Bristol fashion designer Jennifer Hamley has secured the financial backing she needs to launch her award-winning luxury workbag range on the market.
Jennifer set up her business Jennifer Hamley, England while jobless and on a scheme that helps the unemployed set up their own business.
Now a little more than a year later Jennifer has secured £25,000 from an independent investor and is also in discussions with another private backer about providing future investment for the fledgling brand.
The investors came across Jennifer, who was helped by BRAVE Enterprise, the not-for-profit business support organisation based in central Bristol, when she launched a £40,000 crowdfunding push to raise funds.
The investment will allow Jennifer to develop her luxury collection, including the stylish Model K.T. workbag, which scooped two awards at last year’s Independent Handbag Designer Awards in New York.
Crafted from soft calf leather, the workbag- which sells for £395 – is designed for professional women and features many sections and pockets, including a removable tablet/iPad case and reusable shopping bag.
The collection also includes the smaller Mini KT for lighter workdays and stylish weekend wear, and the Sakura coin purse, which takes the classic purse design and adds multiple compartments and card slots.
Jennifer said: “Securing the investment means that things are moving very quickly now and it’s very exciting to be launching into the market like this. I’m so thankful for all the help I have received.
“The dream is coming true and I’m thrilled to be able to design stylish bags for inspiring and hard-working women. I want to make their lives easier, to give them more time and freedom through beautiful, usable design.”
BRAVE Enterprise director Liz Sands added: “We are pleased to have helped Jennifer during those crucial early stages of launching her business and delighted to see that it’s going from strength to strength.
“Her story is an inspirational one that will provide encouragement to others who also have dreams of running their own business.”
Jennifer has just spent six months working from the Bristol Entrepreneurial Spark, a business accelerator programme run in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Pictured: Jennifer Hamley with one of her Model K.T. workbags
