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Sonya Winner Studio

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Avoid Like The Plague - Studio Assistant Sonya Winner Studio Employee Review

1.0
27 Apr 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pleasant location, good transport links, nice office with sweet dogs.

Cons

The staff turnover is incredibly high and I should have taken more notice of this when offered the job. By far the most toxic environment I’ve ever had to work in- the owner doesn’t have a clue how to treat staff with respect. Even in conversations she was having with the rug weavers in India and customer service staff with various companies, it was clear she has no respect for anyone she deems lower than herself. Put a single foot wrong and you’re in the bad books for as long as you can endure before you’re forced out through pure toxicity. I was badmouthed, degraded and belittled for weeks before I’d finally had enough and decided to leave. I saw this happen to a number of other staff members (all girls young enough to be her daughter) in the time I was there. Staff are micro-managed within an inch of their lives. Constantly having someone watching over my shoulder, reading over every email before I sent it and even forcing (non-management) staff to lock away their phones all day had me feeling more like I was a child in school than an independent adult in a workplace. Do yourself a favour, a job here isn’t worth it no matter what you’re promised.

Explore other reviews about Sonya Winner Studio

5.0
18 June 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working at Sonya Winner Studio is a genuinely inspiring experience for anyone who loves design, colour, and creativity. The studio is small but dynamic, which means you get hands-on involvement across a wide range of tasks—from social media and product launches to managing logistics and working directly with the Creative Director. The work is varied, the environment is calm and beautifully designed, and the studio is located in a peaceful part of North London with great transport links. You’re trusted with real responsibility and have the opportunity to grow, learn, and take ownership of projects. There’s a supportive and close-knit team atmosphere, and every detail matters—which is great if you're someone who takes pride in doing things well. You also get to see the real impact of your work on a growing creative business, and that’s very rewarding. Cons: It’s a small business, so if you’re looking for corporate-style structure or large teams, this might not be the place for you. Roles here suit proactive, adaptable people who enjoy wearing multiple hats and learning on the job. Advice to Management: Keep doing what you’re doing—encouraging growth, recognising effort, and giving team members the chance to develop and flourish in the role.

Cons

It’s a small business, so if you’re looking for corporate-style structure or large teams, this might not be the place for you. Roles here suit proactive, adaptable people who enjoy wearing multiple hats and learning on the job. The right candidates will benefit from training, support and mentorship from an internationally known designer with over 35 years experience within the Creative Industry.

5.0
8 July 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fantastic mentorship and learning opportunities Supportive, inclusive team environment of young creative women Variety in tasks—never a dull moment Hands-on experience with high-end artwork Beautiful studio space encouragement to be creative Exposure to multiple areas of studio operations – from design and production to marketing and logistics

Cons

Fast-paced environment might be intense for some, but it helped me thrive Attention to detail is critical – small mistakes can have a big impact, so you need to stay focused

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