Season 5 Episode 1: We ‘chat’ to the creator of the amazing instagram account ‘Life of a Buyer’

Welcome to Buying and Beyond, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of retail buying. We're Kate and Lenz and together we have over 30 years experience in retail. We are talking all things retail buying and beyond with real people in retail. This season we're joined by more guests. We've got current buyers, ex buyers, entrepreneurs, businesses big and small and brands all telling us their stories. How they got started. What inspires and excites them and their favourite products? So grab your drink of choice and come and have a gig with us! So hi. Hi. We are back for another season. I can't believe it. We're at season five. Wow. What an achievement. Five seasons. It does feel like an achievement, doesn't it? It does feel like, wow, we committed to something. How do we even introduce this one? Kicking off this season, we are so, so, so. super excited and privileged. Who have the one and only, Life of a Buyer. Woo. Hi. Now, obviously we don't actually have Life of a Buyer here with us because the whole beauty of the account is, the anonymity of it. Struggle every time. Ultimately, they have to remain anonymous in order for that account to be what it is. kind of completely kind of like neutral sort of. person, like we don't know anything about them. And that's the way it should be. And they're just highlighting particular topics. It's a bit XOXO, Gossip Girl. Yeah, I was gonna say my mind. Those millennials that remember that. Yeah, when I'm when I'm on the Instagram page, I envisioned it being a lady and it is Gossip Girl style-y and they are beavering away in the background to share all their knowledge and experience and we just think it's a really great platform, don't we? That we've- I agree. I also have in my mind who I think it might be and it's so similar to me because so many of the thoughts and ideas and just all the things that she kind of brings up feel so relevant to me. They ring so true. They feel like things that I would want to know. things that, know, things I want to know about and things that I would also think it's important to highlight. And I just love it every Friday when it's just like signing off for the week and each week I'm like, oh, I've made it again. Oh, I made it. That's your collaborative space and kind of sits really nicely with our values for our podcast about sharing, collaborating and making people feel like they're not alone. And the crazy world of retail is the crazy world of retail. And let's just, we need to shine some light on the humorous side of it because it can get really serious and it can get really overwhelming and especially in lockdown. having this channel, I think has been amazing for our industry. And yeah, we're super excited. We're gonna call her a she because that makes it easier, doesn't it? That's what we're sort of envisioning. but we reached out to her and she has answered some questions for us. Yeah, so what we're gonna do, we've thought long and hard about how we're gonna do this. We actually had a little bit of a giggle with her. We're gonna, as Lindsay said, we're gonna call her her, just for the ease of things. But we actually had a little bit of a giggle with her because we asked if she'd done anything like this before. And she said, oh, well, I was a keynote speaker once. And we're like, oh, how did that work? And a similar thing, like she stayed anonymous, but she was the keynote speaker. Um, that made us laugh a bit, but so what the way we thought we would do this to make it, um, easy, um, is I'm going to be life of a buyer. I'm not, uh, before we say anything, before it gets, it starts getting out that life of a buyer's identity has been revealed and it's none other than Kate. It's not me. I would love to have come up. with the idea for it all because I just think it is, as we've said, like, it's just the perfect platform and she's got so many followers now and that's all for a reason, like, it really resonates with so many people. But I'm gonna take on the position, the role of- Your acting debut, you know? I feel like I should have- Your long lost career. Some sort of costume to put on, do you know what mean? don't know like me like some sort of like hat yeah different wig some glasses or something so you can just imagine on some yeah sunglasses yeah like incognito um and lindsey's gonna ask questions um and yeah let's let's go so i don't think she needs any more of an introduction because we've got a long introduction already. So let's go straight to it. Brilliant. Okay. So welcome Liza. Bye bye. Thanks for joining us. Thank you so much for having me. And coming on our podcast, we are so privileged. You're probably one of our number one guests. Oh, you were my number one podcast. Yes. You would obviously say that. Yeah, obviously. Some of these things have been ad-libbed for, you know, extra, extra entertainment. Okay. Let's dive straight in with some of our questions then. So first of all, Life of a Buyer, what inspired you to start this account? And did you ever imagine it to grow into such a big following? Word for word. Okay. No. So it was locked down and we were all struggling with a time of life that was just so unnerving and strange and nothing we'd ever known before. And there were a few other accounts that started at a similar time and I thought I could do that. But I didn't quite imagine what it would become. And at the time it was just a little lockdown relief, but now it's a needed service. Absolutely. Oh my gosh. I mean, what an amazing time to start something when it wasn't an amazing time, but you know, what a great time to start something like this. So I yeah, I really remember this. I remember December 2020. Was it December 2020? I'm sure it was around Christmas. I'm sure it was around Christmas that we all came out. We were starting to look at it was like it was locked down and it was all quite intense and it was just really funny beams that were being shared. And I remember starting following them all, like life of a tech, life of a designer, life of a merch. And it was the first time I feel that it was publicly acknowledged that we all go through like same shit. Yeah. Yeah, no, no, definitely. And I think it probably was a, was a period of time where those memes really landed, didn't they? Because it was like, there was so many hilarious pivotal situations. It's like, turn the boats back, we don't want the stock. Like we is gonna go down in history like that. I mean, like we can't believe that like certain people in our industry were saying that and yeah, other people were saying that too. So yeah. It was shocking but then not actually that shocking because they weren't the only ones saying it. Yeah. Yeah. So leading on from that, what's been the most humbling and proud, rewarming moment? So leading on from that, what's been the most humbling, proud, rewarding moment so far on this journey? Okay, so anytime I get nice messages thanking me for running the account and it makes it all worthwhile. I love that. Someone recently told me I'm helping to change the industry. I'm not sure how true that is, but it's nice to think that maybe I've helped some people and some businesses out there. Oh, absolutely. She has, hasn't she like, you know, just being that sounding post and like we said before, like making us feel like we're not all going insane. Yeah. Yeah. think it was probably a moment as well of like real realization of burnout, you know? Yeah, true. Actually confronting it. There were far too many people like suffering in silence and maybe just thinking it was them. Like it's not me. It's and it's not the job, it's me. And actually I think people maybe have realised now that, no, no, it's not me, it is the job. Like this does happen. Like I'm sure I've had times where it's just all got too much and I've just think, God, I can't do this. I can't do this. Like there must be something wrong with me. Like everyone else is coping and I'm clearly like, you know, suffering under the stress of it. Especially if you've got other things going on in your world. Like I definitely remember a time when, I was going through a breakup with my boyfriend and moving out of our rental property and at the same time had a really awful product review. instead of wanting loads, and I bought it, I bought it based on bestsellers and a bit of newness, but the whole company strategy, know, somebody had come in and said something and they suddenly just wanted newness across everything, newness, newness, newness. And so although we knew the best sellers would be the best sellers and they were the ones that they should back, they were a like, why are we putting all the volume behind this top 10? You want new things in there. I want big volumes on totally new product. And I remember just thinking, God, I can't do it. I can't do it. I can't redo this entire product review. I need to sign up next week. I'm also moving out of this flat. because you can't help, know, and you just think, God, I can't do it. And then you realise that you have this account and it's like, God, no, everybody, everybody has those moments. Yeah, yeah. It's the job. It's putting them into perspective as well. Puts everything into perspective, doesn't it? And it just screams, it just screams like, we can get all, we can all get so absorbed in it and absorbed in the negativity and absorbed in the stress. And the account just makes you think, We are not saving lives and we, you know, it's, we're all in it together as well. Like I think I just really felt like there was a sense of community. And I think a lot of people, especially when they're in lockdown felt really isolated, didn't they? Yeah. Especially when you've gone from like, particularly in buying, spending so many hours, like all your life in the buying office to then suddenly being like at home. Yeah. That in itself is culture shock. I would definitely agree when she said somebody recently told her that she was helping to change the industry. I would agree because I feel like she's shining the light on topics that you would otherwise skirt around away from, know, topics that are a bit uncomfortable to talk about or- You're afraid to talk about them, like, cause you might be out the door. Yeah, yeah, exactly. And I think it came at the right time as well when a lot of other industries were having like, torches shone on them. And it's definitely, I think, helping to make a change. I think, as we know with large retailers in particular, they are big ships to steer. so change takes a while. It can take a long time. And also, know, got a few dinosaurs out there as well. takes time to move. Time to move on. slowly. These people move slowly. Getting a bit old. They're not quite as agile as they used to That was brilliant, I love that. moving on, how would you sum up the community on Life of a Buyer? We're a very loyal, dedicated community with a bond like no other. People that work in this industry really are one of a kind and this space allows us somewhere safe to express our feelings, which is important. This community is a support network and really I allow it to be run by the followers. I merely facilitate. That's fantastic. And I think that's true about the facilitating, but I also think she must be flooded. with so many messages. While she says she facilitates, I think that's somewhere where she's maybe being a little bit too humble herself there. think she picks out the topics that she knows are gonna be of interest. And also I think she's quite good with her timing. she's very aware of what's going on around and actually is it a good time to bring it up? Or actually will she get more of a more of a reaction, but you know, in a positive way, like more conversation around something if she holds it and keeps it for something, or at least that's the vibe I'm getting. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think that's what makes the account so clever, isn't it? Because it's run by someone really in the thick of it. And you know, quite often a lot of accounts aren't run by people that... there are just sort of like even marketeers are on the sidelines. And yeah, she definitely gives it that. I don't know what the word is, she kind of, she's just really sort of sensitive to how something's gonna land. Does that make sense? You know? She reads the retail room. What's going on? Yeah. And she's right about the, you know, the bond like no other. We've talked about it before, but trauma. Trauma friend. other people in other industries do not understand what it is. It's a special kind of friendship. It's a special kind of bond that you have. Yeah, for sure, for sure. So moving on to the next question. Don't wanna keep saying that. So what do you love about buying? We spend a lot of time venting, which is definitely needed. But what do you think is the best part about the job? The thrill of that bestseller still gets me. Seeing someone wearing or using something I've helped create and buy, I still love that. I enjoy it from the initial concept and the trends, but I vent a lot and sometimes through my page. That's really crazy. I get that. I totally agree with her. Like that is the biggest buzzes. It's adrenaline that you get, like that absolute like the real of seeing it and taking something from, yeah, from. from paper to production and all the way through. It's exciting, it's making something, it's super fulfilling. Yeah, and seeing how it really uplifts or makes someone's day. I mean, I still see products now. Most recently, my partner's mom came down the stairs and she was wearing this piece of jewelry that was one of our ultimate best sellers when I was there at that time. I was like, oh my God. Is it like part of making that? And she was like, it's my favourite piece. It goes with everything, you know? And it was just like, oh, that's so nice. It's really warming, isn't it? It just makes you feel like, oh, just, yeah. I think most people we've spoken to actually, and guests we've had on the podcast when we've said, what do you love about buying? So many, is, it's about, it's the best sellers. It's the best feeling is the best sellers. Something you've pulled your heart into. Sure. And I think we went through a time where, and we were at companies where they have some real success. you know, it's been really hard over the last few years to have a really good best seller, hasn't it? You know, with the way that the retail is going and stuff like that. So we've really lived through celebrating some amazing success and I think that's what's made it so challenging that it's so much harder to be a buyer now. And how, being able to vent and have this to share like that kind of different trajectory has been brilliant because you don't always really get to feel that success anymore, if that makes sense. Yeah, I kind of see what you're saying. I think what you're saying or how I'm interpreting what you're saying is like, it's harder to be able to have such a creative outlet because actually belts were a little bit tighter. And not belts that we're buying and designing. Everyone's tightening their belts and not spending as much money. So actually like the opportunity to be creative and to try that idea and just to have a concept and maybe something that's a bit different and just testing it and then having that success, that's a real, that's when it feels the best when people haven't been, when it's not a sure thing. it's a bit more of a surprise, a bit of a wild card and that becomes a winner. When a wild card becomes a winner, that is the biggest adrenaline rush, right? And so I think how I'm taking what you've said is like, because it's harder to do that, you rest on, oh God, it's this saying again, rest on your laurels or whatever. You just scrap it. I don't know how to say that saying, so just don't even try anymore. Katie rests on her laurels. But you just don't. That's what people do now is there's a less risk, it's more sure things. So bestsellers are still the same bestsellers that they've been before. There's it's a lot harder to kind of like try and invent new things because there maybe isn't so much capacity and you're just having to go for their basics that you know, and you you don't quite have that same creative outlet and therefore the rush of adrenaline maybe isn't quite as strong. Yeah. Yeah, no, absolutely. So what advice would you give your younger self starting out in buying? Don't sweat the small stuff and the promotions will come. It can feel like a long road ahead at times when you want to progress and you're waiting for an opportunity, but it will happen. Enjoy not being important sometimes. Definitely. I like that, enjoy not being important sometimes. I was having this conversation with someone the other day about how actually getting to a certain level is quite nice. Like it's quite a sweet spot because... you're not, you know, you're not like responsible for all these different things. You're just responsible for one category, one department, one set of, you know, direct reports. And, and it's like an, it's a nice time to enjoy. I'd agree with that, but an assistant by level. And I think that can be the hardest level because that's the most, sometimes the most frustrating level because you feel like you're there forever. Yeah, that's when I think that sentiment is so true. Just enjoy it. Enjoy it for what it is because you've you've proved yourself like you're on the way and you might feel like you're there for ages, but just enjoy not being important like or too important or to have too much responsibility on your shoulders. And we've done a couple of episodes actually, haven't we in our very first season about like working your way up the ladder and what that can feel like and some of the frustration. So if you're interested in kind of that side of things about working your way up the ladder, then like be sure to check out that episode because all those episodes, plural, because we talk a lot about it and how, you know, the responsibilities, but also with responsibility, you know, with moving up and with kind of recognition becomes a lot more responsibilities and just generally it just adds to your workload. Like it's exciting, you're the leader, but also you've got to lead. Therefore you're gonna make a lot more decisions and you have a lot more difficult conversations. Yeah, and you almost lose the creativity side of your role because you don't get to focus on that as much, you? So it's, I like the way she's put that though, enjoy not being important sometimes, that's great. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And don't sweat the small stuff. And exactly that, like things will come, just know that you're enjoying what you're doing, you're good at what you're doing and... Do it for yourself. I think I've said that before, but I think, yeah, exactly. She said like, it can feel like a long road, but it will happen. This is a funny question. How many times have you cried in the sample cupboard? I can't believe we all said that. So she says that, she says she being, you know, me talking with her per thousand. So I've never actually cried. in the sample cupboard, but I've most definitely cried at home. But a job is not worth your tears. It really, really isn't. And when I've cried, I've known it's time to make a change, which I think is a fair point. The number of times I've cried and carried on. Yeah, no, I think that is really, I was really, really brave of her to say that because when you do, I think when I've best, struggled with that, I automatically thought I can't do this. This isn't for me. I'm rubbish. But actually it's just not the right environment for you. It's just not the right, potentially right company, right team, right product category. And that's not always the case, but instead of saying you can't do this, it's just time to make a change. So I think that's a really nice way of putting it. I like that. Yeah. If you cry, it's time to change. If you cry, make a change. Yeah, I like that. I also really impressed that she hasn't ever cried in a sample cupboard. Like how she's managed to hold it together. We bonded over that, like at the beginning, you know, that end toilet was our place. Think about like if something happened at like, I don't know, 8am, 9am, you first got in. How has she got through the morning, through a lunch break, all the way through the afternoon, her commute home, to get back and then cry? I applaud her for being so strong and resilient because I needed those toilet cries to be able to make that get through my day. Yeah, I mean, sometimes I think I've managed to make it to my car, you know, I could just cry on the way home in the car. you know, that... I felt like I'd made a... I'd made a space. I guess cars like home, yeah. I was thinking about like making onto the tube and then thinking onto a train. Yeah. Oh no, that would be worse than crying. I think for me, crying on the train or the tube would be worse than crying in the office. Yeah. You just want to, you want to save face, don't you? But... I think in the office though, if I didn't manage to make it to the sample cupboard or to the toilets or whatever and I just burst into tears at my desk, I think I would probably just say, oh, my cat died. I don't think I could be honest about it. But I feel like at least you're surrounded by people that know you and can just comfort you. Whereas if you're on the train, yes, they're all strangers. And so maybe you can get away with it. Like who cares? They're strangers, no one knows. Also, I'd just be thinking, oh my God, they'd be speculating. Oh my God, did you see that girl crying? What do you think she was crying about? All these different people, all these different ideas of what you might be crying about. You can't like yell out to them, it's my cat. Can you? Like you could maybe in the office. This is very true, this is very true. But you know what? At the same time as well, I just think you just gotta let it out. Just let it out. No one's judging you really. Everybody knows what stresses everybody's under. I mean, as long as you're not crying every single day at desk, know, don't pretend your cat's Fair enough, fair enough. Right. This is the question that we've all been waiting for and I'm not doing it justice. So. Without further ado. has been your funniest buying story you've received a DM about? Feel free to share a few. Oh, I love this. Love, love, love, love, love this. this, oh, this is perfect for like our retail therapy section, isn't it? Right. Yeah. Back into character. Back into character. So early on in the Life Over by page, I got some really good ones about expenses and what people have got away with. I love things like that. The most outrageous has to be the River Island Christmas party a few years back at Wembley. People were telling me all sorts. And then I even got a photo of people in wheelchairs and ambulances all drunk. It was a lot. I'd love to have been there. Oh my gosh, that is insane. He shared this. I remember when she shared this. I could not believe it. I have been at some outrageous Christmas parties. this whole other level. Yeah. Another level. And I wonder how she managed to sort of, you know, we this one down and like work out what to post. Like she must have received some really interesting intel oh my gosh absolutely hilarious like you can't keep that to yourself either can you like what on earth i remember this and she was just like anyone else got any information does anyone else know about this like what was going on like mind-blowing yeah for sure for sure okay so moving on to something a bit more serious How do you think the retail world has changed? What new challenges are we facing as buyers now? So there's a lot of information out there now and trends can be born overnight. I think the toughest thing is staying on top of it all and knowing what's relevant and what's not. Cutting through the noise, that sounds really cringe. We now have AI coming along and it feels like some people think it can do a buyer's job, but if I was a merch, I'd be more worried. AI is definitely gonna change things a lot. That's really interesting, isn't it? Fighting talk with life of emerge at life of emerge. Watch out for your jobs. What's your response to that? Yeah, no, I mean, I think AI, AI is a scary time for a lot of a lot of people in this industry. I mean, I do use chap GPT sometimes, but was having a conversation with someone about this the day and how it's just so inauthentic, isn't it as well? we've talked a lot about gut, gut feeling and gut trading and like it's just gonna make the high street look so similar. Yeah. So I, yeah, we have talked about it so much. I totally agree with her. AI is going to change things a lot. And I think it's gonna be really interesting because I people's skill sets are gonna be really tested. But I have to say, beginning of the year, AI terrified me. Or last year. 2024 me, terrified of AI. I was just like, what is this? I don't like it. I'd rather go back. I wish I was in the era of no TVs. And then 2025 me, it's starting to see it being used, but for good. And that I think is quite exciting. I think if it's used in the right way, it can actually be a real time saver for things and actually could help us to work a lot more efficiently. It just depends how AI is applied. Because ideally you'd think that if people can use it to streamline more of their processes, then actually they can spend more time focusing on their brand handwriting and their USP and making sure that they look different rather than spending too much time like sweating the small stuff or small stuff, you know, like spending too much time on things that can be automated and therefore then just following and copying everything that you see in the high street. Like the creativity is the fun part. So let's automate and use AI to do all the boring stuff we don't want to do. so that we have more time to channel the fun stuff. That's how. I think it's about coming to that happy medium of the balance of both and not just sort of, what's the expression, chucking the baby out with the bath water. Don't chuck the baby out as well as the bath water. But you know what I mean? I feel like a lot of people that will make the decisions to get rid of certain roles because AI can take over might not be completely aware. of what that person does. And that's the danger that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like with everything, when you come along with a restructure, some new top dogs come in. Restructuring with a robot. Don't need that. Don't need that. I'm sure. Where was it? I'm sure at one company and they were like restructuring and they're like, we don't need merchandisers. Just we'll have to. Yeah, merchandisers and 20 buyers. And you're just like. No, not gonna say anything because i'm in the good, you know, i'm in the best camp right now So i'm not gonna say I don't think we need that many buyers But realistically Do you know what merchandise does? Of course, we need more merchandisers Yeah, it's teamwork. This ship is gonna be very Off weighted we're gonna sink. We're gonna get away with murder They are the police Well, yeah, but it's just not gonna be balanced. We're gonna have it's gonna be chaos. Who's gonna watch our stock and buy everything Exactly. especially if it's literally going to sink this so much stock on it. Sure. And especially at a time now where stock is stock sell through is like, King, isn't it? You know, sell through targets now or through the roof for multiple reasons don't want to talk cash in stock, and from an environmental point of view as well. I'm gonna say that from an environmental point of view. Don't want 20 buyers buying absolutely everything they want and love that moment because tomorrow they're gonna want and love something else. Because again, as you said, there are new trends constantly, born overnight, thanks to likes of things like TikTok and stuff like that. Here today, gone tomorrow, that's a trend. Oh no, that's a trend. Oh no, that's a trend. The trends have gone before you've even jumped on them. especially for early adopters, like, you know, if that is your customer group, you've got to move quick because by the time you've even thought that they might like that trend, they're over it. It's a world to be in. It is, it is. Let's move back to the questions. So how do you gauge what will resonate with most with your community? Do you follow specific trends or is it more about intuition? Community runs it. If I get asked to post things, I try to sense if there's relevance for more than one person, but really you'd be surprised how much it overlaps all the time. Common themes, maternity pay, summer or Friday hours, holiday allowance, and people requesting new jobs. I do my helper hung call out still, as I find people still need help with specific things that only my page can do, like suppliers, and I love that. And now if people donate a coffee or a wine, I feel really obliged to post and help them. That's interesting, isn't it? To see those themes coming through there, maternity pay that I mean that I've seen a lot on that and know how, how it's been, she's communicated lot more about paternity pay as well. And, and like the emphasis on men, you know, stepping up and taking time away from their careers and looking after children. There's been a lot on that. That in itself is really important because it's not something that's always talked about in a job spec. know, when it sort of talks about like, you know, of what's it called? you know, what you get for it. You know, it has like the job spec and then, I can't remember what that is. Benefits, thank you. Like benefits. It's not always on there. And then if it's not on there, you don't feel like you can ask because you. It feels uncomfortable or I it feels uncomfortable anyway. Some people would just be like just ask it but particularly if you're Well, I was gonna say if you're a woman but actually paternity to like it just it matters you want to know and you're not saying Hey, if I join your company, will you give me a year off? Yeah, just want to know because actually it does come down to it because if a salary is a bit lower but they offer a really enhanced package and you at some point maybe might thinking that you might want a family, it's important, it matters. It matters just as much as pension contributions. It matters just as much as holiday allowance. Like all these things are part of your life. Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. I'm really pleased that she's been sharing that and. Yeah. I think that retailers need to know that people are interested in that and that it is important to share that and that it is something that if you want to recruit, you should be talking about. Yeah, it's been quite nice to see her linkups with such big companies and it means it like it feels like they are they are listening to some of the things that people want, you know, via this outlet, and hopefully making changes. I mean, I'm not sure what you know, the policy is so some of these companies that she's working with are, but it's nice to see that they are using her as platform to get new people to recruit, like, listen to, you know, what people are saying and. Yeah, I mean, it's a hotbed, isn't it? Like, that is where you're to find out whether or not you're, you're, you're, because you can do engagement surveys, it's honestly surveys, especially when they can break it down and work out basically who you are. Yeah, exactly. You know, yeah, you'll put a little bit in. Do you completely honestly? Honestly, no, because part of it is wanting to get a good engagement score. And you're the one person that's brought it down. I mean, you wouldn't be because if you all did it, then you'd all bring it down. But, you know, you just make your life harder often as well, because then they want to do a team building day to make you feel happier. But actually, they just need to improve some of the perks. Yeah. Yes, but it will come down to the leadership. I love that she's mentioned about sharing suppliers, because I think that is something that, you know, we've got quite a few friends that are buyers and from all the businesses that we've worked in our university courses, etc, etc. And, you know, that's what we do, isn't it? We talk to each other like, oh, we're buying a new category. Do you have any suppliers that supply stationary? Like, who would you recommend? So I think that's really great. Who do you recommend? Because you can go and Google it and you can go on, you know, supply, like go searching for supplies and stuff, but a personal recommendation. Well, like, buy a trade show isn't always as good, is it? No, well, because you can see them and see what they do, but you want somebody that had a good experience with them, don't you? It lands so, so well. So I think that's a really, And I love that she said that she loves that because I feel like I really love that. I love sharing suppliers with my community, you know? So yeah, that's really nice. Okay. So your community seems really engaged and loyal. How did you go about building that trust with your audience? What's the word I can't ever say? Not a minute. Anonymity, being anonymous. I really struggle with that word. Being anonymous allows everyone to feel safe and I'd never break that. I feel the same. I don't pay too much attention to who's messaging me. I just see the issue or the questions and try and help. I would never ever break that trust. It's key. Yeah. for sure. And that goes back to what you saying about the engagement survey. It's like, you wouldn't ever do it in that, but you would do it in this forum. Yeah. But it's also making me think, cause I was thinking before when you were talking about, you know, how some retailers and obviously she works with some retailers and advertise jobs. And so obviously they are watching and you just like with so many people who is watching? you, who, who does the audience, who makes up your audience? And that's super interesting to know like who's there. Like it takes a strong person not to nosey and be like, we know them. Oh, we know them. Oh my God, they're following me. you know, but I guess you can do that. You can have a scroll and see who your followers are. But when it actually comes to the message or the content that's coming through, it's super important to make sure that that isn't shared or judged or anything like that's what gives people the confidence to talk. and be brave and really say how they feel. So you're getting really more content here, aren't you? which is brilliant. But I also think it's a shame that we feel like we can't be open and honest about things, you know, and be more public about what we're saying. Or it's almost like because there are so many things that aren't so good, you kind of have to keep it quiet. And on the DL, like, please don't say who I am. Please don't share who I am because I'm and whistleblowing. But if we didn't have issues to whistleblow, then you wouldn't need to be so anonymous. Yeah, exactly. And also it goes back to what we said at the beginning, what's the harm in sharing some of these things? Like, obviously, you're not going to be sharing, you know, confidential sales information, but sharing suppliers, sharing ideas, building a market together. Like that's what I think is really brilliant about this and allows people to do that. And hopefully this as she says she's changing, hoping, you know, someone said she's changing the industry and hopefully so, you know, for the better. And that actually that we don't have to be such secret squirrels all the time about everything. As you say, there's definitely a time and a place and like certain information that you cannot and should not share. But broadly speaking, why can't we be a bit more open? Why can't we just talk about these things, you know, a bit more and, and if it was all ethical practices across the retail platforms, then maybe we could. Exactly. And this is always gonna need to be existing. Like even if we can start to be more public and be more honest and open about our thoughts and sharing things, there's always gonna need to be the need for like almost like an anonymous independent body. Yeah, yeah. It's like a union, isn't it? Yes. So. Are there any recurring requests or preferences from your followers that you find particularly interesting or surprising? Hmm job requests and maternity parental policies always. Everyone wants to know about this before they join a company as they may be nearing an age that it could matter but it seems no company gives visibility until you're an employee even then you need to ask for it. You might not even be pregnant and then you're asking parental policies. We should try and change it if we can. Why should we not be aware of something that could be really important in our lives and make or break a decision? With the jobs, I really try to post what I can in terms of job adverts. These are paid. I have to make something worthwhile, but they're not expensive compared to other avenues. I do try, I do it cheaper to try and post as much as possible. Anyone wanting to advertise just needs to slide into the DMs. That's fair, I think. Yeah, I totally agree. And I mean, I'm not going to go over the maternity, paternity, parental. Yeah. see things, we just spoke about that before. And as we said, like not surprised that that comes up a lot. And also job requests, like it's the right forum for it. Like it's a hotbed of people who know people who know people and people who want people. But it's quite nice, like if there's any big companies listening right now for them to take away, take that away and just know that that is a really common, it's a common thing. It's what people are asking for, people want. Yeah, because I don't know where else do you go? mean, LinkedIn, I guess, but you have to be following the right people on LinkedIn or some retailers just put it on their own website. But if you're not checking the website that frequently, you're going to miss it. And not just you're going to miss it, but they're going to potentially miss some top talent. Like this is, as we've said, like a hotbed for buyers. So it's the best place to be. And as she said, it's not expensive. Why shouldn't she get something out of this amazing community? It's a lot of, it is a lot of admin at the end of the day to run an account like this, you know, and still work in industry and still probably be battling all of the issues that everyone else is at the same time, you know, so it's, yeah, I'm completely respectful of that. And I think that any, any business that wants to advertise with her, you know, like you said, it's a really targeted. like amazing platform for them to get onto. So they're lucky to be selected. Yeah. How do you see the future of retail evolving, especially with the rise of online communities and social media influences? AI will let us know. Scary times may be, but it's going to be a very interesting few years ahead for this to see how it shapes things with retail and stores included. can agree more. Totally fair. Totally fair. Okay, let's move on to the next last couple of questions. What's the most rewarding part of being behind an anonymous account in the retail space? The pride I have. As no one else can be proud of me because they don't know. How sad. But honestly, the messages of thanks and love keep me going. It can be a lot sometimes. juggling work and life, and then the account that you feel so attached to and you don't wanna let go of. The coffees help and I'm so grateful when people think I'm worth a fiver. More than, I'd say more than a fiver. Yeah, sure. For sure. Oh my gosh, we touched upon that before I should even answer that question. So with that in mind, what's the future for Life of a Bi-Am? What's your ambition for the community? I would love for this to be a full-time role. It's a need within the industry. I'm working on it. That's brilliant. We're very happy about that. But I think she's so right. There's a need for it constantly. And I think there is so much opportunity for it to be what it is and more. Yeah, completely, completely. Really, really, we're all back here. Go for it. Go for it. This is just such a brilliant space. And then lastly, is there anything else you'd like to share with us? Thank you for your questions. And I'm so sad I couldn't do it in person. Good luck with everything and thanks to you for creating this podcast. Oh, that's so nice that she said that at the end of the... We love doing this podcast as well. And I think, I said at the beginning, we share so many similar values. to her or whoever, whoever he, she, she may be. Yeah. And if we could only help just, you know, just a fraction of the number of people that they've helped with our podcast then, yeah, we'd be delighted. Exactly. Brilliant. Well, it's really weird to say bye to. Well, thanks so much for joining us. I've loved it. Thank you. Thank you. you. I will return to just being Kate. Join us next week for another exciting episode. See you next week. Bye. Hey, buyers. This one's for you. We know that the job can be full on. The long days, the supply drama and the endless spreadsheets. And somehow you are still expected to be on all the time. So we've joined up with Life of a Buyer. with the aim of creating space for you to switch off and connect. Join us for our buyers networking event, a relaxed night of wine, conversation and genuine connection with the people who actually get it. It's happening on Wednesday the 4th of June from 6.15pm at Bagobond, Victoria, London. Whether you're looking to expand your network, meet other buyers outside of the 9-5, talk about your latest work drama, or just have a glass of wine without having to explain an MOQ. This is for you. Leave the spreadsheets behind and bring your stories. There's no pressure, no pitches, just real buyers connecting with each other. Spaces are limited, so if that sounds like your kind of evening, RSVP now. We'd love to see you there. Head to www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk forward slash event. If you've enjoyed listening to this episode, please, please, please like and subscribe and leave a review. And if you already have, thank you, thank you, thank you. We all need a bit of retail therapy and this is the perfect time for you to offload about that super cringe-worthy story. We would love to hear from you all, your funny stories and experiences or even any dilemmas and maybe we can help or at least find someone who can. And don't worry, we will keep these anonymous and remove any names and brands. We would also love to hear from you on any topics you would like us to talk about. please send all of these into buyingandbeyond at gmail.com or drop us a DM via our Instagram page at BuyingAndBeyond. Kate, are you a drama queen? No. Drama just makes things interesting. That's true. All these thoughts and opinions are our own and based on our own experiences working for a wide variety of retailers. These are all in the hope to entertain and educate and not to reflect negatively on any place we currently or have previously worked.