kbbreview Rising Star: December
We’ve teamed up with Blum to find the upcoming stars of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom retail. Meet this month’s Rising Star Issy Huxford, a designer at Wilton Studios, with a natural spark for all things creative
Listen to the full interview with Issy in this special episode of The kbbreview Podcast. Listen now using the player above or go straight to this episode in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
Issy Huxford always had plans to turn her creative flair into a career. After studying graphics, art and photography, she went on to do a course in media makeup and had her sights set on a career in the film industry.
However, while working in a high-end kitchen studio during her college years, she grew to love interior design and recognised she could happily make a career out of it. In September 2023 she joined the team at Wilton Studios in Grimsby as its lead bathroom designer.
“I love interacting with the clients obviously,” Huxford says. “But, for me, being trusted to turn a space into someone’s dream bathroom through my design skills is really special. Seeing my initial design and the finished bathroom side by side is really rewarding.”
Just a year into her time at Wilton and, according to owner Ashley Riggall, Huxford is already making a huge impact on business.
“Since joining us, Issy has brought a new dynamic to the design team and has energised the move into new developments within the company,” explains Riggall. “Whether it’s her style of presentation using the latest software integrated into the in-house media wall or the fact that she is constantly on the lookout for new ideas. materials and innovations to work with on projects.
“Issy has a natural spark for all things creative and our customers just love spending time with her and discussing their requirements.”
Working within a small team, Huxford gets to be involved in virtually all aspects of the business which is just one element of the job that keeps her so passionate about the role. “I just love the fact that one minute I can be deep in conversation with a client about their bathroom design,” she explains. “Then the next, I’m helping out with a delivery. It keeps me from sitting all day and makes the day fly by.”
Although she’s been in the industry a few years already, at just 24, you could argue that Huxford’s KBB design career is just getting started. So where does she see herself in five years?
“I’d love to still be in this industry, whether it’s here at Wilton or if I end up starting out on my own eventually,” she says. “But I just take each day as it comes. I’m very happy with where I am at the moment. I love the company and I love designing bathrooms and I just want to continue to build on that.”
Do you know a Rising Star?
We’ve teamed up with Blum to find the upcoming stars of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom retail.
We need YOU to tell us who your Rising Star is – who are the members of your team that you believe stand out as a star of the future in this industry?
THERE ARE ONLY TWO RULES:
- They must be currently employed by a retailer – defined as a company that sells direct to the consumer
- They must be under 30 years of age on March 4, 2025
Other than that, they can perform any job role within your business – admin, design, sales, finance, installation, we don’t mind as long as they’re a star!
Between August 2024 and March 2025, we’ll be picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online, and podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS SEND US:
- A clear high-resolution head-and-shoulders picture of them (taken with your phone on normal settings is fine)
- Their full name and job title
- Up to 500 words telling us why they’re your Rising Star
- Your full name and job title
And don’t worry, if you qualify and want to nominate yourself then that’s fine too.
This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of your business and the talent within it. It’s a great chance to let your people know how much you value them and believe in their contribution. It’s also a way of demonstrating to the wider industry just what can be achieved if you take the time to nurture raw talent.
Email your nominations to:
[email protected]
