N17 Creative Callings – Business Profile – Negin Shadmanesh – Embroidery & Hand Embellishment

My name is Negin. I would like to explain about my art and how I improved in this field. First of all, I initially learnt all about hand stitching when I was at High School. When I went to Technical Vocational School I was faced with a variety of key subjects in fashion and design. It was then that my interest deepened in the fashion industry, I was taught a range of skills from pattern cutting to fashion sketching and illustration.

After this initial introduction I entered the Technical Vocational University and carried on with Fashion and Design to the highest level of skill. At university we had many choices for example: dress design, embroidery, pattern cutting etc. By the second year of study I understood that embroidery was my favourite subject and I could adopt a personal style because with hand stitching you can be more creative and unique.

At the end of the year I had a 3-month apprenticeship and it was so useful for improving my skills because I learnt how to manage my time on my work. The apprenticeship was in bridalwear and each person had their own specific job, for example I worked on hand-stitching lace fabric with beads or sequins. Also during this time I worked at home for myself, designing and making dresses.

A few years later I came to the UK and I was introduced to the Fashion-Enter Factory and Fashion Technology Academy. Here I passed Sewing and Textiles Level 1, and Pattern Cutting (Telestia Pattern Cutting) Level 1. I really enjoyed the courses because the tutors were so professional and had wonderful teaching techniques. I was really satisfied because they helped me and that has led to further opportunities for my skills.

After a year I decided to start my own specialist business, it’s called ‘Termeh’ and it specialises in embroidery and hand embellishment services. I am now receiving further business support and guidance via the N17 Creative Callings programme to ensure that the business is a success.

CEO of Fashion-Enter Jenny Holloway comments:

“With many creatives we find that individuals almost see the world in techno-colour. Bursting with ideas and concepts that are literally exciting and vibrant but this is only one part of the equation for business. The implementation side is of vital importance and that entry to market has to be affordable and quite frankly doable. With Negin we have found her to be one of the most kind and genuine creatives to date with modest resources for her brand. Rather than have the added cost and pressure of creating a range from scratch we have worked in tandem with Negin and provided her with stock garments that she can then embellish to provide a whole new sustainable life. The results have been amazing as you can see from the first trial image of the navy dress below.

“Creatives need careful guidance and as mentors we can not over-promise and add stress to any creative especially now with the pandemic. This is why the N17 Creative Callings programme works so well – we have to get under the skin of each company and work with them totally at their speed and pace. We are now reviewing a range of garments for Negin to progress on to as well as commencing that all-important budget too.”