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Connection, Creativity and a Moment I’ll Never Forget
A look back at CIPD: a whirlwind of creativity, connection, and one emotional moment I’ll carry forever.
Four weeks ago, we were right in the middle of the CIPD ACE whirlwind — our exhibition stand buzzing, leather keyrings being crafted left, right and centre, and people taking a Creative Pause in the middle of one of the busiest HR conferences of the year.
What started as a simple idea — give people a moment to breathe, switch off and make something with their hands — took on a life of its own.
Whole teams joined in.
People queued.
The uptake was phenomenal.
We unintentionally became a disruptor — where others offered conversations, we offered calm. And the reaction was incredible.
The pride on people’s faces when they held up the keyring they’d made.
The laughter.
The hush of concentration.
The meaningful conversations that unfolded because people were creating.
It reminded me exactly why we do this work:
Creativity changes how people feel — instantly.
And two weeks later, I’m still buzzing.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
Among all the excitement, one moment stood above the rest.
My dad came to support us at CIPD — and I didn’t expect it to hit me so deeply.
He’s been my biggest cheerleader since day one.
Through every pivot, every risk, and every “what’s the worst that can happen?” leap.
He bought the chapel that became our creative home.
He’s watched me rebuild myself after burnout.
And the changes we’ve made have allowed him to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
But he’d never truly seen what the business had grown into — the team-building days, the creative workshops, the impact they have on people.
CIPD changed that.
He watched the stand fill, people light up as they created…
Then he turned to me with tears in his eye, and I could see just how proud he was.
It was emotional.
A full-circle moment.
And one I’ll hold onto forever.
Connection, Creativity and a Moment I’ll Never Forget
A look back at CIPD: a whirlwind of creativity, connection, and one emotional moment I’ll carry forever.
Four weeks ago, we were right in the middle of the CIPD ACE whirlwind — our exhibition stand buzzing, leather keyrings being crafted left, right and centre, and people taking a Creative Pause in the middle of one of the busiest HR conferences of the year.
What started as a simple idea — give people a moment to breathe, switch off and make something with their hands — took on a life of its own.
Whole teams joined in.
People queued.
The uptake was phenomenal.
We unintentionally became a disruptor — where others offered conversations, we offered calm. And the reaction was incredible.
The pride on people’s faces when they held up the keyring they’d made.
The laughter.
The hush of concentration.
The meaningful conversations that unfolded because people were creating.
It reminded me exactly why we do this work:
Creativity changes how people feel — instantly.
And two weeks later, I’m still buzzing.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
Among all the excitement, one moment stood above the rest.
My dad came to support us at CIPD — and I didn’t expect it to hit me so deeply.
He’s been my biggest cheerleader since day one.
Through every pivot, every risk, and every “what’s the worst that can happen?” leap.
He bought the chapel that became our creative home.
He’s watched me rebuild myself after burnout.
And the changes we’ve made have allowed him to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
But he’d never truly seen what the business had grown into — the team-building days, the creative workshops, the impact they have on people.
CIPD changed that.
He watched the stand fill, people light up as they created…
Then he turned to me with tears in his eye, and I could see just how proud he was.
It was emotional.
A full-circle moment.
And one I’ll hold onto forever.
A Huge Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to Sarah Clarke from Think Organisation, and to Ros and my dad, for standing beside me throughout the whole journey.
Your support made CIPD what it was. 💛
Why This Matters for Teams
CIPD reminded us all that creativity isn’t a luxury.
It’s clarity.
It’s connection.
It’s wellbeing.
It’s a way to bring teams together as humans, not job titles.
If your team needs a moment to pause, reconnect, reflect or celebrate — our Creative Pause Workshops could be exactly the reset they need.
Ready to give your team their own Creative Pause?
Click here to explore our workshops and check availability, or drop us an email hello@shupholstery.co.uk. I’d love to help you plan something meaningful for your team.
Emma
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