By: Vienna Kim

On the 3rd of April, Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair will be coming to St Andrews as a part of the student arts festival On The Rocks. Judy’s Vintage Fair is the leading of its kind in the UK, as it tours the country, runs hundreds of events and attends multiple festivals yearly. Fashion blogger and ST.ART Social Media Manager Assistant Vienna Kim has been in correspondence with the Brand and Events Manager of the fair Emily Hughes. They discussed Emily’s job working for Judy’s Vintage Fair, the best part of working with vintage, and what her favourite pieces are! If you’re thinking about working in events or with clothing/vintage–read on to hear Emily’s insights on it!

An Interview with Emily Hughes:

ST.ART: How did you get to working for Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, and how long have you been working there?

EH: I’ve been working for Judy’s for over 4 years now. I originally started as a graphic designer with the company when I was a student. It all spiralled from there and I’ve been full-time brand and events manager now for two and half years almost.

ST.ART: What do you do in your role as Events Manager?

EH: I basically do most things associated with organising and promoting the events. I do have a wonderful bookings manager, Donna, who deals with booking the traders in for events. I’m also in charge of the Judy’s social media – that’s the ‘brand’ side of ‘brand and event manager’. I spend my weekends running most of our events, which means lots of travelling up and down the country – I love that part!

ST.ART: Would you consider your role a creative one or is it more administrative?

EH: It’s a mixture of the two. The promotion part of my job is very creative; I have to make sure we are being relevant with our advertising, marketing, social media etc. Obviously I do have to do some admin, but the creative outweighs the spreadsheet and email work!

ST.ART: What does an average day at work look like for you?

EH: Each day is totally different, as well as every month. I work two months ahead promoting events most of the time, so when it’s mid fair season, it can be pretty long days. I do get to work from home in the week, though, which is brilliant; it means I can work my hours around my schedule. The event days are my favourites though; I get to see all the lovely traders and customers!

ST.ART: Would you consider your role a creative one or is it more administrative?

EH: It’s a mixture of the two. The promotion part of my job is very creative; I have to make sure we are being relevant with our advertising, marketing, social media etc. Obviously I do have to do some admin, but the creative outweighs the spreadsheet and email work!

ST.ART: What does an average day at work look like for you?

EH: Each day is totally different, as well as every month. I work two months ahead promoting events most of the time, so when it’s mid fair season, it can be pretty long days. I do get to work from home in the week, though, which is brilliant; it means I can work my hours around my schedule. The event days are my favourites though; I get to see all the lovely traders and customers!

ST.ART: What skills does your job require, and what skillsets/work experiences would you recommend for someone who is interested in being an Events Manager?

EH: Honestly, I’m lucky, as I learnt on the job, but being hardworking, passionate and dedicated are absolutely crucial to my role. Time management is also essential; I organise my own time, so I need to make sure I’m using it efficiently. I’d recommend getting experience at a variety of events, though. I think you’re either good at events or not. It’s hard work but so rewarding!

ST.ART: What is the best part about working at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair?

EH: I work with a fiercely strong team with 3 other ladies: Judy (Director), Donna (Bookings manager) and Jenessa (event manager for the kilo sales). It’s really amazing to work with a group of ladies who are constantly supportive and full of ideas. My favourite part of my job is when an event goes really smoothly, is well attended and my traders are smiling!

START: What is your favourite vintage item that you have ever come across at one of the fairs?

EH: Oh, I have more vintage then I can even remember. One of my favourites is a bright green (shiny, textured, amazing) dress that I got for a mere £30. When I bought it, the trader told me that it had come with a note that said, ‘I wore this for a party in 1952’. I love the feeling that I’m giving the dress a new life. I even took it to my holiday in Vegas!

ST.ART: Lastly, why should everyone make an appearance at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair on the 3rd April, at the Union?

EH: It’s been ages since we’ve come to St Andrews, so we’re really excited! We’ve got over 35 stalls packed with incredible vintage fashion, accessories, jewellery and nick knacks galore. Our event gives people a chance to grab their own piece of the past. Our traders travel around the country so you’ll find a really amazing mixture at our events! It’s only £2 entry and the treasure you’ll be able to find is just wonderful.

Many thanks to Emily for taking the time to chat with us about her role and the fair! ST.ART will be making an appearance, so we hope to see you there!