Meet The Bellwoods Team
Our Bellwoods team members are made up of people who love good design, a good chat, and a good dog. Get to know us better and find out if you share our favourite things to do in Whitley Bay and if our Desert Island favourites are the same as yours.
Meet Suzie
What do you love about working at Bellwoods?
I feel inspired being surrounded by such beautiful products in the shop. I like to find out where things are from and who made them. Since I joined the team I’ve been introduced to so many artisan brands and it’s lovely being able to learn about and share the stories behind these brands with people. I also love opening a delivery of candles or soaps because the smells are soooo good.
What's your favourite thing to do in Whitley Bay?
I love a trip to Whitley Bay for a nice coffee and a look around the local shops and a walk along the seafront. I really enjoy having a rummage in all the amazing charity shops we have here too. If I’m with my son I like going to Littley Bay Town of Play or to the amusements and an ice cream.
What's your Desert Island Movie, Book, Podcast and TV Show?
Movie - My Life As A Courgette
Book - Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys, Viv Albertine
Podcast - The Adam Buxton Podcast
TV - Spaced
What do you do when you're not working at Bellwoods?
Alongside Bellwoods I run a creative business called Suzie Winsor Studio selling prints and running workshops. I have a two year old son who keeps me busy too. I enjoy getting out and into nature whenever possible. Visiting a walled garden on a warm sunny day followed by cream tea is my idea of the perfect day out. My ideal evening is eating pizza, drinking beer in a warm outside spot, then watching live music.
Meet Amy
What do you love about working at Bellwoods?
Being part of Bellwoods has been such a nice way to feel more immersed in the community at the coast, our little team feels very supportive. The chats I get to have through the day with colleagues, customers (and their pooches) really fill up my cup!
I love unpacking deliveries and discovering all the new pieces Nathalie has chosen for the shop. I also find re-organising the stock room strangely soothing, something to do with my addiction to Tetris as a child maybe.
What's your favourite thing to do in Whitley Bay?
It’s so hard to pick just one thing, but late evening walks to Di Meo's for ice cream with my husband and dog is up there.
What's your Desert Island Movie, Book, Podcast and TV Show?
Movie: Titanic - I saw it at the cinema 3 times
Book: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Podcast: Shameless
TV Show: Succession
What do you do when you are not working at Bellwoods?
I have been a yoga teacher for 7 years and have recently started to teach in a beautiful local studio called Karma Coast Collective. When I’m not on the mat or in the shop you can usually find me on the beach, listening to an audiobook while paddling in the sea with my dog Twiggy. I also have a real passion for food. I love to cook and hunt out nice local independent restaurants to eat in. I feel so lucky to live here by the sea surrounded by so many creative and friendly people!
Meet Jodie
What do you love about working at Bellwoods?
I love being part of this little team and working in the lovely little community in Whitley Bay. It’s nice to actually look forward to coming into work! I love seeing the work that comes in by so many amazing designers and small businesses, full of colour and character. It’s so inspiring and genuinely brightens my day.
What's your favourite thing to do in Whitley Bay?
Going for a sea swim followed by coffee and brunch at Kith & Kin - the best way to spend a morning off.
What's your Desert Island Movie, Book, Podcast and TV Show?
Movie: She’s the Man
Book: Saltwater by Jessica Andrews
Podcast: Sh*gged, Married, Annoyed
TV Show: The Office US
What do you do when you are not working at Bellwoods?
I run my own business called Oh Lightning, which is an illustrative brand producing thoughtful, feel-good pieces. As well as this, I climb and update the team on whatever new scrape I have that week because of it. I watch my favourite TV shows on repeat, rather than finding new ones to watch and there will always be a special place in my heart for trashy tv shows.