The first time I thought about learning a skill was during the recession because people were being laid off work. I thought if this affected me what skill have I got to fall back on whilst looking for another job opportunity. So I decided to do something that I would enjoy in the long term, hence my journey into the world of fashion.

I went to London College of Fashion for a short course on how to draw before joining Helen Mckenzie’s sewing classes; there I learnt how to use the sewing machine. The short courses enabled me to get onto the Foundation Degree Course at Barnet College were I studied Fashion Design. I finished with a Merit and also got the Winner of Innovative Collection Award at the End of Year Fashion Show. I gained admission to the University of Hertfordshire where I completed my Degree in Fashion with a Second-class upper Classification (2:1).

I did a summer internship at Kosibah, a bridal couture company and a brief internship at Ted Baker working with the design team. I later worked at Mothercare Head Office as a Merchandise Assistant and Clothing Allocator.

Between working full time and taking care of my family, I always made time to design and make clothes for women and girls and most of the time people have asked if I could teach them how to sew. I enjoy sewing and discovering new processes or techniques. I believe that this is an exciting opportunity for kids who wish to learn how to sew as it promotes their learning and development and helps them acquire a skill that is becoming unpopular. The classes will empower adults and also take their minds off the day-to-day stress. Sewing is about creating new things and solving problems but also having fun all the way and lots of it too!