FOUNDER

 Charlotte Lewis is from South East London and of Jamaican heritage. Founder of Noir Kringle, Noir Tales publishing and author of Not Just Bun and Cheese (A Black British Easter Tale)

For Charlotte, after becoming a mother for the first time in her early 30’s, it became very important to broaden her children’s imaginations as well as exposing them to a large range of experiences that reflect their British born, yet strong Jamaican & Nigerian heritage. Charlotte believes that we all deserve to be represented in all spaces, even imaginary ones! People of colour are extremely underrepresented in these narratives. This has been the driving force behind Noir Kringle’s projects. She is on a mission, alongside her growing team, to create wonderful, magical experiential events, books and goodies for children to see more than just one representation of much loved folktale/ fairy tale characters.

Alongside her growing successful events management skills, new found passion and flare for building the Noir Kringle brand and products from scratch, she also has over 20 years experience in the hair industry, her by the book approach has seen her rise to the role of colour educator as well as having extensive experience working in film and television over the years at a top end London salon as creative director. The skills that she has acquired and developed over the years working with such high end clients has allowed her to bring a high level of customer service to the event as well as a combination of her slight obsession and love for all things Christmas, vintage bits and bobs and guilty pleasure of 80’s cult classic films allow her to make all these passions part of the extra special unique Noir Kringle experience.

Charlotte wholeheartedly believes that all children deserve to have the option to see a reflection of themselves as the formative years are so crucial to how we view ourselves.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Following fifteen years teaching, Steph has designed and facilitated multiple projects, programmes and initiatives, both educational and creative for children’s centres, schools and other community hubs, with particular focus on vulnerable people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Steph’s long history of storytelling, teaching and extensive experience of working with children and their families has allowed her to successfully use a creative and conversational approach throughout her work. As a teacher, Steph saw the positive impact that books can have on children, which has led to her writing children’s stories and becoming an author of the now well known tale Mr Kringle’s Visit. (A Black British Christmas Tale)

Her enthusiasm for recycling, thrifting and 3D model structuring makes her a great believer in reinventing objects, in addition to her obsession with brown paper. The objects used often start their lives out as having one purpose or use and end up being something completely different. Steph often uses this approach in her storytelling sessions, where the items that have been given a new life accompany the story and act as a keepsake for participants.

Throughout her many years of being involved in early years, primary, secondary and higher education settings, she has engaged with many groups, namely boys development projects, exhibitions, housing associations, prisons and strengthening community projects. Working with a range of people has highlighted her enjoyment of engaging with communities that are underrepresented and face challenges. Her current roles as Playground Project Director at Bethwin Neighbourhood Playground Association as well as Creative Director at Noir Kringle not only reflect her experience but her commitment and passion.

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Bliss is a multilingual and highly experienced events coordinator with a degree qualification in Events Management. She Loves the diversity of the roles she has taken on.She has worked in that capacity- with Capital Xtra, Somerset House, and The Hospital Club to name a few. Bliss is currently the events coordinator for Noir Kringle the black Santa’s grotto experience London. Bliss is excellent at liaising with clients, venues, contractors, suppliers - including the organisation of health and safety, security and facilities.