Emma: Founder and CEO
I founded Velvet 25 years ago, and my passion for what we do has only grown stronger with time. I’m incredibly proud to lead a brilliant team of talented women – working together is a joy every day. Velvet is also a true family business: my two eldest sons are now part of the team, and my youngest is eager to join after his GCSEs. Even my amazing mum, Iris, keeps us all in line as our management accountant!
As a single mum to three fantastic boys, life is always full – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m deeply inspired by fashion and interiors, and love the balance of living by the sea. You’ll often find me playing tennis, swimming, going for long walks, or catching up with friends over a drink at the local pub.
Iris: Management Accountant and My Mum
Iris was there from the very start and still very much by my side. We started Velvet together
and now she looks after our management accounts. She’s known as Lady I to all the team and you will often see her in our try-ons on Instagram. Forever glamourous, supportive and absolutely wonderful. Everyone loves Iris. She loves gardening, knitting, pilates and just relaxing with her beloved cat Poppet.
Gemma: Managing Director
The brilliant Gemma has been with Velvet for an incredible 17 years and officially took on the role of Managing Director last year. She’s truly the heart of the business – a hugely valued part of the team, an absolute superstar, and a wonderful friend. Gemma oversees everything from marketing and social media to buying, leading the team on our beautiful in-store displays, and making sure the day-to-day runs smoothly. Her passion, creativity, and dedication are second to none.Outside of work, she loves travelling with her lovely husband Ryan, discovering great restaurants, doing yoga, shopping, and spending time with her friends at the pub - maybe why we get on so well!
Ella: Manager & Visual Merchandiser
Eight years at Velvet. Ella works very hard on the day to day running of the shop and is fantastic with all our customers. She has a wicked sense of humour, is a stickler for tidiness, as well as a standout creative genius. Alongside Gemma, she creates, develops and perfects all our lovely instore merchandising and wonderful window displays. A deep love of stage shows, especially Hamilton, her sweet little cat Coco and of course fashion & interiors.
Ellen: Part time Manager
Ten years at Velvet. Ellen is now a fabulous Mum to two little boys Noah and Teddy but still finds time for Velvet a few days a week. She is a ray of sunshine, giving the best hugs, telling the naughtiest jokes and rounds it all off with exceptional customer service. She really loves her dog Mila, her gorgeous boys, oh and of course her husband.
And partial to a sausage roll too!
Natasha: Senior Supervisor
Four years at Velvet. Natasha loves things to be neat and tidy and you will often see her straightening and perfecting everything on the shop floor. She is excellent with our customers and has terrific product knowledge. She loves her cats, and when not at Velvet there’s a good chance she will be at the stables with her beloved horses.
Helen: Warehouse & Admin Manager
Eighteen years service, with a break in the middle.
Where would we be without Helen? The most organised person ever; the reason our merchandise gets to the shop floor so quickly and in perfect order, and woe-betide anyone who messes up her stockroom. She loves raving, Arsenal FC, anything from the 90's and adventure holidays with her husband!
Bruna: Warehouse Assistant
With us three years now, working closely with Helen to ensure all our fantastic new stock hits the shopfloor in double-quick time. If anything comes in pink, then expect Bruna to be wearing it. She loves to spend her free time chilling out with her fiance and pets Louis and Milo.
Alice: Part Time Sales Assistant
Alice is super friendly and loves a good chat and you will often find her at the fitting rooms offering excellent styling advice. She is currently studying to become a child play therapist. She loves having cosy cuddles with her cat or enjoying a well deserved pint in the pub.
Harriet: Senior Sales
Meet Harriet - the newest member of our team who already feels like she’s always been here.
Warm, stylish, and endlessly helpful, she brings a vibrant energy and a fabulous pop of colour to the shop every day.
Our customers adore her - and so do we!
You’ll recognize her by her impeccable style and fab smile.
Izzy: Sales Assistant
Izzy with us for 3 years - with a gap in the middle. Full of creative flair, a bubbly and jolly soul, she is terrific with the customers and always makes a fuss of the numerous canine visitors we have every day. Never happier than when enjoying a cosy film night in with her boyfriend.
Millie: Part time Sales Assistant
Joined us as a Christmas temp in 2022 and was so impressive, we had to snap her up on a permanent basis. She has an easy charm, wonderful customer service skills and a great appreciation of the Velvet style. She loves to spend time with her friends and listening to great music.
George, My Dad
Always deeply missed, by me and the rest of the Velvet team. My lovely Dad George was the Velvet King of cardboard and our biggest supporter, as well as a genuine Hove legend.
A great shop keeper and entrepreneur himself and the foundation of so much of what I have learned along the way.
Sam: Warehouse Assistant
Sam my middle son joined the team last year. He works very hard making sure the shop gets all the new collections and is fully stocked every day. He is not so keen on having his picture taken though but we managed to get this one with his older brother Oscar.
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