Meet the Mentees
Every year Bloom members offer mentoring to the industry’s best up-and-coming talent. We chatted to Amy-Louise Lenton, Robinah Nayiga, Lucia Papadopoulos and Rasina Chowdhury to understand what they were hoping to achieve through mentoring.
First, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Amy-Louise Lenton: Hi, I’m Amy! I currently work in CRM marketing with a background in e-commerce, and over the past decade I’ve delivered multi-channel campaigns for leading retail brands. I’m particularly passionate about the creative side of marketing, campaign planning, and project management. Outside of work, I love illustrating and playing field hockey — both of which keep me inspired, creative, and connected to teamwork.
Robinah Nayiga: Hi, my name is Robinah, I am a marketing and events professional working in the financial services. I enjoy working with people from all cultures and learning new things. If I am not nose deep reading a book, laughing or crying, you can find me styling my wardrobe or scrolling on vinted for that next bargain.
Lucia Paps: I wear a few different creative hats! By day I work in Social Media Marketing. I studied Fashion Communication & Promotion at Nottingham Trent University, graduating with First Class Honours - which is where my love for creativity, branding, and visual storytelling really took shape. Outside of work, I’m also an Artist. I paint impressionist pieces full of colour, often drawing inspiration from my travels and nature. I’m a true Libra at heart, happiest when I’m surrounded by people and good energy. I love going to the theatre (especially musicals), and anything pink immediately has my attention! Above all, I believe in discovering what you’re good at and following your passions and dreams.
Rasina Chowdhury: Hi, I'm Rasina and I've recently stepped into a new role as a Marketing Executive at L+R Hotels. It's an exciting chapter, but also a big adjustment as I'm navigating this career path without a traditional degree. Entering such a competitive field has been both challenging and rewarding and I'm still finding my feet while learning how to grow with confidence. Before this, I spent five years working in the childcare industry. While I truly valued that experience, I always had a strong interest in how different forms of media could connect with people, whether through social media, email, advertising or creative campaigns. Deep down, I knew marketing was the career I wanted to pursue, so in the middle of the pandemic, I made the bold decision to quit my job and follow that path. At the time, I had no formal training or qualifications, so I invested in myself by studying independently, taking online courses, diving into resources,and even learning through YouTube tutorials. My biggest breakthrough came when I earned a spot in a highly competitive digital marketing apprenticeship with Google. That experience was a turning point, giving me hands-on training, practical knowledge, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals who shared my passion. Throughout my journey, I've not only built valuable skills but also developed resilience, adaptability and the confidence to embrace new opportunities. Most importantly, I hope to inspire others who may be doubting themselves, to show that with determination and curiosity, it's possible to change direction, pursue what you love and carve out your own path.
Why did you decide to join Bloom’s mentoring program?
ALL: I joined the Bloom mentorship programme to learn from industry leaders, gain advice on the next step in my career, and meet like-minded people in the industry. What really drew me to Bloom is the way it champions community and uplifts women in marketing — something I feel strongly about.
RN: I had a mentor a few years back and they really helped me to discover what it is that I wanted to achieve and recommended tools to get there. Since then, I haven’t had another mentor, and I realised that I was missing that support. I’m also at a crossroads again in my career and I believe a mentor will help me to navigate this junction. I also want to pave it forward and give back in future.
LP: I’ve admired Bloom for a while because of the way it champions women and creates spaces for encouragement and growth. I decided to join the mentoring program because I wanted to learn from women who have been where I am now and have navigated those next steps. Having that kind of support feels really powerful, especially when it comes from a network that’s so open about lifting each other up. I’m also really excited to connect with this year’s other mentees, to share experiences, support and grow together!
RC: I decided to join Bloom's mentoring program because I wanted guidance as I continue to grow in my marketing career. Coming from a non-traditional background and despite completing an apprenticeship with Google, I've faced challenges in securing a role, going through countless interviews and rejections along the way. That experience taught me resilience, but it also made me realise how important it is to have the right support and direction. Through Bloom, I'm hoping to gain not only advice and industry insight, but also the encouragement and confidence to navigate this journey with greater clarity. I also want to connect with other individuals who may have had similar journeys as me, to share experiences, learn together and build a supportive community. Most importantly, I want to learn from people who've walked this path before me and, in time, use my own journey to inspire others who may be facing similar obstacles.
What are you hoping to gain from the experience? Are there any specific skills or areas you’re looking to work on?
ALL: Through this experience, I’m hoping to grow my confidence and leadership skills, especially when it comes to presenting ideas to larger audiences. I’m excited to learn from my mentor’s perspective on how they developed these skills, and how I can apply them when leading future creative campaigns and cross-team projects.
RN: I’m hoping to gain a sense of direction in my career, confidence in my decision-making process and advice in navigating workplace dynamics. Also to have someone, who is in the industry other than my friends keeping me accountable and can offer that professional advice.
LP: I’m open to learning and growing in whatever way I can. I’d love to strengthen my confidence when it comes to leading with impact, while also developing more of the strategic skills that will help me shape my long-term career path. I think having a mentor will help me balance my creative passions with the bigger-picture direction I want to take, and give me the perspective I need to make those decisions with confidence.
RC: Through Bloom's mentoring program, I'm hoping to gain guidance and practical insights that will help me grow both personally and professionally in my marketing career. I want to develop my confidence in navigating the industry, strengthen my strategic and creative skills as well as learn how to approach challenges like job searches, interviews and career progression more effectively. I'm also eager to build a strong professional network and step out of my comfort zone by connecting with mentors and peers who have diverse experiences and perspectives. Beyond technical skills, I hope to gain mentorship on leadership, communication and decision-making, all the tools I need to succeed, thrive and make an impact in my current role.
If you weren’t in media or marketing, what would your dream job be?
ALL: If I wasn’t in marketing, I’d love to be an illustrator — sketching is one of my favourite creative outlets — or be part of a sports team where I could champion women’s involvement in sport.
RN: If I wasn’t in media my dream job would be an astronaut, exploring new worlds and civilisations.
LP: I’d be a full-time artist with a beautiful, light-filled studio by the sea, painting and hosting creative workshops where people could slow down, switch off, and reconnect with themselves through art. I love the idea of building a space that brings people together through creativity.
RC: If I weren't in the media, my dream job would involve traveling and sharing experiences, such as being a travel-focused content creator. I love exploring new places, connecting with different cultures and telling stories that inspire and inform others.
