A Milestone Celebration: Christine Saladas Celebrates 25 Years
Christine began her career representing major kitchen brands at Harrods before leaving to set up her own showroom in Hayes, Kent. But Clive Christian’s premium, bespoke kitchens – complete with chandeliers – soon caught her eye, and she sent the email that changed the course of her career.
After a meeting with the Clive Christian team, Christine set up a studio for the brand in Hayes, which was later followed by one in Tunbridge Wells. In 2014 she founded the company’s flagship London showroom in Harrods, where she managed a team of designers and sales personnel.
Now a key member of the Clive Christian leadership team, Christine celebrates 25 years with the company this year. We caught up with her to find out more about her life and career on this milestone anniversary.
““I am very proud of the fact that I took the decision to start up my own business as a young woman in a very male-dominated world.””
What was the first step in your career?
I worked at Harrods for 12 years – 10 of those were with Wrighton International kitchens and two with Miele. When Miele kitchens exited Harrods, they recommended me to one of their clients. I helped him set up a company for contract kitchens based at Tower Bridge.
I felt it was time to work for myself and had a couple of projects to start me off. A friend offered me a shop in Hayes, Kent, and, as I still had contact with Miele, I approached them to see if they had any displays I could have to start me off. They gave me four displays from Harrods!
How did you come to work for Clive Christian Furniture?
Once I had set up my own studio, I started to think about my client base and looked at the market offering. I came across Clive Christian who had just started advertising their kitchens with chandeliers!
I sent an email to Clive Christian and was invited for a meeting. I agreed to take one display, and within 12 months I had bought a shop opposite my original location and opened a full solus Clive Christian studio.
Over the next 20 years I then bought Clive Christian Tunbridge Wells and finally opened the Clive Christian concession in Harrods.
How has your role evolved over the years?
I feel I have grown with the company and been fortunate to understand the selling process from both the retail and installation side. Now that I work directly for the company, this has allowed me to be able to deal with all aspects of a project.
25 years is a fantastic milestone to reach. What is it about your role and Clive Christian Furniture as a company that has kept you working there?
Working for Clive Christian has been a fantastic experience. When I was a dealer, we met every quarter to share and discuss projects, so you always felt that there was a good platform to see what other showrooms were doing. We were able to discuss and share ideas on both sold and unsold projects and learn from each other.
What is one thing that has stayed consistent over the past 25 years?
Clive Christian’s style is very recognisable, and it has stayed consistent as a brand. It’s great that as we now move into our new phase for the business, we are both reaching out to a new generation and style and retaining our identity in the original designs that set the company apart.
What is one of your fondest memories of working at Clive Christian furniture?
Although the business side is very important, I have also met and had some great social times with the Clive Christian team, the factory and other franchise dealers around the world. It has been a privilege to be able to go to the various showrooms and share in their experiences and cultures.
What is your favourite part about your role?
I love the fact that I have had the opportunity of travelling the world to beautiful homes and being able to offer our designs into clients’ homes.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Listen to advice! And do what is right – not what is easy.
When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your spare time?
I took up horse riding five years ago and have a beautiful cob called Dublin. I ride her at least three times a week – more in the summer!
What is your proudest achievement to date?
I am very proud of the fact that I took the decision to start up my own business as a young woman in a very male-dominated world at the time. I think I have done very well! When I opened my first showroom, I was the only female franchisee at Clive Christian. Now, working for Clive Christian directly as Private Client Manager for the past three years, is a role I am also very proud of.
And a few quick questions to finish…
Where is your favourite place to eat? Zuma [Japanese restaurant in London].
Favourite season? Has to be summer
Favourite colour? This is a moving target for me.
City, seaside or countryside? Countryside
Favourite way to spend a Sunday? Hacking out with my horse
Early bird or night owl? Early bird