Fund Vital Equipment For Young Entrepreneur
Gainsborough, England, United Kingdom
Aim
For the purchase of a braille embroidery machine and related equipment to create a clothing range for the visually impaired and their carers
Blossom & Best
I'm Michelle, designer and manufacturer of a range of disability clothing for children and young people. I've recently set up my own business, Blossom & Best, to sell my products. I'm very proud of how much I have achieved so far, but am impatient to be able to do even more!
Where It All Began
I'm a 27 year old mother of 2 from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. My daughter has been undergoing diagnosis for high-functioning autism for several years.
The sensory difficulties she continues to face as she's growing up led me to begin making clothes for her myself, as I couldn't find what she needed in shops or online.
For example, she suffers from incontinence, but hated wearing pull-up pants for school. I created 'Magic Pants', which are absorbent, but pretty, and not bulky. Some children with autism struggle with seams, or clothes that go on over the head, so I started experimenting with these too.
People began to get in touch with me to ask if I could make clothes and items to meet their specific needs, and Blossom & Best was born.
Future Plans & Funding Needs
My current aim is to produce a range of braille embroidered items, ranging from personalised tags that can be attached to clothing, to tops and tabards for families and carers of the blind to wear.
For this I need a braille embroidery machine and a range of associated materials and equipment. I've found the perfect machine, and the supplier will hold it for me until June.
Later this year I very much hope to be able to outsource my manufacturing as demand is growing, but for now, it's me in my front room!
Why It's So Important To Me
I believe every single item I sell will make a difference to the life of a child, young person or carer. I understand the struggle, and this is what makes me determined to drive my business forward in any way I can.
Thank you.
This project successfully funded on 28th May 2021