Member Article

Fashion designer sets her sights on North East

Italy to Hong Kong, Armani to Asda, fashion designer Alexandra Kay, has worked for many brands all over the world, but has returned to Sunderland to set up her own business.

Alexandra, who is profoundly deaf, has spent five fashionable years gaining the experience and knowledge required to start her own business. Former Brand Specialist for Harrods, Alexandra now plans to launch her own baby wear for boys and gift brand called I Miei Cherubini, which simply means My Little Cherubs.

Alexandra, 27, from Leominster Road, Sunderland discovered the North East offered something that nowhere else could, proving there really is no place like home. Alexandra explains:

“The North East has one major benefit that I cannot find anywhere else in the world, being surrounded by my large family. I had an amazing time during my travels and have gained fantastic experience within the fashion industry but I felt the time was right to set up on my own and I have never looked back since.”

Alexandra approached the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), where she was appointed Business Adviser Debbie Simpson. Together they have worked on the business plan for I Miei Cherubini for three months and Alexandra is now looking forward to launching her business later this year. Debbie said:“Alexandra is very talented and has an amazing flair for fashion. When she first came to me with her business idea I was excited and throughout the whole time Alexandra has been focused and determined. It has been so rewarding to see her business idea flourish.”

Alexandra’s inspiration came when trying to buy clothes for her brother’s four children. She found the market overloaded with choice for girls but the choice was limited for boys and this was her niche. Alexandra also takes inspiration from her grandmother, who started a newsagents business by pushing prams filled with newspapers which became one of the longest running newsagents in Sunderland.

The North East BIC offers a wide range of products and services to support the needs of anything who wishes to start a new business, and assists over 150 enterprises in the getting off the ground each year. To contact the business support team call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic,co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .