Amy Chappelhow
Amy Chappelhow
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Amy Chappelhow *
Meet Amy
A recent University of Bristol graduate, Amy led a venture upcycling used coffee grounds into biodegradable cups for local cafés, while building commercial skills through a jewellery side hustle. She takes an open-minded, opportunity-led approach, attending industry events and developing an adaptable, future-facing skill set.
What’s been the biggest challenge in finding the right role after graduating, and how did you navigate it?
Getting people to take a chance on me as a recent graduate without years of industry experience has been the biggest challenge. To navigate this, I focused on making my applications stand out - finding ways to demonstrate my potential, even without a long professional track record.
My Vizzy profile was key in this, alongside the time I invested in attending webinars and in-person industry events. These experiences helped me show genuine enthusiasm for the roles I applied to and build connections that made a difference.
What’s one project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
My final year innovation team project, where we developed a closed-loop venture plan that collected and upcycled used coffee grounds from Bristol cafés into biodegradable coffee cups that those same cafés could reuse. We turned a waste problem into a sustainable solution, and it was just really cool to work in a start-up-style environment where creativity and practicality came together.
What’s a skill you’ve developed early on that’s turned out to be valuable in the working world?
Keeping an open mind about where my career might lead. I’ve been good at saying yes to opportunities and exploring different roles and industries - even ones I hadn’t initially considered. This mindset has helped me discover what resonates with me (and what doesn’t), while growing intentionally and building a more adaptable skill set along the way.
Whose career path do you find inspiring, and why?
I find Amelia Miller, co-founder of ivee, really inspiring. She left a stable, high-paying role at Goldman Sachs to co-found her own company (alongside her sister!) - and went on to successfully pitch it on Dragons’ Den. Her journey shows real courage, and is a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding opportunities often come from taking risks and trusting yourself.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about starting out in your industry?
To be honest, I don’t feel I belong to a single ‘set’ industry just yet. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing though. Many employers, especially in the start-up world, now value breadth of experience and agility across industries and roles more than a traditional, linear career path.
Have any of your interests, hobbies, or other creative outlets proven to be helpful in starting your career?
Yes, I have a small jewellery-making side hustle, which is both a creative outlet and a practical learning experience. It’s taught me valuable skills in sales and marketing, and has given me insight into what it takes to run a small business.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that’s really stuck with you - and that you’d pass on to others just starting out?
A mentor who’s been guiding me as I explore the start-up space told me that early in your career, it’s far more important to find people you click with and a supportive environment for learning than to chase impressive job titles. Look for teams that offer regular feedback, growth opportunities, and room to learn - that foundation will take you much further in the long run.