Tessa always enjoyed the puzzle-solving aspect of Maths. While studying Economics at the University of Edinburgh she worked on a telecommunications report; it was important real-world experience that gave her an edge in job interviews.

After qualifying as a chartered accountant with Deloitte, she audited small businesses, and later took a break to raise her children in France.

She returned to work as a freelance finance professional - until one of her clients, Maison Mirabeau, invited her to become their Finance Director. Now based in rural France, her weeks are a mix of planning, budgeting, and adapting to the fast pace of a founder-led company.

Tessa’s advice is to stay open to learning and take every internship opportunity: “Accountancy opened doors I didn’t expect. Now, I work for a brand I truly enjoy being part of.”

Read more about our other inspiring alumnae in our Cloisters magazine