I think an introduction is over due into the back story of why I wrote the online course and how I came to be so obsessed with everything design related.
This may take a while bear with...
I think the arts in it's varying forms are in my genes, my Dad was a car mechanic, my Uncle was a sculptor, my Grandmother a seamstress and my Grandfather was a cabinet maker, comedian and tap dancer, I literally had no choice but to go into the Arts!
As a child I was constantly creating clothes from scraps of fabric for my dolls and created mini fashion shows with my Barbie dolls taking centre stage wearing my haute couture.
After a brief stint as a hairdresser I studied general design and then pattern cutting before getting some life experience working abroad. While working in Greece I was persuaded to become the 'body behind the furniture' for an artist and sculptor who made curious tables, ornaments, plaques and wall hangings using my body as the form. My kids now think it's cool but as teenagers they weren't so keen on the idea 😂
The process wasn't my favourite because I had to stay very still whilst draped in wet plaster of paris bandages in a boiling hot roof top studio and I had a habit of fainting because of the heat.
They wouldn't get away with it now I hear you shout, and I have to agree, but at the time it was fun even if it was stiflingly hot.
When I returned to the UK I set up a small business making bespoke bridal gowns and mother of the bride outfits but after a year I became pregnant with my first child, and I discovered quite quickly that dealing with Bridezillas can be challenging 😬.
While owning the bridal business I enrolled on a business course, learning how to price my services, create invoices and write a business plan. I also enrolled on a web development course a couple of years later so that I could have an understanding of all aspects of my business and learn a new design skill.
Fast forward to the birth of my second child (8 years later) and I designed the Wrap and Go a unique baby product which addresses some issues when and about with babies and small children.
Elevator pitch;
'The Wrap and Go is the only coat you can put on and take off a baby without taking them out the car seat or push chair' 'with functioning sleeves you can apply or remove without taking toys or food out of babies hands and, you don't need to disturb a sleeping baby to to put the coat on or remove it'.
I auditioned twice for the Dragons Den and then sold it on licence to a push chair manufacturers for five years.
My design journey has been so varied but not without it's pitfalls, I've enjoyed learning new skills along the way and look forward to passing on my knowledge and experience. Getting feedback from past pupils has been really rewarding, especially when they speak positively of their experience with me which always makes me happy to hear.
There's still more to tell, my son is now 20 and I have learnt so much more in that time...
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