CATHERINE CONNOR - LOVINGLY ARTISAN
It's a broad belief that most people have three careers: my first was within the hairdressing industry, my second was photography, and my third and current is within the bakery industry, each career led me quite naturally and organically to the next adventure. My story, roots, and the grounding of who I was to become all came from my time working in the hair industry, where I had the privilege of receiving incredible training, mentoring, and learning many valuable life experiences.
I was able to witness so many individuals achieving their dreams, becoming brand leaders and household names. All starting small but having hope and ambition, these observations taught me that anything is possible and achievable with unstoppable drive and if you’re prepared to make your own path and create your own luck.
Whilst working in the hair industry I received some of the best coaching on presentation, presenting and the importance of product launches. I travelled all over the world honing these skills whilst working on huge product launches and commissions, working alongside incredible individuals and companies.
My next step was into the world of photography, becoming a storyteller through image, the art of storytelling is watching, listening, and soaking up every opportunity. My step into photography was my biggest adventure, steepest learning curve, my happiness but also heart-breaking memories. It’s the heartbreak in business that can be the best gift, we evaluate and learn from it and come back stronger. I will always be very proud of creating the country's best training photography business; it was a man's world, and yet we achieved it. We coached, trained, and produced some of the best photographers in the UK, incredible businesses were created, and the journey of success taught me so much about humans and the importance of never undervaluing authentic marketing; the key to all businesses is to value your value. YOU.
My final journey was into the bakery world, running an artisan bakery, Lovingly Artisan in the Lake District, alongside my husband Aidan Monks. It's a family business employing over 50 people of all ages; we are a craft bakery, handcrafted in every sense of the word. Aidan helms the bakery, and together we helm the product development (all those years in the hair industry often having influence), with my prime role managing the development of our bread stores, marketing, and sales. These are the core roles and my strengths that have consistently travelled with me from career to career. The consumer is my passion; marketing is an absolute love and the hussle of sales, selling with love is what’s built the business.
Proudest Lovingly Artisan Moments
Independent Retailer of the Year 2023
Great British Savoury Product of the Year 2023
The bakery voted number one bakery for 3 years running
The mill - still absorbing the reality
Personal
Styling and concept creation of Hawkshead Relish’s Cookery Book
Co-writing 3 photography books
Lifetime Achievement Award for the Photography Industry for my contribution to training
