Each month we chat to a different local in the city to get their take on our beautiful city! This time it is the turn of a good friend of Hidden Edinburgh Jennie Ferguson, marketing manager for the Contini Group!
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am originally from Sweden, I came here on a whim in October 2000 with the aim of staying until Christmas. I was here for a month when I met my (now) husband. So almost 18 years later with two kids, a cat and mortgage I think it is fair to say that I’m staying!
You work for Contini; three award-winning independent restaurants in iconic locations around Edinburgh. Tell us more about your role and what a typical day involves (if such a thing exists!)
Yes, the company is privately owned by married couple Victor and Carina Contini and encompasses their flagship restaurant Contini George Street (formerly Centotre), The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant located at the gardens entrance of the Scottish National Gallery and Cannonball Restaurant & Bar located at the very top of the Royal Mile with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.
All located in unique and iconic buildings in Edinburgh. I actually started with the company setting up their events department and after six years I got itchy feet but didn’t necessarily want to leave the Contini family. I had a frank chat with the director (Carina) and she was amazing and asked if I wanted to do marketing instead. I’ve been doing that for just over a year now and I love it.
I love the new challenge and having to think of new innovative ways of both reaching a new audience and engaging with our already existing fan base. I manage all their social media channels, database and newsletter as well as all online and printed marketing materials (leaflets, table cards, a-boards to name a few).
I also do all food photography. Let’s just say that with three busy restaurants and an events and catering side to the business as well I am NEVER bored. I LOVE it though and I am very thankful to Carina and Victor for believing in me.
And we understand that you have another passion in the form of bags – tell us more about this venture.
I am in the process of setting up a small side business to fulfill a dream I have been mulling over for the past 10 years and I am hoping to launch it early this spring. It will be slogans and statements printed on anything I can think of but starting with bags and wall art. Just something for me that I am fully in control over – watch this space!
What does your perfect day in Edinburgh look like?
I have two kids and a husband who’s a musician which means he is away touring a fair bit. So a perfect day would be a Saturday morning when he is here and we can have a nice family day together and potter about doing nothing very much at all. We like going to Mimi’s at the Shore for their french toast and the kids love Serano Manchego for dinner. As long as it involves well-behaved children, coffee, cake and a glass of wine at the end of the day!
Is there anything in the city you haven’t done yet and would like to?
I come from a family of antique dealers so I’d love to spend a day looking around charity shops and going to a couple of auctions so hit me up with the best auction houses!
Please share your all time top tip for a first time visitor to Edinburgh.
I think it’s the classic and walking up the Royal Mile. But going down every close there is and actually really stopping and looking at the architecture. As I am from Sweden and we’re not very “old” as a country I find it so fascinating to imagine the history of Edinburgh and how people lived several hundred years ago. Taking one of the walking tours is a must as well to get a bit of insight from the locals.
What’s your life motto?
I have a few! Fake it till you make it. If you don’t ask you don’t get. Positivity wins.
