People Profiles: Zahara Gul
Licensing International is powered by an incredible group of licensing professionals hailing from around the globe who take time to serve the industry they love. Each week we’ll be profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series.
Tell us a little about yourself
I have been in licensing just over three years. My niche is Softlines, but I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work on categories such as Health & Beauty and Food (with the latter being a personal favourite.)
How did you get into Licensing (or how did Licensing find you)?
Like most people I fell into licensing by accident! I started my career in fashion as a retail merchandiser, but I felt something was lacking in my own role and I would be better suited to sales. It just so happens that my first sales roles was at Blues Clothing, and well, the rest is history!
What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
My biggest achievement is securing the Tefal Peppa Pig pancake pan as my first ever licensing deal. The activations on social media reached millions of fans and the pan sold out in Asda, who are now repeating them again next year! 😃 My biggest personal achievement is buying my apartment by myself.
What is licensing’s biggest challenge now?
Working together creatively with licensees and retailers to overcome impacts of COVID-19 and the recession. This requires new ways of approaching everything from deal structures, renewals, new partnerships, creative and also manufacturing, due to the ongoing prioritization of sustainability.
What is your favorite quote?
“Your mind must arrive at your destination before your life does.”