Founding FOLIO
Relationship building and authenticity have been the cornerstones of Folio Careers since its founding in 2023 by Skyla Medeiros. An interior designer herself, Skyla's journey into interior design recruitment began in 2015 when she felt the magnetic pull of London's vibrant design scene.
"I wanted to try something new but at the same time still be connected to my interior design roots," Skyla recalls. "That was when I decided to take a leap and explore a new avenue within the industry—design recruitment."
Like many career pivots, Skyla's transition wasn't without its challenges. However, her passion for the interiors industry and her ability to connect with candidates on a personal level propelled her forward. "I found myself resonating deeply with their aspirations and challenges," she says.
After honing her skills at an international recruitment agency and co-founding another for a period of time, Skyla took the initiative to start her own venture and establish Folio Careers. Despite being a relatively new agency, Folio has experienced rapid growth, reflected in its expanding client, candidate network and referrals.
In early 2024, Skyla welcomed Thomas Potter as Director. Their shared values and commitment to providing personable client and candidate experiences have been instrumental in Folio's success."Skyla's energy, work ethic and ambition drew me to Folio," Thomas says. "She's an excellent founder who values diverse perspectives and trusts her team."
They attribute their personal backgrounds, first-hand studio experiences and personalities to shaping Folio's unique approach to recruitment. As parents and former designers, Skyla and Thomas understand the unique challenges faced on both sides in the industry. "First and foremost we are parents and people who understand balancing career and a family. We've lived and continue to live this lifestyle ourselves, which provides us with a relatable perspective," Thomas explains.
Honesty and empathy are two other corevalues that guide Folio's approach. They recognise that the design recruitment sector is highly competitive in a saturated industry, with candidates often working with multiple agencies. To stand out, Folio focuses on providing a personalised experience and building strong relationships with both clients and candidates.
"Many agencies, driven by performance metrics, promise exaggerated benefits just to get a CV in circulation. We understand that job hunting can be stressful," Skyla says."That's why we prioritise open communication, transparency and a tailored approach. By working with a select few agencies, candidates can avoid confusion and ensure their applications are being sent to the right places."
Another challenge in the industry is the frequency of job changes. Folio addresses this by taking a long-term approach."Our commitment doesn't end once a candidate is placed," Thomas explains. "We provide on going support and guidance to ensure a successful transition and long-term tenure with the studio."
Looking ahead, their aim is to expand Folio's presence in Europe and North America while maintaining their commitment to building strong relationships and providing exceptional service. “We’re approaching our 1 year anniversary and so far, it’s been an incredible journey!” says Skyla.
