Our partnership with Urban Outfitters has given 40 small, ethnically diverse ran businesses the opportunity to feature their stall within Urban Outfitters stalls across the UK. From fashion, floristry, board games and Illustrations we are bringing you it all.
Following along with the series as we will be giving a glimpse the people involved, where they started off and where they are today. You never know, it might even inspire you to chase your own dreams!
Like many others, Daisy started her business in the pandemic. Looking for a craft to fill the time, she came across a clay polymer earring tutorial on Instagram – something she has used as a child. Passionate about picking up a nostalgic childhood hobby, she was shocked when it turned into a business. Her creativity has become a therapy for her, being able to use her hands to create new things has been a saving grace.
Originally from China, Daisy grew up in Liverpool. Living in London for 7 years, they currently working towards a qualification to become an architect.
Why did you decide to apply for the Blueprint for All X Urban Outfitters marketplace?
The opportunity to work with Blueprint for All and Urban Outfitters is the perfect opportunity for me to connect with a diverse audience in the heart of London – who could resist!
What are your plans for the future?
Currently, Ni.Studios is a creative outlet for me and a chance to learn new skills in business and marketing. We will see where it goes from here!
What are you hoping to get out of partaking in the Blueprint for All X Urban Outfitters marketplace?
I am hoping that by being a part of the collaboration I can reach a different demographic than my usual audience (selling in markets in East London), I would also like to gather new opinions and ideas to help boost my creativity. You would be surprised how many great designs come from the feedback of my lovely customers – it truly is a collaborative process.
What is your advice for anyone wanting to start up their own business?
The most important thing is to have fun – whatever it is that you are passionate about, put out there, keep at it, and the rest will follow!
What has been the most challenging thing about starting up your business and how have you overcome this (if you have)?
For me, social media can be very challenging. I think many small business owners struggle with having to become content creators, but it is all part of the learning process.
What does diversity and inclusion mean to you in the working world?
As an immigrant I have found London to be a wonderfully inclusive place. However, it is very important to bring diversity into every corner of the working world, we are currently very under-represented in positions of leadership or influence.
I believe it is very important to continue to inspire the younger generations from a wide variety of backgrounds to follow their passions, and also to form inclusive community groups in our respective career fields where we can easily provide support for each other. Through this business I have met a wonderful number of ESEA artists and makers and hope to participate in events that will celebrate our culture together in the future.
Are you interested in Ni.Studios? Give them a follow at @ni.studios
