Bridge is like having your very own well connected personal assistant without the expense of hiring!
Bridge is a brand that embodies unconditional commitment to offering a personal, positive and exceptional Property & Lifestyle Concierge Service, within London and beyond.
How did it all begin?
I started Bridge in August 2021, following a very challenging year. My background is in luxury hotels, specialising in front of house, service standards & reputation management.
Being made redundant in the midst of a pandemic, as the travel industry went into a complete crisis, came as a true blessing. After my daughter was born in 2019, I constantly battled with the thought of how I was to balance two roles that each required 110% of my time – and no question my daughter would always take priority.
Having randomly stumbled upon a group called The Successful Mums Career Academy and signed up for their business start-up course, the thought of becoming a business owner started to come together. Before I knew it that thought became an idea which became a concept which is now Bridge London. I found my balance with Bridge!
What sets your business apart?
Bridge offers Property & Lifestyle Concierge services on a membership or adhoc basis.
To take advantage of our services you do not need to commit to a membership, we offer a tailored package built around your exact needs.
We are a team of experts that offer lifestyle services in luxury hospitality, property investment opportunities in the USA and UK, to worldwide travel.
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
Essentially what I offer my clients are time and convenience. An on-demand service that varies from personal shopping to travel services, property search to hotel reservations.
Understanding not only clients’ needs but their personal goals and vision are key to ensuring we use our experiences and connections in a way that is tailored individually.
Based in London, our services and requests also take us beyond the UK.
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
There are multiple services that we are already itching to deliver to our clients, from household management and household staff recruitment to opening satellite offices overseas. We cannot wait to see our visions turn into reality!
Janine Mallia
Founder of
Bridge London
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
The emotional journey I embark on with my clients is what I am most passionate about and protective of. This connection is far more important to me than the service I provide, and although they need to work in tandem, emotional connection is the best way to maximize client value and to recover from any challenges that may arise.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
Without a doubt moving to London is what shaped me into the woman I am today.
Having been brought up on a small island the size of a London borough, my experiences and cultural knowledge were so limited. I navigated through my first years in London observing people in my new social and professional circles, intrigued by their big world stories and by listening and pushing my boundaries I started learning how to become uniquely me!
I am now on a different journey but a more confident one, as I steer through becoming uniquely me, as a first-time mum.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
There are many highlights of the journey so far, from the first batch of business cards printed to the first client acquired, the very first invoice paid, to the start of a strategic overseas partnership.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
I have learnt that when starting a business, start narrow. I knew I needed to find that one measurable goal that I could achieve quickly and perfectly and then build on that.
Best piece of advice you have received?
You should not do it all on your own. Partner with people whose strengths are your weaknesses to reinforce your business.
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Go in it all guns blazing, and never let the unavoidable challenges diminish your energy. Surround yourself with other women who inspire and encourage you and who can help you shape your business so that it can reach its full potential.
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
The opportunity came about to partner with a private investor. I was happy to share a small piece of my business in exchange for his financial support, mentorship, and client portfolio.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
The pandemic played a key part in the challenges I faced, with travel restrictions up in the air most of the time, my clients travel plans were getting postponed or cancelled which set me back from the goals I set out in my first year.
Accepting the situation as it is, was one way to overcome my setbacks. I remained positive and used the downtime as an opportunity to reassess my business plan, offerings, and overall strategy.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
I truly believe that when women come together and invest in each other, we create an energy that makes us so powerful and unstoppable. Sadly, women all around the world are still being discriminated against in one way or another – We need to continue joining forces, supporting each other through platforms like The Women’s Chapter in order to make permanent changes that will positively impact the world our daughters grow up in.
60
Seconds
with
Janine Mallia
My inspiration is...
stories of individuals who have overcome hardship and who kept pushing through tough times to come out bigger and better. Stories of travel and adventure, stories of happiness and love. It is within these stories that I keep moving forward and pursuing a great life!
My greatest fear is...
finding myself in a position where I am not able to provide the very best for my daughter. That is my biggest motivation for success. (OH and snails! Yes snails, those fast-moving snails!)
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
quitting my job in Malta and moving to London on a whim.
Guilty pleasure?
all things sweet.
Mantra you live by?
‘Everything happens for a reason. That reason causes change. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it’s hard – But in the end it’s all for the best’
Female role model?
undoubtedly my mum.
Women-led brand you love?
Balmista, a women-led Luxury water-less skincare brand.
Top productivity tool?
very simple, Outlook Calendar for business and my wall calendar for personal life.
