My journey to becoming a successful recruitment entrepreneur began in the most unlikely of places – a car wash. It was 2009, I was 18, and I had just arrived in the UK from Lithuania, with no English and no idea what the future held.
The car wash was my first job. It was hard work, but it was also my first taste of independence. I quickly realised that if I wanted to get ahead, I needed to learn English. So, I enrolled in evening classes and started working with an agency, taking on a variety of roles – from meat factory worker to quality control inspector for Yorkshire puddings (yes, you read that right!). I even had the privilege of packing flowers for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
These jobs, while providing much-needed income, often felt dehumanizing. I was just a number, a pair of hands to be hired and fired at will. This experience, however, ignited a fire within me. I vowed to never treat people the way I had been treated.
Driven by this determination, I learned English, attended Hull College, and eventually landed a job in recruitment. It wasn’t glamorous at first. I was thrown into the deep end, dealing with mass recruitment drives and high-pressure environments. My “on-call” phone was glued to my ear, and I often found myself fielding calls at 3am. Looking back, it’s incredible how much pressure I put on myself at such a young age.
Over the next 14 years, I climbed the ranks in the recruitment industry. I visited countless factories, from fish processing plants to chocolate factories, gaining invaluable knowledge about the manufacturing process. But more importantly, I learned the importance of treating people with respect and dignity.
In March 2024, I finally took the leap and started my own recruitment firm. Drawing on my years of experience and deep understanding of the local market, I’m committed to providing a personalized and ethical service to both clients and candidates.
My unique selling proposition is simple: I understand the challenges faced by both employers and job seekers in this region. I know the importance of finding the right fit, not just filling a vacancy. I believe in investing time in building relationships and understanding the specific needs of each client.
I have big aspirations for my firm. I want to play a role in developing the talent pipeline in our region, connecting people with fulfilling careers and helping businesses thrive. I believe that by focusing on individual needs and providing personalised support, we can create a more rewarding and sustainable recruitment experience for everyone.
