Hello! I’m Bea, and if you asked me ten years ago where I’d be today, I probably wouldn’t have guessed working in a tech-focused role, blending my love of puzzles, painting, and problem-solving. Yet here I am, exploring new platforms, learning every day, and still finding time to bake sourdough and fuss over my dog, Ivy. Let me take you through my journey so far - how I grew up, what I studied, and why I’m excited about the work we do at Yopla.
Growing Up in Bishop’s Waltham
I was raised in Hampshire, in a little village called Bishop’s Waltham. My parents chose the countryside after living and working in London’s wine industry - my mum can sip a glass and instantly identify where it’s from and which way the vines were facing! My dad ended up working as a lawyer down in Southampton, so we settled into a cottage that was just a short walk from a sweet shop. As a child, I’d get 50p from my mum and head straight there for Murray Mints or Mint Imperials. I guess I was always an old soul - other kids wanted fizzy cola bottles, and I was chewing on the sweets my grandparents liked!
One of my best childhood memories is spending entire summers at my grandparents’ house in the west coast of France. Cousins from Guildford and London would all gather, and we’d have four to six weeks of sunshine, swimming, and just being kids. It was lovely chaos, and I still associate that part of France with family, food, and a general sense of summer freedom.
Shaping My View of the World
I grew up with parents who never pushed me too hard in any specific direction; they just encouraged me to find what I loved and work at it. My mum and dad aren't very “mathsy” or really “artsy,” so they let me navigate that on my own—an approach that shaped the way I see the world. I learned that if you’re passionate about something, you keep at it. And if something doesn’t come naturally, well, you keep trying anyway.
When it came to school, I went from my local primary, then onto secondary, and eventually did my A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, and Art at Peter Symonds College in Winchester. Yes, it was a challenge. I quickly realised missing just one A-level maths class felt like missing a whole month of content! But I made it through, found supportive friends, and discovered a real love for big questions, analytical thinking, and creativity.
From Gymnastics Coach to Economics Grad
My first jobs overlapped. For a short while, I worked at a local supermarket on the tills and stocking shelves, until my mum stepped in and insisted I focus on my mocks. Around the same time, I was volunteering as a gymnastics coaching assistant with really little kids - think more hand-holding than backflips. It was often chaotic but taught me a lot about patience and guiding others.
Outside of work, I was always sporty. I started athletics in Year 7 or 8, running sprints for Portsmouth Athletics Club. At one point, we moved up a league, and suddenly it felt like everyone else got taller and faster overnight, while I stayed the same height. I like to think I’d have been an Olympian if I’d stuck with it! My mum is far more "realistic", but hey, a girl can dream.
University and My First Taste of Coding
I studied Economics at Liverpool, partly because I saw it as a practical application of maths. I’ll admit I struggled at first - apparently plenty of my coursemates had studied economics before, and I was still coming to grips with supply and demand! But it was a fantastic experience, not least because I got to see my Grandma more often, who lived nearby.
In first year, I enrolled in a module that introduced me to coding and data analytics (Python, specifically). We covered basics like data management, creating tables, and building technical graphs. It felt like a puzzle that combined maths with real-world applications - exactly the sort of thing that clicked with me, given my love for Sudoku and all kinds of brain teasers.
Hidden Talents: Painting, Baking, and Puzzles
Outside of technology, I love painting. I don’t do it as much as I’d like, but I break out the brushes whenever someone’s birthday is coming up. I’ll try my best to produce something personal and meaningful - an actual work of art, if I’m lucky.
I also have a passion for sourdough baking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about using my own starter then playing around with different ingredients to get that perfect loaf, my favourite is my olive and rosemary. My dog, Ivy, is usually napping in the kitchen while I bake. She’s four and a half, and definitely my favourite thing in the world. She's part whippet so is always trying to curl up on my lap or under a blanket, I use her as a living, breathing hot water bottle.
What Drew Me to Yopla
When I came across Yopla, it just felt honest - sincere, even. Looking at the website and reading about the team, I got the sense that I’d be joining a supportive environment where learning never stops and authenticity matters.
Since starting, I’ve loved hearing from our clients, learning about their perspectives, and seeing how our reports and recommendations genuinely help them. It’s satisfying to think that a few months down the line, I’ll be able to look at a client’s journey and remember when they were just starting out.
I also like how, at Yopla, everyone’s encouraged to speak up with ideas. In the early days, I wondered, “Why are they asking me?” But when a suggestion of mine is taken seriously, it feels great. It shows me that a collaborative spirit is more than just a buzzword around here.
Advice for Tech and Business Newcomers
When it comes to technology, there’s an overwhelming amount of information out there. It can be daunting, especially at the start. The key is not to panic. Read what you can, watch webinars, ask questions, and allow yourself time to let it all sink in. Eventually, something will click. (And if it doesn’t right away, that’s okay. You’re probably learning more than you realise.)
I’ve also discovered that there’s almost always a solution if you know what the actual problem is. Whether you’re troubleshooting a bug in code or deciding how to integrate a new piece of software, break it down. Identify what’s wrong, and then figure out how to fix it. Odds are, a quick search or a chat with a colleague will lead to an answer.
Looking Ahead: AI and Accessibility
I’m fascinated by how AI is reshaping everyday tasks and making knowledge more accessible. It reminds me a bit of the leap we took when personal computers became household items—only now, it’s happening at double speed. If technology can keep making it easier for people to learn and connect, I see that as a huge win for everyone.
Final Thoughts
So that’s me! A puzzle-loving, painting (and occasionally sprinting) economics grad who ended up in tech. I believe in working hard, doing what you love, and sharing the knowledge you gain with others. And if you ever need a sourdough starter or a chat about the sudoku puzzle you're working on, I’m your girl.
If any of this resonates with you, or you’d just like to chat about AI, coding, or painting the next Picasso (no promises there), feel free to reach out. I’m always up for learning something new, especially if there’s a puzzle or a paintbrush involved!
