"For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with all things fashion. But what sticks in my head the most is a gift from my parents when I was 3 years old. They bought me my first pair of party shoes – red patent bow shoes - and that's where my passion for fashion really sparked.
"Those shoes were the first fashion moment I remember having, and ever since that point I’ve always had a real keen interest in clothing and accessories. I was always trying on my Mum’s heels and playing dress up with her wardrobe. From imitating my favourite fictional character’s outfits to pinching my Dad’s old University sweatshirts (and slashing the neck – much to his horror!) - my parents have always encouraged me to embrace my creativity, express myself through my fashion choices and most importantly, follow my dreams."
"They never made me feel silly for wanting to push the fashion boundaries even at such a young age, so it think that if I hadn't been gifted that first pair of shoes from them, maybe I wouldn’t be doing what I love today. It is because of them and their inspiration that I am now doing my dream job.
"As heat's Style Editor, no two days are ever the same. A day in my life is everything from running to meetings, to doing press show rooms, to pulling clothing for a shoot or editing copy – it’s really changeable and my schedule is mad.
"I couldn’t do a job if I wasn’t passionate about it. It's a cliché thing to say, but if you're passionate about what you do, you never really work a day in your life. And I have to say hand on heart I genuinely do enjoy coming to work because I love what I do, have a great team and love all things fashion. It's a good thing my parents gifted me those red patent bow shoes all those years ago, or I may not be where I am today!"
This Christmas, head to Very.co.uk to give a gift that helps someone you love discover their gift, and to Very.co.uk/lovegiving for the chance to win a gift for you and a loved one.
Plus below, shop our edit of gifts to inspire someone to become style savvy:
laura puddy gifts - very commercial
1 of 6Nova Stripe Border Cape, £22 from Very
A fashion savvy friend will love draping this cosy cape - which features border stripes and tassel fringing - over their shoulders.
2 of 6Maybelline No Make-Up Make Up Kit Gift Set For Her, £35 from Very
Once your loved one has got their outfit on point, they'll need to get their makeup on fleek, too. That's where the Maybelline No Make-Up Make Up gift set comes in. Boasting a concealer, highlighter, lipstick, mascara and setting spray, this gift will go down a treat with any fashion and beauty fanatic.
3 of 6Como Studded T-Bar High Point Court, £38 from Very
Help someone make a statement in these studded T-bar red heels
4 of 6Parker Vanity Bag, £25 from Very
Here's the cool way to tote about your make-up essentials this season. Gift this croc print vanity bag to someone who's up for making a style statement, and who never leaves the house without looking chic AF.
5 of 6OPI Big Apple Red Nail Lacquer, £13.99 from Very
No outfit is complete without a bright, shiny nail polish. Enter OPI's Big Apple Red hue, which will add a pop of colour to any outfit.
6 of 6Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 Instant Camera, £129.99 from Very
Let your loved one capture their best outfits with this Fujifilm camera, which will let them shoot and print instantly. Featuring light and dark modes to suit shooting conditions, plus a timer and flash built in, this camera will be a fashion lover's dream.