XCEL STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009
Louise Halswell
University of the West of England (UWE)
BA Fine Art
WINNER OF
Xcel Entrepreneur
Student of the Year
Xcel Entrepreneur Student of the Year award
Louise and her friend Laura originally suggested an idea to her university’s Ideas Factory designed to help potential ideas and products get to market. As a Fine Art student her idea seemed remarkably simple. She loved charity shops and second-hand clothing and fabrics, but like most young women, she also loved bespoke tailored and uniquely designed clothing as well.
Louise and Laura launched ‘Sew That Jazz’ in 2009. Using old and used garments and fabrics, customers are able to pick and choose unique combinations to then create new, personalised garments.
Louise also worked part-time whilst studying to raise capital to launch her ideas, and now also goes to schools to encourage enterprise amongst young people.
Her nominating university were rightly impressed with her ability to develop and use her own sewing, design and fashion skills into a business model that could work. Even more impressive has been the commitment and dedication to actually make it happen and succeed.
On winning her award, Louise said:
“This makes me all the more determined to make my business a success and achieve all that I want to and much, much more.”
Creative thinking in business is assumed to be the product of managers or consultants. Louise demonstrates that creative and artistic people can be just as creative when involved in a business that they believe in.”
Luke Turnell, Director of organisers, SR Media.
