Brilliant Business Support that Works: N17 Creative Callings

N17 Creative Callings is a brilliant business support initiative set up to ensure continual development and growth of creative businesses and start-ups in the Tottenham area of north London. It is a part of the Creative Enterprise Zone initiative that has been set up by the Mayor of London; other boroughs include Croydon, Hounslow, Brixton, Lewisham, Hackney Wick and Fish Island.

Fashion-Enter and Collage Arts is working as one to deliver hand-holding mentoring support and business advice that aims to make established existing companies that are based in the Tottenham CEZ area grow and prosper. Since the programme launched at the end of 2019 the Fashion-Enter team have seen participants grow in confidence, direction and knowledge, equipping them with a solid business foundation.

One such participant is Lauren Morrison, Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway could see that Lauren had so much valuable industry knowledge within the research, forecasting and design side of the industry.

Lauren comments: “I’d been doing Mi-Bambino for a real long time, 3 – 4 years and I needed the right mentors to help me from an industry background. I was at a crossroads with the business to be honest, and I needed a creative direction and also a business direction. Jenny saw the collection that I had done and all my research and gave me the reassurance and confidence to know I was doing everything right.”

Jenny encouraged Lauren to set up Fashion-File, a trend forecasting service, alongside her ethical, childrenswear brand Mi-Bambino. She could see Lauren had compiled so much high quality trend information heading into 2023, that she advised Lauren to utilise her forecasting and design skills. Fashion-File launched in June this year with downloadable files that are thoroughly researched and firmly on-the-pulse of trends going forward to provide direction and inspiration. The business has been gaining momentum and Lauren has been asked to provide insightful trend comment by leading industry press such as ‘Business Insider.’ Read what Lauren had to say about the combination of the modest and plus-size fashion markets being the next lucrative retail opportunity. Tap here to link to the article.

Click here to view our recent YouTube interview with Lauren and find out how the N17 Creative Callings programme has helped and supported her and her creative businesses.

Another N17 Creative Callings participant includes Layla Sargent from The Seam. The Seam is the UK’s largest network for makers and fashion professionals. It’s the leading destination to find a seamstress, tailor, stylist and more. Founded in London last year, entrepreneur Layla Sargent was inspired by her grandmother’s sewing skills. The Seam is currently active across London and soon due to expand across the UK. 

Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway commented: “I met Layla about a year ago and I really wanted her to join the N17 Creative Callings program then but she was outside the area. I just kept in touch with Layla – some people you just get and I thought Layla was a genuine entrepreneur with a kind heart that wanted to help others. Recently she moved into N17 and I was absolutely delighted! Already we have results – we have saved on webhosting costs immediately, we are working with 25 of Layla’s workers, we are finding new revenue streams for Layla immediately. Layla the sky is the limit!” 

Do you live in the N17 or N4 area of London? If so and you are aspiring designer or have set up your own creative business we can support you for free! Email jenni@fashion-enter.com to find out if you are eligible.