Textiles graduate has new business in bag

Dec 24 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A DESIGNER has turned her back on freelancing to start her own online gifts business just in time for Christmas.

Textiles graduate turned entrepreneur Leanne Bain is selling handmade bags, and accessories under her own Hippy Lizard label.

Tow Law-based Ms Bain, who studied at Cleveland College of Art and Design, said: “When I finished my studies, I tried freelance designing, I even had an agent in London. I started making bags for family and friends, and it was then that I thought I could make a business out of it.”

Despite her creative flair, she had no experience of setting up a business and received help from Be Enterprising and County Durham Local Growth Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) for advice on putting together business, cashflow and personal development plans. She also received a small grant towards marketing her new enterprise.

Her Be Enterprising coach, Seineade Smith, said: “Starting your own business can be an exciting, but daunting. When Leanne came to us, she was overwhelmed by the options out there and didn’t know where to begin. We soon got her on track. She has 100% ongoing support from me, whenever she needs it, and I’m sure that her business venture will be a success.”