Self Made Studios
What happens when an Accountant, a Fashion Designer, an Illustrator and a Fashion Production Specialist come together .... Self Made Studios!
The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland was the inspiration and catalyst in bringing four people together who thought they might help the local community. We started an in house Fashion Design and manufacturing unit which aims to aid Enterprises and Employment in the region with our skills and enthusiasm for Fashion and Fashionable Products.
Each person brings vital skills in the organisation set up as a Social Enterprise, Community Interest Company. This does not mean we do not have our eye on quality and innovation. These are high in our priorities whilst maintaining quality relationships and growth of our staff and colleagues.
Talk to us, we like to make things grow, we like to make relationships work.
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Our contact details are at the bottom of the page.....
MEET THE DIRECTORS
Alexandra Batty
Alexandra started her career in the Industry working in Production and Management in 2015 before transferring to Self Made Studios in 2017 when our journey began. After studying a degree in Textiles and Surface Design, Alexandra was passionate about staying in the North East and creating job opportunities for other graduates and local people in the Fashion and Textiles Industry. Working alongside Hannah, Alexandra built her skill set and grew with the company, learning production and manufacture to a high standard. She is now leading Director, managing the company and production on a daily basis.
Hannah Watherston
Hannah started in the industry at 15. She trained in a small design centre moving on to a multi manufacturing sample unit and having fully explored industry, set up her own Bridal Manufacturing unit. Her passion is training others to learn skills needed for this industry. Hannah has set up four training units over the past 30 years in the East End of London working with various designers.
Gillian Gamble
Gillian is an award-winning artist and serial social entrepreneur. She illustrates books and products, runs her own publishing company and has started several successful social enterprises, particularly in cultural leadership and using the arts for change. She was named a BBC Young Citizen of the Year, RealWorld Entrepreneur of the Year, Is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the School for Social Entrepreneurs and has been supported by Unltd and Santander as a social entrepreneur.
MEET OUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Sarah Morehead - Head of Design and Product Development
Sarah's industrial career as a Designer has spanned twenty three years with expertise in special occasion wear working for twelve different UK and Italian labels including Parigi, Alibi Diffusion, Liola and Entente. Her work has retailed Internationally and been selected for actors and celebrities to wear on various BBC TV programmes.
In 2004 Sarah joined Northumbria University working across all the Fashion Programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.Sarah now plays an active role in Self Made Studios, bringing her skills and expertise to helping other brands establish and grow in 2020.
Jessica Reed - Design and Product Development
Jessica began her career in the Fashion Industry after graduating with a First Class Honours from Northumbria University in 2019 in Fashion Design and Marketing.
Since joining in 2020, Jessica has worked alongside Sarah and has built on her skills in Design through to Pattern Cutting for industry. Working closely with clients and managing team members, she has grown into a leadership role within the organisation.
Jessica has had experience working in London, but felt she really missed the north east and believed more could be done to grow the Fashion Industry within this area. With her knowledge, she plays a role to help both clients and the Self Made Studios team excel.