This Friday we chat with Lizzi Amboule, Buyer Manager for Womens S.U.N. (Swimwear, Underwear, Nightwear) & Accessories at John Lewis & Partners. Lizzi has proven herself a high flier (working for cabin crew in her early working life to heading up a dynamic team juggling both brands and own brand for the John Lewis group)! She approaches her challenging role with good humour, enthusiasm and passion.
Life before John Lewis?
Life before JL was a little different, I left university unsure of what to do and so the next natural step was to go travelling. At this point I didn’t have any money to fund this so I applied to a few airlines to be Cabin Crew. Great idea, I thought, you get paid to travel! Lo and behold I secured a position at British Airways and flew the world for 3 years before starting my career in buying.
Why intimate apparel retailing?
It wasn’t an active choice, I was promoted into a position in the Lingerie department, but I quickly fell in love with the industry and so I’ve stayed. I’m quite nerdy so the technical aspect of intimate apparel appeals to me. The people are really what keep me here though. From suppliers, brands, designers and all of our expert fitters there is such a passion and energy from the industry which isn’t matched elsewhere.
there is such a passion and energy from the industry which isn’t matched elsewhere
A typical week?
Mondays typically follow a set pattern with our full focus on trade; maximising what’s working and minimising risks. The rest of the week is a crazy blur of meetings with lots of different people! Working for a large Omni-channel retailer requires a lot of internal meetings with different departments from Online, to Press to the Fitters on the Shop Floor. Each category I manage is so nuanced in terms of patterns of trade, mix between Brands and Own Brand, Continuity vs Seasonal. I often feel like I am spinning many plates at once, however I thrive from jumping between wearing different hats and I am never bored!
What is the best thing about your job?
As cliche as it sounds, my team are the best thing about my job. Intimate Apparel is a complex area and you need to be committed and passionate about the product and the Customer to succeed. Luckily for me this attracts some of the most creative and hardworking people. I like to draw on the energy of my team who I find to be infinite sources of inspiration.
What is different about working in this sector?
Intimate Apparel can be lower profile than other womenswear categories which I think we use to our advantage to be brave, bold and to push the boundaries. We also don’t take ourselves too seriously as an industry and as a result there is a real sense of camaraderie. We all support each other through the good, the bad and the ugly and we always manage to have some good laughs along the way.
And the best bits?
One of the most amazing aspects of working in this industry is knowing that you can genuinely change lives and support women throughout their whole life journey. I have had many customer emails ranging from early diagnosis of cancer following our “check it” campaigns in store, to new mums who are fitted in the right product and it completely changes their view of their own body. Delivering that support and service to women on a daily basis is job satisfaction for me.
Whom do you admire in the underwear industry?
There are too many amazing people to choose from but if I had to pick just one it would be Emily from Bluebella. She changed the lingerie industry and empowered women to embrace their sexuality. Not only that but she led a campaign against the Garrick Club and last year they changed their Men only policy. She is a powerful leader and a warrior of women’s rights, which is something I am personally very passionate about. She is also a really nice, cool person!
If you were not working in this industry, what do you think you would be doing instead?
If I could start all over again from the beginning I would probably train to be an architect. I’ve always been good at maths and went on to study Economics at University. Although I enjoyed my time there I wasn’t passionate about the subject and I definitely need an element of creativity in my life to be happy.
I definitely need an element of creativity in my life to be happy
Any other ambitions?
From a work perspective I always strive to be learning and growing. I have a constant desire to get outside my comfort zone and feel stretched. From a personal perspective my hope is to buy a slightly dilapidated house on the Kent coast and slowly pour all my love and money into making it my forever home.
Life outside of work?
I bought a house in SE London 2 years ago which requires a bit of love and attention, so most of my weekends (and money!) are spent on that. If I’ve had enough of that you can find me at a gallery (with my Dad), at the Ballet (with my Mum) or at the Car Boot (with my Partner).
Your greatest challenge?
Luck or laziness has meant I haven’t had to face many significant challenges in my life. A few years ago I ran the Hackney Half Marathon with my Dad which was tough. I had underestimated that challenge for sure! It was a great experience though, and a really nice memory to make.
Proudest moment to date?
I would say my proudest moment was spending an extended period of time out in Uganda working for a local charity. It was mainly focused on supporting local women so I was involved in a variety of activities from supporting nursing staff with health checks and midwife appointments to staffing and supporting the orphanage. It was a very humbling experience and I have made life long connections with people which has enhanced my world view.
Worst move so far?
I don’t look back on any decisions I’ve made and wish I had done something differently. It’s not that I’m perfect, I’ve made many bad decisions in my life. On reflection, even if the consequences were painful at the time, each decision has taught me something new and ultimately led me to where I am now.
What do you think you will be doing in 10 years’ time?
I imagine I will still be working in the industry – there is something so special about Intimate Apparel that once it gets you it never lets you go! I would quite like to work on the other side of the fence, perhaps for a brand or a supplier as that’s not a side I’ve experienced yet. Hopefully I’ll be living by the sea going for daily coastal walks come rain or shine.
The one product you can’t live without?
That’s a hard one! Non lingerie related…that would have to be my Soda Stream! Lingerie related would be a tie between any Freya plunge bra and my Chantelle Soft Stretch briefs.
Time out?
As a typical Taurus I’m inclined to being lazy and I’m a homebody. If it was up to me, I would spend all my downtime on the sofa binge watching the latest series I’m into. Other than that I get a lot of joy and energy from spending time with family and friends. I’m lucky to have lots of babies and young children in my life and I find any time spent with them is really refreshing and helps to put a lot into perspective.
Pet Hate?
I don’t really have any professional pet hates, I try to have empathy in all situations (whether that’s the truth or not is for others to decide!). Personal pet hates are cyclists on the pavement!
