We've been fortunate enough to partner with Queen Mary University to provide internships for a number of their students who are looking to gain more work-experience alongside their studies. Our latest intern Mish, a recent graduate, joined us just before Christmas as a Marketing and Business Development Intern. 

In this blog, Mish explains more about what drew her to In Good Company, her love for food and sustainability and two of her favourite good companies in Hackney, London. 

Can you tell us a little about your background?

Hello, I'm Mish, a recent graduate from Queen Mary University. My academic journey involved studying French and Spanish, including a memorable year abroad in Switzerland and the south of Spain. I grew up in Mauritius, where I was immersed in a diverse linguistic environment with various minority Indian languages and European colonial influences, fostering my appreciation for languages and diverse cultures.

At the moment, I am taking a break from my linguistic endeavours after the demanding experiences of university life. Now, as a Marketing and Business Management intern at In Good Company, I'm delving into my culinary passion, which has flourished for more than a decade. I'm excited about bringing a new and dynamic perspective to the company through my extensive background in the culinary realm.

What inspired you to join In Good Company?

Since my early years, I've cultivated a profound connection between food and sustainability, guided by principles that prioritise minimising food waste and appreciating every element, down to a humble vegetable root. The drive behind my decision to join In Good Company comes from the organisation's unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on individuals and communities.

This female-led mission passionately champions small, ethical, and sustainable businesses, offering a crucial platform for numerous struggling independent businesses. Playing a modest role in advancing this platform fills me with hope, bringing us closer to indulging in the things we love with a lighter conscience.

What are you most excited about in your role?

What I find most exciting about the Marketing and Business Management Intern position is the chance to inject creativity into my career path while making a meaningful contribution. In just under two weeks, I've adeptly familiarised myself with diverse softwares such as Canva and Dorik, conducted research, and authored several blogs. This role has awarded me hands-on experiences, including social media marketing, collaborative brainstorming for monthly marketing plans, and assisting co-founder Sarah Kingston in interviewing entrepreneurs.

Moving beyond traditional marketing, I've embraced a more immersive involvement in business marketing. As a recent graduate faced with many opportunities, the prospect of making choices can be overwhelming. This role offers incredible flexibility, allowing me to delve into the intricate facets of marketing and business management, broadening my horizons in the professional realm.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Outside of my professional life, I engage in regular meditation and yoga practices. Over the past two years, I've dedicated time to both, utilising them as effective tools to manage anxiety and foster a sense of centeredness. Immersing myself in these meditative states heightens my awareness of body and breath, ultimately bringing me closer to the present moment.

In contrast, I love dancing for hours with my friends at exclusive, queer-friendly establishments in London. These venues, often led by artists and driven by community spirit, strive to create safe spaces for the predominantly queer community. Moreover, I take pleasure in solo visits to various cafés and bars, relishing the opportunity to savour different coffees and pastries.

What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?

Like many others, I didn't have a pre-prepared, impressive answer. I was hoping for a quirky, unconventional hobby to dazzle our reader; I even contemplated adopting one. Yet, when I asked this to those closest to me, they collectively agreed that I am funnier than they could have ever imagined.  I am not entirely sure what that means, but I know that my sense of humour is heavily influenced by British sarcasm and, of course, the witty banter of 90s Chandler from Friends.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

Currently, I am dedicated to enhancing our B2B (business-to-business) strategies, delving into the dynamic world of marketing jargon. Much of the research involved building a foundational understanding of the subject and then integrating it with all the analytics at In Good Company. Presently, my primary focus revolves around pinpointing optimal marketing channels for businesses and formulating specific strategies tailored for B2B. 

Is there a particular aspect of our company culture you find appealing?

I am drawn to the company culture, especially appreciating the focus on mental health and the acknowledgement of the importance of rest. It is refreshing to be part of an organisation that prioritises employee well-being and understands the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This approach encourages a positive and supportive environment, contributing to both personal and professional growth. 

What good cause are you particularly passionate about? 

Idia’s Community Kitchen in Hoxton embodies the ethos, “No one should go hungry”. Their mission is to address hunger in some of the most deprived boroughs, namely Hoxton and Haggeston. The initiative involves the redistribution of otherwise wasted food, collected from local chain supermarkets, coffee shops, and food distribution organisations like The Felix Project.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with them over the weekend, and they have created a familial space for anyone in need– a space free of judgement and injustice. The team members were exceptionally kind and generous. Even after a demanding shift of lifting and sorting heavy crates, I left feeling invigorated. The entire experience not only boosted my self-confidence but also provided me with a profound sense of belonging.  

What’s your favourite Good Company in London? 

Kahalia, located on Brick Lane, is a renowned café where the entire team has cultivated a friendly and inviting atmosphere for everyone. All of their profits go to supporting local community projects and charitable causes. One standout feature of the café is the free coffee board, where customers can pin a complimentary coffee for an additional £2/3 of their order, available to anyone in need. Apart from their wonderful community initiatives, they also serve exceptionally strong cappuccinos, which I enjoy pairing with their delightful pão de queijo (cheesy gooey bread). 

If you want to learn more about In Good Company, then check out this recent blog from our intern Developer Faith.