Heyaa

It’s a right of passage to write a blog when you join bbd. So sit back, relax and enjoy this extravaganza of an entry.

I’m Louna, but most call me Lou. ‘Luna’ means ‘Moon’ in Spanish, and I’ve managed to base my entire personality on that. If you’re wondering why my name isn’t spelt in the conventional way (‘Luna’), it’s because of a very lazy oversight at the hospital at birth… but I tell everyone my parents wanted my name to be unique.

A little about my journey…

I’m originally from Lebanon, born in the most beautiful city in the world, Beirut. If you’ve never been, here’s a quick summary: AMAZING food, breathtaking landscapes, and really loud people with a heart of gold. In 2003, my family moved to the Sultanate of Oman, where I’ve been raised, and living for 19 years. I tell most people I am Lebanese, but I truly feel Omani at heart. I’ve only really lived in Lebanon for 1.5 years to do my BBA.            

Can you taste the food?

Although my whole family is in Lebanon/Oman, I always knew I wanted to move to the UK – which is exactly what I did at 20 years old – I moved to Oxford alone for my MSc in September 21’. I tell everyone I love the UK because it’s an international hub with endless opportunities – but between us, it’s because I have a thing for old architecture. So this is me, an MSc graduate at 21 (I love telling people that and seeing their look of shock).

   Meet Nasser. He likes walking camels.

Things that make up Lou

Naturally, to know who I am, I went around the office and asked people who’ve only known me for 3 weeks to describe me using 1 word. Here’s the summary:

  • Ambitious
  • Authentic
  • Brave
  • Bright
  • Bubbly
  • Charismatic
  • Creative
  • Determined
  • Extrovert
  • Helpful
  • Impressive
  • Kind
  • Social

So why did I choose BBD?

You might be wondering how I ended up in Bournemouth. I worked in an agency in parallel to my undergraduate studies, so it was pretty set in stone that agencies are where I wanted to stay for the time being. I started applying for jobs while I was doing my postgrad, and bbd happened to be one of the agencies I was considering. I came for an office visit to meet the team and do a vibe check (which bbd totally passed). To be completely frank, I couldn’t believe agencies THIS employee-centred could exist. I was very accustomed to corporate stress and task-oriented workplaces, but coming down to bbd headquarters made me re-assess my whole mindset. I was seeking an environment where I could learn and grow in my role, which is exactly what bbd offered. I’ve been here for 3 weeks and I have learnt that the only constant in my job is going to be this team. Marketing specifically is already a dynamic industry and non-stop pop panic moments… But rest assured, the team always has your back. Main takeaway: bbd cares.

So a quick recap + fun facts

  • I’m Lebanese / Omani
  • I graduated my MSc at 21
  • Love speaking about myself in the third person as Lou
  • Anything moon-themed makes me happy
  • My last name is ‘Raad which means ‘Thunder’ in Arabic… so I’m ‘moon thunder’. Pretty cool right?
  • bbd team is nice (take my word for it)
  • Very much a digital native and Gen-Z

I would’ve much rather have made this whole essay into a TikTok presenting the chaotic thing that is my life, but thank you for reading this blog instead.

Have a blessed day.

Lou

Louna Raad
Social Executive