I am sucker for details... From the biggest pointers, to the most minute and
immaterial bits and pieces - everything is under my radar. Probably a nod to my
OCD self. So... It is rather befitting when I get into recounting the exact no
of days/ weeks etc, that I have worked at Spencer.
333 weeks,
or 6 years, 4 months, and 19 days, before I cleaned
my desk one last and final time.
I'm heading off to new adventures and although, I'm not sure yet
as to which one I will pursue first, but I am certain---they will be wonderful,
eventful and exciting for sure. Knowing me I am certain they will be
dramatic as well.
Walking into a dusty, colorless and dreary warehouse, tucked
away in little corner of Al Quoz, I had never imagined I would spend all this
time here and become a part of building Spencer as a brand. It has truly been a
roller coaster of sorts, meeting
so many new people, brainstorming ideas, seeing various highs and lows,
projects won, tender's lost, fighting cyber squatting, babies, marriages,
flaring tempers, flying keyboards, to moving into a shiny new office in Tecom,
and expanding our boundaries to the unknown lands of furniture and
furnishings... and what not.
To simply say that Spencer was a learning experience for me,
would be an understatement. I have been a part of various "defining moments" here and I would like to think that one
of the very first 'defining moment' would be the moment when one of my bosses convinced me to stay
when I was all prepared to leave, mind you this was my second day at work, when
I was so utterly disheartened at the distance I had to travel daily to get to
work and not to forget being the one girl (among-st 12 men) in my office.
Working in Spencer made me a part of departments I had no idea
were required for the smooth functioning of an organization, IT department,
support desk, graphic design, photographing, public relations, social media
managing, customer relations, data analysis, report development, administrative
support team, and expert jib jab card creator… and phew!
From designing T shirts for our boys, to making the Spencer flag
that keep flowing proudly in JLT, to designing graphics for our pickups and
vehicles, to coughing up legal notices for clients, to donning the hat of
a web designer, to making tea for my clients, to take on the role of the driver
and picking up clients, to sneakily revamping the Big Boss's cabin while he is
away on vacay, to getting heavily involved with creating social media platforms
for Spencer, to give a much needed face lift to the furniture showroom, to
redesigning the company logo, our business cards, to planting the plants,
putting up the Christmas tree, to dealing with peepers and poopers... and the
list can pretty much go on and on!
I have evolved with Spencer and as Spencer grew - in size,
structure and business, I grew too – in my role (quickly rising from an entree
level Junior designer to where i am now), in my skills and in my personality. We evolved together. I wouldn't be the person I am today, had it
not been for Spencer. I have seen over 70 colleagues come and go, some for
a day, some for a week, while some in fact have came right back as
well. Talking about colleagues, I have to specially make a mention of
three crucial people whom I have seen from day one and who have played a
significant part in my time here.
My Boss - Mr. Koshi, for treating me less like an employee and more like his
daughter. I will forever cherish all our laughs, differences in opinions,
arguments, and cold war's. It was a pleasure working with you and a great
educational journey.
Prat - My friend, my fellow fashion police and a wonderful human
being. He has educated and kept me updated on pop culture, gossip, style and
the latest fashion trends. From fighting like cats and dogs we have surely come
a long and I appreciate our unique equation.
Shaji - Tea and water with
an added dose of office gossip, Shaji was never one to disappoint. Always on
top of everything that's happening and always ready to help. The first person I
met at Spencer and the person who made me feel truly welcome. He has been
of phenomenal importance for me.
Aparna and Shaf for being so so wonderful, patient and fantastic with me, to handle my
craziness and to also knock some much needed sense into me from time to
time.
Anish, Mona, Karthika, Julita, Neethu, Mr. Thomas, Shiju and George.... Thank YOU!
Anish, Mona, Karthika, Julita, Neethu, Mr. Thomas, Shiju and George.... Thank YOU!
Guys, it has truly been a joy to have worked with each and every
one of you during my time here. You have all been delight and a nuisance to
work with. To say, "I hope that we can stay in touch with you" would
be unrealistic and largely utopian if you ask me. I would much rather say,
hold on to the memories and thank you for allowing me to be a part of so
many different hues of memories.
I have no intention of say Good bye... I may be leaving Spencer, but I sure am leaving a lot of NEELU in Spencer. And that my friends, is a tad bit difficult to get rid of! Ha Ha...