Q&A with Senior Account Manager Jen Silver

We caught up with our Wanaka based senior account manager Jen Silver for a quick Q&A. Jen has an incredibly interesting work background and she shares how this has led her to Frame. As a mum to an 11-month old, she has some great advice for working parents on how she gets the most from her work day, how to switch off after hours plus her must-do’s in Wanaka. It’s a great read, check it out below…

What is your background and how did you come to work for Frame?

 I spent the good part of 11 years working in the Super Yacht industry as a Chief Stewardess on 100m+ Motor yachts and with teams of up to 25 Stewardesses. It’s an incredible lifestyle partnered with a gruelling workload where you really do ‘work hard, play hard’. I think after a certain point, my body had had enough of the 20 hour work days and it was time to come home and keep my feet firmly on the ground. Without straying too far from what I knew, I worked as a Yacht Crew Agent for a recruitment company. I’ve always loved finding the right person for the right job and find huge satisfaction in it. I had never heard of Frame when a friend sent me a link for their open Account Manager position. It sounded perfect! A mix of two favourite things – fashion and recruitment, so I went all in not expecting a call back. I got one and almost two years on, the rest is history! 

Why do you love working in recruitment?

I love it when we get a candidate who is so enthusiastic about a role. Placing them in their dream job is such a feel good moment.

Being a first time mum to an 11 month old, the flexibility this role allows is also a dream. I have my workload and manage it around William and the daily juggle he can bring. We’re so lucky Rach has created an incredible Frame community where I get to work with the best team. That sounds really cheesy but we’re all in there hustling away together and it’s a really cool vibe.

 What advice would you give to a new mum planning their return to work? 

I went back to work part time after 6 months PP. Rach and I set super clear expectations and goals so there was minimal pressure and I was able to ease back in without feeling too overwhelmed (I did anyway, but that’s normal!). It took me a good while to get my head back in the game as my baby brain was next level. 

I would suggest having a very real and honest chat with your employer about your expected hours, and workload. We had childcare organised so I was lucky to be able to separate home and work life which helped me a lot.

 How do you manage to switch off after a busy day of work so you can focus in on family time?

I’m still working on this one! I work 30 hours now and the day doesn’t really stop until William is in bed, the dishes and washing is done, the house is tidy and everyone is packed for work/daycare the next day. I’m all about the clean space, clear mind and can’t really relax until I’ve done as much as possible to alleviate any last minute stress the next morning. My Husband and I are ships passing in the night at the moment, so our family time is our Saturdays. We keep this day pretty open and it’s a really nice, slow day for us all.

What are your current season wardrobe staples?

My Rohe trousers! I love this Amsterdam based brand. They explore contemporary shapes through their effortless tailoring. My Twin gave me a couple pairs and I haven’t taken them off since. Living in Wanaka, it has felt like a very long Winter, so I’m all for cashmere knits, a wide leg pant and a sneaker. Coming into warmer days, I’ll remove the knits and replace them with my fav white Samsoe Samsoe tee’s. 

Must do's in Wanaka/Queenstown in Spring/Summer?

Although Queenstown is just over the hill, we don’t actually spend much time there. There is so much to do in Wanaka, we’re pretty happy staying local. Spring skiing is always great! We have two stunning mountains, both within an hour’s drive, although I’m partial to Treble Cone.

I’m looking forward to spending days out on the lake, picnics on the lakefront and having all our family come down to stay. Of course, I do love a city fix every now and then, so pop up to Auckland when I can to consume all the coffee and pretend I can stay up past 10pm.