughter and that's my focus; the team must be happy .

My inspiration comes from my parents. Both lovers of fashion. I love colour and flowers and being from the Caribbean, it all goes hand in hand. I love clashing colours and prints which I do when I make my Apron Dress. I get ideas from what surrounds me. In terms of colours, it could be the sky, the autumn leaves or how a client might coordinate an outfit. I love early mornings and I would do my sewing in the wee hours. Simplicity is best so I love making something either the night before or in the morning. Wearing it the next day is my thang.

My advice to anyone looking to get to this industry is to be focused and never give up. Turn a negative situation into a positive. Positivity is key and always strive to learn new skills.

My dream is to be a Liberty Ambassador and to own a Liberty Franchise. Liberty is the number one store for me so my dream is to be part of an era when we will be an exclusive only store.

Black History Month is so important because it educates people from all walks of life to understand Black culture.

Tyler Perry. He encourages people to aspire to their goals and helps them achieve them.

*Views expressed are the participant’s own