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Successful businesswomen become friends and neighbours

Two enterprising º£½ÇÖ±²¥ graduates are taking advantage of the support of the Graduate Business Unit by kick-starting businesses based on their degrees.

Jeni Batty, who completed a BA (Hons) Fashion Enterprise in 2007, set up Sister’s Wardrobe, while Olivia Monaghan, who graduated with an MA Future Design in 2009, has launched Design Mob. The pair became good friends after meeting at the Blueprint Awards, a business planning competition and are now neighbours – both working from the Graduate Business Unit in the Victoria Building.

Speaking about Sister’s Wardrobe, Jeni said: ‘We design and produce women’s clothing and accessories from recycled clothing, based in a workshop provided by the Graduate Business Unit.

‘The rent was subsidised for the first 18 months, which helped with our cash-flow, and we got lots of other support and advice. For instance, they put me in touch with a market research company which provided a list of possible outlets we could sell to. Our clothes and accessories are on sale in boutiques in Guisborough, Sunderland and Leeds. We also sell through our website and through Design Mob.’

Olivia described Design Mob as a web-based retail showcase for local designers.

She said: ‘We have ceramics, fine art, fashion – including Sister’s Wardrobe – and I’m always on the look out for more designers to add to the mix.

‘I go to exhibitions, get suggestions from lecturers at local colleges and find designers by word of mouth. I carry stock from all of the designers featured on the website, so customers can buy direct from the page and I’ll pack and deliver.’

So what does the future hold for the enterprising pair? ‘New businesses stay at the Victoria Building for their crucial first two years, so I’ll soon be moving out to new premises,’ said Jeni.

‘It’s a bit like taking the stabilisers off your bike. And I’d like to expand, but at a sustainable pace – increase production and sell through more stockists. Because all my clothes and accessories are hand-made, it’s very labour-intensive.'

Olivia added: ‘I’m interested in taking a selection of Design Mob stock to pop-up shops in cities around the country – shops which open for a few days only, to give people a taste of what we can offer. Selling direct to people face to face gives me a chance to get feedback and introduce the website to a whole new audience.’

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