Armadillo Asks: Stephanie Geyl
We want to introduce you to the people who make Armadillo tick. So grab a coffee, settle back and say hello to Stephanie…
Name: Stephanie Geyl
Job Title: Account Director
Joined Armadillo: February 2017
What inspires you?
Oh, so much! Creativity, in all its forms.
Holding a lump of clay and turning it into something beautiful.
Vibrant cities – here and abroad.
Walking to the top of a mountain and absorbing the view.
Bold architecture and the small intricate details.
Passionate people.
What’s your biggest achievement?
My family and friends. I feel incredibly lucky to have the most amazing people in my life.
The best piece of advice Stephanie’s ever been given:
Live every day as if it’s your last.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
My dad was an architect when I was young, so would bring home all the A1 sheets of finished jobs which we would turn over and use as art paper. I used to spend as much time poring over the plans and thinking about how I would design the space. So, for many years I dreamt of being an architect. Finding out you need physics and maths at A-level put a stop to that! Instead, I get my interior kicks from house renovations – my own and helping friends with theirs!
Tell us something about you that might surprise us
I played the piano and cello in orchestras and achieved grade 7 in both. I stopped at 18 and still regret it, especially when I see amazing cellists play in all sorts of incredible bands.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do?
I love to travel, so I’d visit all the incredible countries in this world, staying in each long enough to fully immerse myself in the culture. I’d love to spend time in the Japanese mountains with the ceramicists.
Stephanie’s favourite word in the English language is “why”…
Because we have one chance at life, so I want to learn as much as possible.
Do you have a side hustle you’d like to share?
I’m a potter. After kids, I took it up as a hobby and turned it into my career for a number of years, building up my business selling in shops, galleries and independently. The Frome Independent market was my favourite. Not only did I have some loyal customers there, it was great to be part of such a creative hub of artisans.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
The number of bowls I can throw in a minute!
What songs have you completely memorized?
Oh, I’m dreadful at memorising song lyrics! Although I realise every time I listen to songs from the 80s I can generally sing along, showing my age.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Blue sky and sunshine in both the weather and people’s attitudes.
What stat for your life would you most like to see?
The number of times I’ve asked for help with computers. I am definitely not a tech! Actually, do I really want to know?
What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it?
To learn Spanish… one day!
What and where is Bristol’s hidden gem?
Clifton Lido for a day of swimming, pampering and delicious food.
It can’t be a secret, but Brandon Hill is lovely to wander around for the views of the city.
If someone only had one day to spend in Bristol, what should they do?
As I’ve recently ‘rediscovered’ my bike, a day pootling around the city – the bike paths are improving, so you can get to so many areas.
As such a diverse city, every pocket of Bristol has something wonderful to discover, whether the cafes, restaurants, independent shops, theatres or music venues. And they keep popping up, it’s hard to keep up.
Meander from Gloucester Road to Stokes Croft. The whole of that stretch has everything that encompasses the diversity of the city. I love it. Music and theatre are superb here, so the evening must have at least one of them.
I wish I could give just one place for breakfast, lunch or dinner but that would be impossible, you’d need a month at least to enjoy them all. But Whapping Wharf has so much, so is a good place to start.
If someone is new to Bristol, what groups should they join?
I don’t know about groups, but the Bristol Folk House is a place you can do a course in so many creative things. And is a great way to meet likeminded people.
What are your favourite restaurants and bars in Bristol?
The list would be too long…
With so many incredible restaurants, I remember them as much for the people I’m with, as the food… but Wilson’s on Chandos Road is superb. The food is so inspired, I once had a tomato amuse-bouche which literally blew my mind. I’ve never had that taste sensation before or since.
My friend owns the Gally on Gloucester Road so I spend far too many evenings there with friends and would recommend everyone go to soak up the atmosphere. They also do great food.
Oh, I have to mention the Crafty Egg on Stokes Croft – amazing for brunches.
In fact, anywhere on Stokes Croft for food…
You see – it’s an impossible question to answer in just a few places!
What do you like most about your job?
Bringing creative thinking to life.
Advice Stephanie would give a candidate who wants to join Armadillo:
Love what you do, and you can’t fail.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Working on a project where everyone involved passionately believes in it.
What are the three best things about working at Armadillo?
The people, everyone has a story to tell. The energy. The ambition.