The fourth in a series by Stress Matters, who have been asking those across the events industry – how are you doing? MD of Miss Jones, Lisa Boissel, shares how she’s been coping throughout the pandemic.
I have been in the event industry for over 14 years. Miss Jones is prominently an event based company hosting a minimum of two to three events a week, so lockdown and this year has hit us quite hard.
Right now I am ok, but every week is different. Last week was tough, but one thing I have found is I need to be consistently exercising to keep my head in check throughout lockdown. I am someone who is usually out and about every day, travelling all over London where no two days are the same, so I have struggled a lot with a routine and I do have to self-motivate, but over time it’s definitely getting easier. I’ve also learnt to move on from small issues, and to not dwell on them.
The first lockdown was a low point for me, with not being able to host real time events. However, we were able to change our model and make ourselves a lot more online based which I’ve found really interesting, as well as take the time to re-do our whole website, so I’d see these as the key high points through lockdown. A stand out funny moment for me, was when I was screaming at my sister to bring me a gin and tonic, and being unaware that I was on a Zoom call ahead of our virtual conference – I was very stressed at the time but now I can look back and laugh.
Prior to lockdown I was regularly going to spinning classes at Psycle and boxing classes in Kobox, it really helps with the endorphins. I also try to relax and switch off by cooking which I love to do, and then I also treat myself to massages and facials when I have time as they really do make me feel great. My evenings are fairly relaxed too, I usually watch an episode of Schitt’s Creek as it’s so lighthearted before bed, or I try to read.
If I could go back and give myself advice nine months ago, it would be to start learning everything you need to know about digital marketing! But six months ago, it would be to slow down, and try not to stress myself out, as well as remember that everyone is going through this, you’re not alone and everything will work itself out.
I’m looking forward to our brand new website being completed, and spreading the word about it. The website is a marketplace for event assistants where they can access the best deals, events, as well as advertise their services all in one place.
I also cannot wait for events to return and to finally start being busy and allowed to be out and about again, getting back to the way things were before.
If you would like to share your story, please visit www.stressmatters.org.uk/pandemic-stories for more information.
