We delve into the licensing life of the managing director of Blonde Sheep Licensing.
Natasha Dyson,
Managing Director, Blonde Sheep Licensing
My route into the licensing industry went something like this…
I initially worked at Ideal Toys as a marketing and PR assistant. Ideal Toys was then sold to Toy Brokers so I combined my savings and redundancy money and went travelling. After a year and a half travelling Australia and South East Asia, I moved to London to look for a job in marketing. Through my dad I was introduced to Jane Evans, the md at The Beanstalk Group, who happened to be recruiting for a marketing assistant. I was interviewed for the job knowing very little about licensing and sent home with some Mary-Kate and Ashely (the Olsen twins) videos as research as this was the brand I’d be working on. After being offered the job I was told the job title would be changing to licensing coordinator. There my journey began…
How many years in the industry?
15 years and hopefully many more.
When I was growing up, I had no idea licensing was an industry so I wanted to be…
After my first holiday abroad I decided I wanted to be an air hostess, or cabin crew as they are now known. I wanted to travel the world. However after a few long haul flights I decided that sleeping, rather than working, was a much better option on flights. I did have an interview with Virgin Atlantic but it wasn’t to be.
The deal I am most proud of is…
It’s very hard to pick just one as I always feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement when I see products in-store for deals I’ve done. Having recently set up my own business though, I would have to say it is securing the Rubik’s brand (cube) as my first client.
My most interesting experience in licensing has been…
There have been so many which is what makes the licensing industry so great. Every day is different so you never get bored. The various social occasions definitely add a different appeal and a night out with the Lowe boys many years ago will always be remembered as one of the most random and crazy licensing nights out.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is…
I like our discussions and hearing your different point of view, but you need to know when to give up.
If I wasn’t in licensing, I would be…
Saving animals. It upsets me to see how badly animals are treated and I’d like to see more done to secure the humane treatment of animals.
Who do you admire most in the industry (and why)?
It would have to be my ex colleagues from my time at The Beanstalk Group. We all continue to support and help each other through our different licensing journeys and I know we always will. I hope to get the chance to work them again in the future.
In a film of your life, which licensed character would play you?
She-Ra, and Swiftwind could play my horse, Jet.
If I could change anything about the industry, it would be…
For retailers to differentiate their product ranges and give space to the smaller brands.
