Laura Butler has been a member of myCatalystTM centres for over six months and is going from strength to strength. She has her own Fashion line – Vintage Bo’tique by Ringlit specializing in vintage scarf tops, denim and leather pieces – as well as offering a Made-to-Measure commissions service and a range of accessories. Laura describes her clothes as ‘sexy cool’ one-off designs and can produce a great look for any occasion.
Laura joined the Catalyst because she needed the connections to get into business for herself, and having the support of others in the same boat has helped her to keep motivated and strive for what she wants. As Laura puts it, myCatalystTM, “spoke to me and I could see the opportunity to open doors I thought would stay closed forever”.
After working with our resident Business Advisor, Balbir Sembhi, Laura has got a clear plan of action to turn herself into a top fashion designer. At the moment she is testing out her market and methods of distribution and next year she will have the information she needs to produce a business plan and really start flying. Laura has found that producing one-off pieces, though her preferred style of working, is not profitable enough to base her whole enterprise on. She is looking to design a range of mass-produced ladieswear aimed at 15-30 yr olds and get her designs out in boutiques and fashion fairs across England.
One of the difficulties Laura has had is reaching a broader spectrum of people - the portfolio she is working on will show people that you don’t have to be a model size 8 to look amazing! Laura is also working at Tiger 11 in Hillside as a way of giving back to the community and help save funds to put into her business.
Since
joining myCatalystTM Laura has taken part in three fashion shows and
has had radio and newspaper publicity.
She has trialled markets and fairs in Leeds and Sheffield and will
continue to sell her wares at the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair, which will
be rolled out across Nottingham, Newcastle, Lincoln, Liverpool, London etc.
next year. Vintage Bo'tique by Ringlit* is also now available
to buy in DARE Boutique, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, HD8 0RU. http://www.ringlit.co.uk
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