Shining a spotlight on UK’s creative young talent
in News
Organisers of a charity festival which took place for the first time in April (25th – 27th) to inspire budding entrepreneurs say it was an all-round success.
And we were thrilled to play a part.
National charity, Good Story, was set up by the family of Mimi Watts, a promising young fashion designer from Lavenham, Suffolk, who tragically died in a snowboarding accident in 2012, and is named after the fashion label she planned to launch.
The charity now supports other likeminded creative young people, aged 18 to 30, to run their own businesses by offering loans and mentoring.
This April, the first ever Good Story Festival of Creativity took place, at the Highwaymans Gallery, Risby, to raise awareness of Good Story’s work and brought together 20 of the young businesses supported to date.
Highlights from the weekend included:
- More than 250 guests attended a VIP evening and private view
- £2,750 raised through a charity auction
- 40 young, creative entrepreneurs, visited Suffolk from as far as Edinburgh, and benefitted from a series of inspiring business seminars
- More than 200 shoppers visited to buy a diverse range of creative goods including upcycled fashion, restored vintage furniture, fruit cordials, fascinators, pottery, home accessories, surfboard covers and more
- 6 new applications were made for support
- 5 business leaders expressed an interest in mentoring.
The charity also received well-wishes on Twitter from the charity’s patron, Minnie Driver, and interior design entrepreneur Kelly Hoppen of Dragon’s Den fame. While Matthew Hancock, MP for West Suffolk and Minister for Enterprise and Skills attended the private view.
Rory Watts, Good Story founder, says: “We’re thrilled with how the festival went and it definitely surpassed our expectations.
“The entire weekend had a positive, upbeat feeling, showcasing some incredible talent. We gave our fledgling businesses some valuable, practical, advice about turning their passions into a profitable business, as well as the chance to sell to the public from their stalls too.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came along and donated so generously, and the Highwaymans Gallery for lending us their superb venue free of charge.
“Mimi would have been immensely proud of what has been achieved.”
Good Story has supported 32 young businesses to date, but wants to extend its work.
It also continues to look for business leaders to join a network of mentors.
If you are a business owner, and would like to help young creative entrepreneurs flourish, get in touch.
Email hi@goodstory.org.uk or call 01787 247265.
To donate visit www.goodstory.org.uk
