Wayne
February has been a mix of planning, growth, and an unexpected scare in a restaurant toilet.
Starting with the scare, anyone who’s been to Ivy Asia in Leeds will know the place goes all out on aesthetics. I wasn’t expecting to walk into the toilets and come face-to-face with a lifelike mannequin dressed in a suit, side-eying me, motionless in the corner. After ‘letting on’ to the mannequin – I thought it was real – I went into a cubicle and wondered how I’d ended up being stared out by a samurai. I never imagined death by sword, but here we are.
When we started the year I convinced myself of the things I needed to achieve in Q1 to make it a successful start to the year. Have I achieved them? Nope. But that’s OK.
Success has come from the work I’ve been doing with Tim to pave the way for Twilo in the years ahead. This work has given me a new found energy. My focus and clarity in terms of what we need to do has never been at the level it is today.
Growth is the priority, both in the work we do and the team we build. We’re expecting to grow the team to bigger numbers than ever before in the coming months. Having already secured one new position earlier this month, we’re moving on to other positions to align with the increased activity we’re seeing in new business enquiries. This includes some really exciting websites, custom applications, and digital marketing accounts.
We’ve just had our best ever January, which is normally a good month. This was followed by a strong February. After a number of challenges in 2024, the changes we made at the back end of that year and the beginning of this year, I have unwavering confidence that Twilo will have its best ever year in 2025. Success for me is the team we build and the quality of the product we put out. Financial goals are a by-product, and will be achieved by putting those things first.
There’s plenty more in the pipeline, but for now, the focus is on executing the plans we’ve put in place. Here’s to March, minus any more unexpected encounters in restaurant toilets.
Andrew
February has been an exciting month at Twilo! We are now taking on a lot of exciting projects and we have been working tirelessly on making our processes smoother and more efficient than they have ever been. I’ve also had the pleasure of helping our newest developer, Vadym get settled into the office. With an extra pair of hands, we will be able to get more jobs through the door and that only means good things for us all. We are now starting to get comfortable developing with the Laravel, Inertia and React stack which we started using last month. The first project is a bit rocky as we find our flow with this development stack. We’ve already got to grips with it however, and I look forward to our React apps in the coming months as I strongly believe they will be the best we have built yet.
In other news, it was my Grandad’s 80th birthday this month so we organised a dinner at a local carvery with all the family to celebrate. My Grandad really enjoyed it which was really nice to see. The food was really good and that was pleasing for me. This was also an opportunity for me to see my brother again. We don’t get to catchup often as he moved down south for work a couple years ago.
Vadym
My First Week at Twilo Creative: A New Adventure
Well, it’s official – my first week at Twilo Creative has come and gone, and I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead. This post is a little peek into my first days at the company and a chance to share a few thoughts as I kick off this new chapter in my career.
Joining the Twilo Creative Family
From the moment I joined, I could feel the energy and creativity that makes Twilo Creative such a special place. Everyone here is incredibly welcoming and passionate about what they do. I’ve already had some fantastic conversations with the team, and I can’t wait to dive into the amazing projects we’ll be working on together. It’s clear that this is a place where big ideas come to life, and I’m so excited to be a part of that.
A Well-Deserved Family Break
Before starting here, I made sure to take some time off and spend it with my family. It was exactly what I needed – quality time with the people who matter most. We had a blast this month, and it was the perfect way to recharge before diving into this new role. Family time always reminds me of what’s truly important, and I’m so grateful for the memories we created.
Looking Forward to What’s Next
As I look ahead, I’m excited to get stuck into the incredible projects that Twilo Creative has in the pipeline. The team here is full of inspiring people, and I know we’re going to create some amazing work together. Keep an eye out for what’s coming next – I promise there’s a lot to look forward to!
So, that’s a little about my first week here! I’m looking forward to the adventures ahead and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates as we roll out some exciting things at Twilo Creative!
Amit
Farewell to February 2025
I can confidently say that this month has been nothing short of amazing. The second month of the year flew by, packed with productivity, growth, and valuable lessons. Comparing myself to where I was a year ago, I see significant improvement in my coding skills, focus, and overall progress. The challenges I faced this month only pushed me further, and I can proudly say that my code is now better than ever before.
Professional Growth and Development
This month was filled with exciting projects that tested my skills and stretched my abilities. I tackled complex problems, debugged efficiently, and optimised my code to ensure better performance. The challenges I encountered along the way were not setbacks but stepping stones to refining my approach to problem-solving. Each project contributed to my growth, and I can see a tangible improvement in my coding style, efficiency, and logic.
A major highlight of my professional growth was my deep dive into front-end animations. I worked extensively with animations in almost every project, which significantly strengthened my CSS skills.
Moreover, I honed my expertise in WordPress and OpenCart, particularly in working with extensions. Understanding how to customise and optimise extensions has been a valuable learning experience, making me more efficient in handling projects.
Personal Growth and Self-Discipline
While professional growth is crucial, personal development is equally important. This month, I prioritised self-improvement more than ever before. One of my biggest achievements was maintaining a consistent fitness routine. I committed to hitting the gym at least five days a week, which not only improved my physical health but also boosted my mental clarity and discipline. Regular workouts have become a non-negotiable part of my schedule, helping me stay energised and focused throughout the day.
Another key area of self-improvement was life organisation and discipline. I made a conscious effort to structure my days better, set clear goals, and manage my time efficiently. Small but effective habits, such as planning my daily tasks, minimising distractions, and staying accountable, have contributed to a more organised and productive lifestyle.
Aleena
End of Month Reflections: Family, Growth, and Anticipation for the Upcoming Events
As this month comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the precious family moments, personal growth, and the exciting events that are just around the corner. It’s been a month of unexpected challenges, creative achievements, and heartwarming experiences. In this blog, I’ll share a glimpse into my journey, including a lesson in bravery from my son, exciting design projects, and my plans for the upcoming month.
Family Strength: A Lesson in Bravery
This month, I spent a lot of time with my family, and I was reminded of how much strength we can draw from each other. My 2-and-a-half-year-old son fractured his foot, but what struck me the most was how he handled the situation. Despite the pain, he didn’t show any signs of distress and remained calm, offering us strength rather than needing it. His bravery and resilience gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of inner strength, even in young children.
On top of that, I’ve been planning ahead for Ramzan, which is approaching next month. It’s a special time for family and reflection, and I’m excited about the spiritual journey ahead.
A Special Surprise: Wedding Anniversary Plans
As if all the family moments weren’t enough, I’m also looking forward to celebrating my wedding anniversary next month. I’ve been secretly planning a surprise for my husband, and I’m thrilled about making the day extra special. It’s always important to celebrate the small moments in life, and this anniversary will be a perfect opportunity to reflect on the wonderful journey we’ve had together.
Professional Growth: Design Projects and Confidence
On the professional front, this month has been a productive one. I had the opportunity to work on multiple design projects that not only boosted my confidence but also encouraged me to learn more. Each project pushed me to think outside the box, and the experience was incredibly rewarding. I’ve been experimenting with new techniques and refining my skills. These design challenges have been a great reminder of why I love what I do and how there’s always something new to learn in this field.
Looking Ahead: Ramzan, Anniversary, and More
With so many exciting events coming up next month, I can’t help but feel excited. Between the spiritual significance of Ramzan and the joy of celebrating my wedding anniversary, there’s a lot to look forward to. These events will bring opportunities for reflection, celebration, and growth, both personally and professionally.
Conclusion
As I close this month, I feel grateful for the experiences and lessons learned. From my son’s display of strength to my creative growth in design, it’s been a month full of moments that will shape my journey in the months ahead. With Ramzan and my anniversary just around the corner, I’m excited to embrace the upcoming events with a full heart.
Matt
This month has been another exciting month at Twilo. I’ve been working on proposals for a few new clients and it’s thrilling to look at how we could help these businesses reach their goals.
I’ve also been apart of showcasing a client their new website and we’ve had some positive feedback, so great work to the design and dev team!
Lots of goals, live music & awards season
This February been a busy month for me outside of Twilo. It was my mums birthday at the start of the month and her gift was to go see Leeds play Cardiff and it might have been the best gift I’ve ever gotten her as Leeds won a historic 7-0! It was incredible, every time Leeds went forward it looked like we were going to score, we were unplayable! Then the month has finished for Leeds with back to back ecstatic last minute winners against promotion rivals.
I also saw Irish band Inhaler begin their new tour this month in Leeds. They are great live band, with a really good new album.
Finally, being a huge film fan, I’ve been making my way through the different nominations for best picture at this years Oscars. As ever there’s some brilliant films and some very odd films, but I’m hoping for a shock win for body horror/comedy The Substance!
Roxanne
Exciting Projects, Celebrations & Looking Ahead to Spring
This month, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming new clients and diving into some incredible projects. One of the standout highlights has been working on a HubSpot integration, which has been very rewarding. Alongside this, I have been creating fresh content and optimising SEO for several stunning new websites, helping businesses build a strong online presence.
With our 10-year anniversary fast approaching, planning has been in full swing for our upcoming celebrations and a big event. There are some amazing projects in the pipeline, and as always, I’m learning every day from my talented and knowledgeable colleagues, applying their insights to refine my own work.
Celebrations & Making Memories
Outside of work, February has been a month of personal milestones, too! I recently celebrated my birthday with a wonderful getaway to a beautiful log cabin, spending quality time with my mum and sons. It was the perfect chance to relax, reset, and enjoy some downtime before diving into a busy season ahead.
The celebrations don’t stop there – this weekend, my eldest son will be celebrating his birthday too! Needless to say, we’ve been indulging in more cake than usual, but that’s what birthdays are for, right?
Looking Ahead to March & Spring
With the arrival of March, there’s a sense of renewal and excitement in the air. The weather is getting warmer, and we have big plans for spring, including preparations for our 10-year anniversary event. I’m looking forward to another month of creativity, collaboration, and new opportunities to grow.
Here’s to a fantastic March ahead!
Reece
February has been a fairly quiet month, mainly spent trying to get back into solid routines for the year. I’ve stuck to most of them, but naturally, some have slipped a little it happens. One thing I’ve started picking up again is climbing. I’ve been getting back into it by visiting the indoor climbing wall near me, pushing myself to progress beyond the green and orange routes. Hopefully, I can start going more regularly and keep improving. Another big focus lately has been planning my mate’s stag do, he’s getting married at the end of the year, and I’m the best man. Trying to organise something for 13 people has been a mission in itself, as getting everyone to agree on plans is never easy. But it’s coming together, and it should be a great time and now that the weather is slowly getting brighter and drier, I feel more motivated to get outside more.
On the work side, this month has been all about building a React dashboard. Working with React has been both fun and challenging, constantly learning new ways to approach things. I’ve also been writing API scripts for Mailchimp and Meta, which has been a great way to expand my skills.
