What is your name and where do you work?
Siani Driver and I am the founder and owner at Think Outside Social.
How long have you been a member of The Kiln?
I think it must be around a year?
What’s a piece of advice you live by when it comes to work?
Be honest, be authentic, don’t try to copy anyone else – quality over quantity, always.
What drew you to The Kiln and made you want to become a member?
Home working is lonely! I was missing having people around me and it’s a really stylish and fun environment too.
How would people describe you best?
I’ve been described as Thelma from Scooby Doo…not sure if that is a compliment?!
What is your favourite Kiln perk?
Sofas. It’s great not having to sit on office chairs all the time.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now I’m working on developing a brand and online presence for a personal development coach, helping an educational organisation recruit students for their MA, designing a series of phonics card characters for a speech and language therapist, tidying up a website, helping a carbon zero company with their web content, managing the social media and blogs for around 3 different clients, and whatever else comes my way! It’s busy but I like it that way, and the variety of work keeps me fully interested and excited.
How would you describe The Kiln in 10 words?
Cool, friendly, laid back, comfortable, convenient, community spirited, fun and flexible!
What is the best thing about owning your own business?
Being able to say yes (and no!) to clients based on whether we suit each other, and being able to fit my business in around my 3 children and shift-working husband. There’s no way I’d be able to hold down a normal job with the different pressures throughout my week – my son has cerebral palsy and his timetable and appointments mean I need to be flexible all the time.
What is your favourite thing about working at The Kiln?
It feels like you’re part of a wider team, being there, but without all the office politics or people checking up on you. Just the good bits!
Where is your favourite place to mid-work lunch?
I generally eat while I work so I can maximise my time. Either something from the vegan section in M&S, or I’ve recently tried and loved the new Sugar Daddies cafe. The Meeting Place cafe is lovely if I’m making more of an event of lunchtime, perhaps meeting a colleague or friend.
What would you say to anyone unsure if The Kiln is for them?
Give it a try! You can book a taster day for free. Nothing to lose and lots to gain.