I’m a creative strategist and digital operator with over a decade of experience building, scaling, and leading businesses across fintech, service-based, and digital commerce environments — combining creative direction with operational and commercial execution. I previously led operational teams within a FTSE 250 fintech, where I managed large-scale, regulated processes and developed a strong foundation in structured delivery, risk management, and performance optimisation. I later founded and scaled a design-led service business with an integrated e-commerce arm, overseeing creative direction, brand strategy, marketing, digital platforms, and end-to-end operations — culminating in a successful exit. Today, I work in digital consulting and e-commerce, helping brands grow online through creative-led strategy, strong storytelling, and scalable digital systems. My work sits at the intersection of creativity and structure, translating ideas into clear, results-driven outcomes.…

Ryan Bartholomew

I’m a creative strategist and digital operator with over a decade of experience building, scaling, and leading businesses across fintech, service-based, and digital commerce environments — combining creative direction with operational and commercial execution. I previously led operational teams within a FTSE 250 fintech, where I managed large-scale, regulated processes and developed a strong foundation in structured delivery, risk management, and performance optimisation. I later founded and scaled a design-led service business with an integrated e-commerce arm, overseeing creative direction, brand strategy, marketing, digital platforms, and end-to-end operations — culminating in a successful exit. Today, I work in digital consulting and e-commerce, helping brands grow online through creative-led strategy, strong storytelling, and scalable digital systems. My work sits at the intersection of creativity and structure, translating ideas into clear, results-driven outcomes.…

Available to hire

I’m a creative strategist and digital operator with over a decade of experience building, scaling, and leading businesses across fintech, service-based, and digital commerce environments — combining creative direction with operational and commercial execution.
I previously led operational teams within a FTSE 250 fintech, where I managed large-scale, regulated processes and developed a strong foundation in structured delivery, risk management, and performance optimisation.
I later founded and scaled a design-led service business with an integrated e-commerce arm, overseeing creative direction, brand strategy, marketing, digital platforms, and end-to-end operations — culminating in a successful exit.
Today, I work in digital consulting and e-commerce, helping brands grow online through creative-led strategy, strong storytelling, and scalable digital systems. My work sits at the intersection of creativity and structure, translating ideas into clear, results-driven outcomes.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Digital Consultant & Ecommerce Brand Founder at Self-employed
June 1, 2025 - Present
Founded an online, design-led e-commerce brand built entirely online using Shopify and print-on-demand integrations; responsible for creative direction, product design, website development, and full digital marketing strategy. Managed remote operations including supplier coordination, social media campaigns, and analytics tracking; collaborated with UK-based clients on digital projects to drive growth.
Founder & Managing Director at HAUS. Male Grooming
November 1, 2019 - October 31, 2025
Founded, scaled, and successfully exited an award-winning barbershop brand known for its design-led aesthetic, digital presence, and premium client experience. Directed brand and marketing strategy, operations, finance, team development, and customer experience; achieved multiple national awards and a 2025 sale. Implemented digital systems for bookings, finance, and marketing enabling remote management and scalability.
Lending Operations Manager at Amigo Loans
April 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
Led a team processing up to £40M in new business monthly, overseeing recruitment, training, and performance coaching. Ensured FCA compliance, conducted audits, managed fraud prevention, and streamlined processes to boost efficiency and improve customer journey. Collaborated cross-functionally to resolve system issues and support strategic growth.
Collections Operations Manager at Amigo Loans
September 1, 2014 - April 30, 2017
Managed a debt collection team, designing strategies aligned with FCA and Treating Customers Fairly standards. Oversaw training, KPI tracking, and quality assurance; handled escalated complaints and supported ethical customer resolution; contributed to operational improvements and awards.
Credit Assessor/Underwriter at Amigo Loans
October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2014
Assessed affordability, credit history and identity to ensure responsible lending; performed in-depth file reviews and communicated terms clearly; flagged potential fraud and maintained strict FCA compliance and internal policies.
Debt Line Account Manager at Debt Line
August 1, 2011 - October 31, 2013
Assessed client financial situations to develop sustainable debt repayment plans; negotiated fair arrangements between clients and creditors; maintained regular contact and ensured compliance with industry standards and ethical practices.
Store Manager at French Connection
October 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
Managed store operations in a high-traffic Sydney location; recruited, trained, and developed staff; led visual merchandising; oversaw stock, inventory, and loss prevention; achieved sales targets while ensuring policy compliance.
Store Manager at yd. Australia
April 1, 2009 - October 31, 2010
Led store operations for yd. Australia in Sydney; delivered customer service excellence, managed merchandising and stock, and contributed to revenue targets.

Education

BA - Business Management at Bournemouth University
September 1, 2008 - June 1, 2011
CIPD Level 3 | Foundation Certificate in People Practice at CIPD
February 1, 2016 - April 1, 2025

Qualifications

Best Client Experience | Modern Barber Awards 2024
July 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
My business was recognised nationally winning Best Client Experience at the Modern Barber Awards 2024, reflecting a strong focus on service design, customer journey, and operational excellence.
Salon of the Year | UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2022
September 1, 2022 - September 1, 2022
My business was recognised nationally winning Salon of the Year at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2022, reflecting excellence in brand identity, client experience, team culture, and overall business performance.

Industry Experience

Retail, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Financial Services
    paper Design-Led Service Business with Integrated E-commerce Award-Winning Grooming Brand

    This project involved founding, scaling, and successfully exiting a design-led service business with an integrated digital and e-commerce presence.
    I led the business from initial concept through to maturity, building a strong brand identity, premium client experience, and fully booked service model supported by digital systems and online sales. The project required balancing creative direction with operational discipline — designing both the brand and the underlying systems that allowed the business to run efficiently and scale sustainably.
    Alongside day-to-day operations, I delivered the full digital ecosystem, including website design, online booking journeys, marketing channels, and customer communications. The business achieved multiple national awards for client experience and brand quality and was successfully sold following a structured handover process.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper FRINGE.DIGITAL — Digital Platform for Salon & Barbershop Owners

    FRINGE.DIGITAL is a digital platform and resource hub I created to support salon and barbershop owners with the operational and commercial side of running a business.
    The project was born from first-hand experience identifying recurring pain points across service-based businesses, including unclear agreements, unsustainable pricing, fragmented systems, and a lack of practical, affordable education for owners.
    I led the project end-to-end — from concept and positioning through to website design, content structure, digital product development, and launch. This included building a conversion-focused website, creating scalable digital resources, and designing systems that allow the platform to grow without heavy manual input.
    FRINGE.DIGITAL combines creative direction with operational thinking, translating real-world business challenges into clear, accessible digital tools that help owners work smarter, not harder.

    https://www.twine.net/signin/fringedigital