They left in order to test other career paths, and obtain more work experience and study qualifications. Now they’ve returned home, and we couldn’t be happier.
The Flow Communications writing and design studios, along with the entire Flow family, are excited to welcome back writers Stuart Dickinson and Sarah Came, and graphic designer Ryan Levenson.
“We love it when Flowstars, particularly awesome Flowstars, come home. Their coming home makes Flow an even more complete and happy family,” beams CEO Tara Turkington.
Stuart left late last year to hone his auctioneering and public speaking skills on a cruise ship. Despite “swimming in the ice-cold rivers winding through the forested mountains of Dominica, exploring the cobbled streets of Spain, or relaxing on postcard-perfect beaches in the Caribbean”, he still rates home the best place to be.
“There are some beautiful countries out there, but South Africa wins hands down in my book. I missed my home and the people I left behind. Plus, I have a book to write, a brewery to start, and of course, a great career to continue with at Flow!” Stuart says.
A lot of people are excited by his return, mainly the Flow foosball enthusiasts:
“The foosball table has been woefully silent since Stuart’s departure last year and we’re looking forward to his whoops of joy returning to the Joburg playroom,” says Tara.
“I remember him telling us in his first interview that he was the ‘best foosball player in the world’. While that title is perhaps slightly contested here at Flow, we hope a few months on board cruise ships hasn’t left any of his foosball skills at sea.”
Stuart admits he is a bit rusty at foosball but promises it won’t be very long until he’s on top again.
After spending six months at Flow as an intern in 2012, Sarah has also done some travelling and furthered her studies. She now returns with a possible master’s degree in English studies at the University of Exeter in the UK (she hasn’t received her results yet, so we are crossing fingers).
“I always planned (and hoped) to come back [to Flow] when I came back to South Africa, and Tara said when I left that she might be able to give me a job when I came back. So when I was back in the country I asked her if there was space for me – and there was.
“I didn’t even consider working anywhere else. I love the Flow culture and atmosphere and people, and the interesting work we do here,” Sarah says.
Writing studio manager Melanie Feris is thrilled at the return of two content people.
“It’s really nice to have people go out and experience the world, then find their way back. You know what their strengths are, and they are familiar with our clients and our Flow values.
“Sarah is confident and gets along with everyone. She is also proactive, and doesn’t sit and wait to be given work,” Melanie says.
Ryan Levenson announced his departure not too long ago, but has made a quick comeback. Although he will be moving to the Cape Town office, it’s still a celebration to have him back.
Of the Johannesburg office, he says he will miss “tequila, friends and [Flow development studio head] Richard’s beard”.
“Ryan is an exceptionally talented designer and we’re excited that he’ll be based in our Cape Town office, which will hopefully mean we can give even better service than ever to our Cape-based clients,” says Tara.
Once a Flowstar, always a Flowstar!