I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and designer. In 2013 I applied for many job within the fashion industry and got rejected many times, this was because I needed more experience, but I couldn't because of my disability. During this year I was also attending phycology meetings where I became very close with my two mentors Colin and Aiden, I told these guys I wanted to make a clothing line, they said to me ‘but you have no experience, but anything is possible’ These guys taught me emotional intelligence and mindfulness which gave me the write mindset, even thou I had no experience I had the correct mindset.
In 2014 I attended London Fashion Week, before attending here I felt very out of place, because it is intimidating for someone who is disabled, but I decided this was the correct Industry for me. But I had no experience and experience is the only way to get into this industry, I was not going to be beaten or back down so I thought long and hard about how to get in. I decided that to launch my own brand, there was so much competition at the time and reasons as to why I shouldn’t launch my brand which is why I did it.
I knew it would be a hard journey, but a journey I had to take so I took my first step. I brought a sewing machine, I had no idea how to use it, but I managed to make a stylish bag I still use to day, I experimented making other things which were a complete disaster but I didn’t give up, I received great motivation and met people I didn’t want to let down. People soon realized what I was trying to do, someone I most appreciate for this is Leon. Leon introduced me to his step dad Mark who owned a printing shop; Mark helped me take my brand to the next level. I made a 10 piece clothing line and got all the money I had together to order 99 T Shirts, I strongly believed in my self.
Within 3 weeks I had my clothing all manufactured and given to me in a big brown box, then I new the next step was to sell the products, but I had no money to promote myself. I had to come up with a plan quick. I rang Leon one day during the summer of 2014 and asked if he would wear my clothing for a photo shoot, he said yes. I also had my eyes on a beautiful photographer and now a reason to ring and meet her, she kindly agreed to the photo shoot and did an amazing job; Leon also modeled the clothing for me well. I soon made an online boutique and used these photos. But I still was not getting any sales. I was a bit stuck, but they say the key to success is to never be satisfied, which I was not and never am. So I decided my next step was to sell the clothing face to face, so I dressed Leon in the clothing, printed a lot of business cards and went to London, we tried and tried but still no sales.
I knew to get sales I would need to do something which would take my brand to the next level, I had my eyes and ears open to ways and Mark tolled me to showcase at the Essex Fashion Week, I smirked a little but soon decided I had to, for the brand, so I did. Essex Fashion Week really took me to the next level, not so much the brand but I met a lot of amazing people I have stayed in contact with, we have hosted shows in Mayfair,.
So in-conclusion I have been working since I was 13, doing the odd jobs such as washing up and mowing grass. Then I worked as as a chef and studied this from age 11-13 but when I became 13 I was wheel chair dependent. I was forced to change my life, work and study, which I did. I am very limited to jobs so became self employed, done events and made a clothing collection. I wanted to inspire other wheelchair users so I organized two actors and two filmers to record what I have done, I produced a film. Another technique I used to get my story/events out there was to share it on BBC news.
Work history
StudentUniversity of The Arts London (UAL)
London, United KingdomFull Time
I currently study Fashion Communication at the UAL
Skills
- Journalism
- Event Management
- Modelling