15 minutes with… JJ’s Leah Wood

Updated: 8 May, 2024

Updated: 26 February, 2024

Graphic designer Leah Wood has been working at JJ Food Service for 18 months. She loves old-school musicals and spends a huge amount of time helping local dog charities. Her dream is to have a big house with lots of chickens…

What does your average day involve?

I design JJ’s brochures, email campaigns, adverts and product packaging. I enjoy the promotional brochures in particular – it allows me to be really creative and to get my teeth stuck into something.

What was your first ever job? ��

Funnily enough I used to be a caterer! When I was 14 I worked at a café on the weekends. It was based at my local swimming baths and I’d make breakfasts and lunches all day. On the weekends we’d cook for kids’ parties. I’ve also been a greengrocer so I know my stuff when it comes to fruit and veg.

What extra skills do you have?

I studied French and German at school and I used to be pretty good at netball. I had a good shot so they made me the goal shooter.

What do you do in your spare time?

My family has a holiday home in Suffolk, which I love visiting with our two dogs. They are both Staffordshire bull terriers and one of them is a rescue dog. Unfortunately, this particular breed is often illegally bred for fighting. The dogs are mistreated and can be abandoned. Many end up in rescue shelters and, in some cases, some are put to sleep. It’s really sad because they are very affectionate dogs but they have been given a bad name.

How do you help?

We always take along spare blankets, toys, dog leads, food, treats, bowls to the local dog rescue homes in our area as they are not funded and need as much help as possible. We take anything that we can get our hands on even if its old and used – they are not fussy.

If anyone wants to make a contribution we’d be happy to donate it. Even things like bleach are useful and can be used to clean the dogs’ kennels. We’ve even taken teddy bears before!

Who is your role model in life?

I look up to my mum – she’s a lovely person and is always trying to help others. When she is not helping me with the dog charities she collects donations for the Salvation Army. She’s a fantastic cook too and makes an incredible Caribbean-style sea bream.

How would your colleagues describe you?

They would say that I love dogs and shopping and hopefully that I am a pleasure to work with

What’s your favourite book or movie?

My all time favourite film is a 1969 musical called Hello Dolly, which features Barbra Streisand – I used to watch it with my grandma when I was a little girl. I also love a good chick flick or kids’ films but keep me away from horror films (I hate them).

What’s the best thing you can cook?

I make a good traditional toad in the hole. My top tip is to use two lots of batter mix, not just one, so that you end up with a nice thick base.

What would you do with one million pounds?

I would set my family up with a big house and lots of land for the dogs. My mum would like to run her own dog rescue so I’d help her with that. Then with whatever was left, I would buy myself a big house with lots of chickens.