From Digital Marketeer to Movement Creator

I’ve been bugging this month’s Inspiring Parent to take part in this blog series, pretty much since I met her three years ago! Her response to a far too common story, where becoming a parent means professional doors are shut, is one I think you all need to hear! But this entrepreneurial Mum didn’t let the negative and antiquated opinions of others hold her back. Since her eldest child was born, she has taken her skill set to create and launch two wonderful businesses.

It’s very rare that I get to witness first-hand the development of the Inspiring Parent’s career, but this time I have! I’m proud to present to you the Founder of Brand Remarkable and Nurture Network, Charlotte Shutt.

Over to you Charlotte!

I am the Founder of two businesses: Brand Remarkable, using social events, media & design for good and Nurture Network, creating accessible opportunities that help YOU connect with your community.

My career journey has been an interesting one. At 16 years of age, I had a light bulb moment sitting on my local bus, looking at an advert to recruit for social workers.  I thought, “Yes I could do that!” I wanted to do good in my work.
In the end, my preferred option was to be able to use my creativity (this makes me happy!) to do good.

I certainly went on a journey to get here but can honestly say I’m doing exactly that!
Although I signed up for A-Levels, I quickly realised they weren’t for me. I left my A levels (much to my mother’s dismay!) and started a course at Sutton College a BTEC Media.

Once completing this course I was offered a job in recruitment, which was unexpected as I was offered it when working as a Saturday girl in Ernest Jones. Once joining the recruitment company I soon realised I wanted the jobs they were recruiting in Marketing & Design! I subsequently went on to blag my way onto an Art & Design Foundation Degree – I didn’t have the official qualifications an A level in Art to join but proved my worth with personal artwork & my video ‘Just Louise’ which I completed on my BTEC Media course. Following this, I studied Fashion Marketing & Communications at Nottingham Trent University.
After graduation, I ended up working for global brands for a number of years using my skills in Marketing, PR & Design. I didn’t however ever feel content. Whilst I was honoured to do a job I loved, I felt it wasn’t always benefiting the right people.
All of my skills, knowledge and experience has carried over into the work I do now.  From the interpersonal skills I gained as a “Saturday Girl” to working with global brands. All experience is good experience; nothing in my opinion is ever wasted – as my Mom has always told me!

The greatest challenge I have needed to overcome is the very reason I am doing what I do now.
I was told it was a shame I was a woman after the birth of my son Robin, during a conversation when he was 6 months old. Even though I was a Director in my own right because, I was bloody good at my job, becoming a parent just added to my unique set of skills including being a woman!!! What was the shame that this wasn’t seen!
However, the support and community I have found since becoming a parent has been overwhelming. I truly believe everyone is good but sometimes when they prove otherwise it’s disappointing. I’m surprised at my resilience since becoming a parent and am surprised such injustice regarding gender still exists. I’m on a path to prove that surprises don’t always have to be bad, you can surprise yourself if you dare to step out of the comfortable zone!

The best advice I can give a parent:  Be remarkable and trust your inner judgement.
Make plans, show purpose, always stick to what you believe is right for you and your family. It doesn’t matter if you are starting up on your own, or at a career crossroads, change in any sense is difficult but sometimes it’s necessary, it makes you forge your own unique path.

If you are currently in a similar position, I hope that this shows you how much control you have over your career. Don’t let anyone else project their doubts onto you; prove them wrong! You never know, your idea may lead to the creation of a brand-new community movement!

Read about the career and business journeys of other Inspiring Parents here.  You may get to meet some of them, virtually of course, within our Facebook Group, Creating Careers to Enjoy.

Would you like to apply to be part of the series? Just tell me your story through these quick questions!