In February, students were pledged £10 from the Tenner Bank and used this start-up capital to found a company and get it of the ground.
In the four weeks that the challenge took place a raft of brilliant business ideas were put into action and fantastic profits were made. The end of the challenge and lockdown didn’t dampen the entrepreneurial spirit of some of our girls, in fact, they thrived.
Inspired by her time printing with lino in our art studios, Year 11 Evie, for example, made just over £500 profit during the challenge selling linocut cards. The cards were so popular that Evie continued her business throughout lockdown even expanded the range of products that her company, Bear Designs, had on offer to include macrame plant hangers and dog toys (which certainly get Truffle’s paw print of approval).
Since founding her business, Evie has made over £850, by selling through Instagram (@bear__designs), Facebook (@BearDesignsCornwall), and Etsy (BearDesignsCornwall), as well as selling wholesale to local shops and art galleries. She is already looking for ways to expand her business and plans to branch out into virtual Christmas Markets this winter.
Year 10 Anisha used her £10 start-up capital to invest in a watercolors, brushes, a palette and pad in order to start selling artwork and custom painted cards through Facebook (@AnishaLucasArt).
Anisha’s business has now made £400 profit and she has even had a private commission for an original piece of art.
Inspired by the changing seasons, Year 11 Grace sold original artwork cards with a proportion of the profits going to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Grace has been selling the cards both in school and online and has made £185 profit so far.
Grace’s Summer Collection went down a storm at school so she is looking to double the number of options on offer for her Christmas Collection.
