Member Article

Rising Stars lends entrepreneur Farnaz a helping hand

An inventor and mum of four has launched her weight loss secret to the world after wowing friends and family with a product initially intended only for herself.

Farnaz Khan, from Bradford, launched corporate brand 8London, which specialises in high technology apparel, to support her innovative Fit Britches shapewear and weight loss product.

Since launching, the product was featured as The Only Way is Essex star Gemma Collins’ ‘top pick’ on ITV’s This Morning.

But as demand for the product heightened, so did her need for external business advice and after approaching Rising Stars for help, her firm is ready to thrive and the Fit Britches website has already had more than 200,000 hits since launching in January 2013.

Rising Stars, which is jointly delivered by Bradford Council and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, offers support and can assist with securing grants for high potential businesses.

The Fit Britches concept was born when Farnaz, who has no academic background of technology, recognised a synergy between heat and weight loss in her own mission to shed some unwanted baby weight.

“I created the product for myself but people commented on my weight loss and asked where they could get it for themselves,” she said.

“I accidentally created a demand for it. Interest in the product has been exponential, but now we have Rising Stars on board to support us with controlling the growth instead of it controlling us.”

Rising Stars, a growth programme for high potential businesses, stepped in and created a business boost and support net for Farnaz.

A business adviser supported Farnaz in finding new premises, and is now working with 8London to develop a formalised business plan which both supports and nurtures the growth of the business.

Rising Stars business services manager, Carolyn Coleman, said: “Farnaz is a shining example of the unmatched entrepreneurial spirit we have in Bradford and her success with Fit Britches is a testament to the support and advice available to those who want it.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .