We dig into the memory bank of the city’s great and good. Today, Holly Tucker, founder of retail behemoth Not On The High Street, tells us about leaving her business and setting up anew in Square Mile and Me

CV

• Name: Holly Tucker
• Job title: Founder and CEO of Holly & Co
• Previous roles: Founder and CEO of Not On The High Street
• Age: 48
• Born: London
• Lives: Richmond
• Studied: University of life… I got an E in my Business Studies A-level
• Talents: Reading a room, caring deeply about the small business community (some might say obsessed!) and I recently learned a grade 8 piece of piano after not playing for 40 years (much to Frank’s dismay as it took two and a half years for me to master one piece of music. I’ve been banned from the piano from now on).
• Motto: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” — Margaret Mead.
• Biggest perk of the job? Shopping, I mean, it’s an actual business requirement to shop and support your own business! I consider it a talent and have put a lot of hours personally and professionally into small business shopping!
• Coffee order: Latte but I am really an enormous tea drinker – builders.
• Cocktail order: Margarita, half salt, no ice
• Favourite book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

What was your first job?

My first ever job was cleaning the local pub at age 14! My dad used to drive me in for a 6.30am start and then (joyfully!) wait two hours for me outside to take me back home.

What was your first role in the business world?

My first ‘proper’ job was straight out of school. In fact I collected my A-level results on the day I got the role at Publicis Advertising Agency. I was the junior tea maker and eventually worked my way up to being the youngest account manager in London. I had amazing clients from L’Oréal and Renault, to Prestige & Collections. I had incredibly strong female mentors at this point in my journey. It was at times tough, but some........

© City A.M.