A BUDDING fashion designer from Rogiet in Monmouthshire has turned lockdown stress into business success by setting up her own clothing and accessories brand during the pandemic.

Twenty-one-year-old Ruby Harry, who has already sold 400 face masks, graduated in fashion design in the summer, and started her business just a month later.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Ms Harry got to work selling face masks, tote bags, hair accessories and make-up bags with the help of Big Ideas Wales – part of Business Wales and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

“I graduated in June and because of the pandemic there weren’t many jobs, so I decided to start my own business,” she said.

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“I realised there was a demand for face masks and I wanted to create luxury fashion-forward designs that also offered people the protection they needed.

“In two months I’ve been able to turn it into a business - I’m so happy with how it’s going.

“I’ve learnt a lot and really enjoy every aspect of it – from sewing the masks, running the social media channels and the website, shipping the items and communicating with customers.

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“It’s been a big learning curve, but so rewarding.”

The face masks – stocked at beauty salon Studio Meraki in Portskewett - are three layers, while Ms Harry also does ‘glam masks’ with sequins and ribbons.

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Recalling how the business idea came about, she added: “I heard about the service through the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Cardiff Metropolitan University, who put me in touch with business advisor Sian Davies.

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“Sian was always on hand to answer any questions I had, from creating a business plan to helping me understand how to scale up the business.

“I hope to be able to expand the products I offer and design a sustainably sourced clothing collection, which has always been a big dream of mine.”

The Business Wales funding is aimed at anyone from five to 25 who wants to develop their own business.

For information visit https://www.rubyharryfashion.com/.