Helen and Janet have worked in display for their entire careers. They met at the College for the Distributive Trades in the heart of London’s West End where they both gained the British Display Society’s Advanced Level Diploma in Visual Display and Window Dressing. Due to a growing demand for display training, Helen and Janet created Made You Look! where they can now pass on their knowledge and experience to many satisfied customers. More recently they have become Council members of the British Display Society, Helen being Vice Chair and one of the Directors too.
During the pandemic most live workshops came to a stop. So, through gritted teeth, Helen ’embraced’ the challenge and with techy help and guidance, transposed the Taster Day course into an online version which, for many small businesses is perfect. Not only is it convenient to do, but there is still the option of live feedback too. And of course, without the travelling costs, not only is it more affordable but it’s a greener option too.
Helen’s first job was working as part of the display team for DH Evans in Oxford Street, where she worked with the whole range of merchandise from throughout the store both in the windows & interiors. After a couple of years she started her own Visual Design Consultancy.
First in London and then in York, Helen has been designing & installing window displays both for large & small retailers, occasionally helping out with exhibitions too. In addition to running Made You Look! she also offers design advice for residential properties and commercial ones too. Over the years she has been featured in national magazines as well as winning a few prizes.
Passion
“I can still remember the magic & drama from theatrical window displays which inspired me to follow this career so many years ago. I’m passionate about not letting this art die, and to help retailers look their very best to give them their greatest chance on the High Street.”
Testimonial
“Helen’s presentation was perfect! Thank you Helen for a very enjoyable day!”
“Loved Helen: She made it look like even I could do it!”
Janet started working for a company designing and building props for use in window displays for Debenhams, Selfridges and Harrods. In 1985 she set up her own Display Company offering a full service, from design through to installation of exhibition stands and window displays.
Janet too has worked for an extensive range of clients from small independent retailers to large national companies both in the UK and abroad, Wedgwood & Portmeirion being just two of them. Janet too has won several awards and prizes and still carries out a few displays when she’s not busy training!
Passion
“I find it so rewarding to watch peoples’ faces while they’re looking at the window displays I’ve created and installed. There’s satisfaction from knowing that not only have I brought a smile and hopefully a solution to a shopping list, but I’m giving the public a visual pleasure too.”
Testimonial
“I was really impressed with the whole event. Thank you for all the ideas Janet!”
“Excellent, inspiring & informative, broken down into simple steps”
A few examples of our work
business image and increase sales. No matter what size you are from a small independent retailer to a large multiple they can help you. Just take a look at the website you will not be disappointed. Thank you Helen & Janet”
Steve Jones
Calendar Club
“Helen was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. Thanks for
everything.
Lou
Clarke & Partners
for the marketing of my business. Not only was the course easy to
understand and great fun, but has given me loads of ideas in dressing my windows, and the confidence to do it.
I can strongly recommend this course to any business wanting to improve their marketing”
Louise
Director of Curvy Bridal
Linda, Oxfam Manager
“Many thanks for the training, Helen. I’ve heard nothing but good about it!”
Heidi Rose
Oxfam Operations Manager – Central England
We have great market towns and we want to ensure the retailers get the support they need to showcase their businesses to visitors and residents.”
Helen is professional, inspiring, punctual and always willing to go the extra mile. We love working with her.”
Emma Smailes
FSB North Yorkshire
“We received good press coverage pre and post the event and it has
raised our standing with Hambleton District Council”
Mark Robson. Council Leader,
Hambleton District Council
“Very inspirational and motivational. Every Small business owner should attend one of these workshops.”
Delelgates Ryedale Master class
Just a few comments
“Refreshing to attend a workshop where the trainer is highly experienced in the subject and not just a
professional trainer. Lots of practical tips to apply and ‘real life’ examples to help us understand, and attention
to detail where needed.”
“Our shop sales have improved and weekly customers call into let us know how nice the windows look!
Thank you Made You Look!”
“Great Workshop, – lateral thinking outside the box, to create business”.
“Amazing! Given me loads of ideas and inspiration! I can’t wait to put it all into practice.”
“The presentation has really opened my eyes – Janet gave us simple ideas using colour, shape and backdrops.”
“Some fantastic examples of displays, with good explanations on how to perform something similar. Most helpful!”
“Excellent, varied, informative, motivating…Excellent presentation – kept our attention.”
“Really brilliant thank you. I have my head stuffed full of ideas. Thank you especially for the cheap concepts – how to make the window look good with no budget!”
“Very professional and overall an excellent talk, well-presented and inspiring. Thank you.”
“The workshop size was perfect. Good for interacting, networking and sharing ideas and suggestions. A very pleasant way to spend the day. Thank you Helen.”
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