Meet Emily Gresty: The Multi-Tasking Heart Behind Appletons’ People, Safety and Storytelling

At Appletons, it’s not just the wool that keeps everything running smoothly. Behind the scenes, Emily Gresty brings together people, processes and creativity in a role that’s as varied as it is vital. We caught up with Emily to chat about her journey, her day-to-day, and how she balances structure with imagination. 

Q: Emily, how did your journey lead you to such a versatile role overseeing HR, safety and marketing?

It’s been a bit of a journey! I started my professional life as a therapist in the NHS, working with children. But once I was deep into the toddler stage with my own kids, I realised I didn’t have much energy left at the end of the day for them after giving so much to others. I needed to rebalance things. 

At the same time, Appletons was looking for a part-time team member with family-friendly hours, so I leapt at the chance, not least because Diana is my mum. I also grew up with stitching being part of everyday life. Di taught me to cross stitch, tapestry, darn and make all sorts of things, so it’s always been in my DNA. 

My role naturally evolved into covering areas that don’t require someone to be on-site all the time, like HR and health and safety, which gives me flexibility during school holidays. I tend to work more hours during term time so I can take a bit more time when the boys are home. It’s true what they say, sometimes coming to work feels like a bit of a break! As my children have grown, I’ve been able to increase my hours, so my role has grown alongside Appletons over the years. 

Q: With so many responsibilities, what does a typical morning look like for you?

The joy is that there really isn’t a typical morning. 

One day I might be answering wool matching queries, taking photos for social media, collating competition entries, logging holiday requests, chatting to a team member about leave, checking stock for a big order, creating invoices and reviewing a kit for a post, all before midday. 

On another day, I might be working with a colleague to design our stand for a trade show. The only constant is that I get to collaborate with lots of different people across the team, which I love. 

Q: What is your secret to keeping people, policies and social media all running in sync?

Open communication, being available, and never taking yourself too seriously. It’s really about keeping lots of tabs open at once, which, to be honest, is something I’m used to doing outside of work as well! 

Q: How do you balance the structured world of safety compliance with the creativity of marketing?

I actually think they complement each other really well. 

Some of my work is very structured, working through clear checklists and processes, while other parts are much more creative and open-ended. I enjoy that mix. Some projects are long-term, while others need to be turned around in a day. 

My kids are also keeping me up to speed with Gen Alpha slang, whether I like it or not, which definitely helps when it comes to understanding social media! 

Q: What’s the main message you want to share with the Appletons community through social media?

That we stand for exceptional quality, that we’re a proudly British-run business, that sustainability matters to us, and that we love supporting other small businesses. 

Q: What’s something about your role that might surprise people?

Probably how much I still draw on my experience as a therapist. Before Appletons, I worked in London as a paediatric music therapist in the NHS and in education, and those skills are incredibly useful in how I approach people, communication and problem-solving here. 

There’s a lot of overlap between needlework and playing an instrument. Dexterity, hand-eye coordination and attention to detail all sit right in the middle. So if you play, or have learned to play an instrument, you’re already building skills that translate beautifully into stitching. 

Q: If you could describe Appletons’ culture in three words, what would they be?

Quality, creative, flexible. 

Q: When you’re not working, how do you like to switch off?

If “switching off” includes raising three boys aged 12, 10 and 8, then that probably answers it! 

I do love stitching and I’m currently working on a Fabled Thread design for our bedroom using Appletons wool, mainly to keep my hands busy so no one can ask me to do anything. Alongside all the sports and activities the boys are involved in, I love playing and listening to music and being outside in the sunshine as much as possible.