Helen Young with some of the handbags she makes largely from recycled material. (Picture by Daniel Guerin, 0575755)
PRODUCTS made by a Bright Young Things finalist are being stocked by three local shops thanks to publicity from the show. Helen Young’s limited edition and bespoke handbags from new, vintage and recycled materials are on sale at Creasey’s, The Gallery and Shine.
The 27-year-old said she had been busy since appearing in the final of the entrepreneurs’ contest at St James last month. ‘I was apprehensive about entering as I didn’t want anyone to tell me that this wasn’t a viable business. To get into the final and then to receive such positive feedback was fantastic and it gave me a confidence boost.
‘Now I’m doing the business full-time and that’s quite nerve-racking. It’s a daunting prospect, but it’s exciting at the same time. I enjoy the freedom and versatility of being my own boss. It has its ups and downs, but for me there are definitely more ups.’
Ms Young has a passion for crafts in all media and has been inspired by her experiences of studying, working and travelling around the world.
She started by making jewellery with a friend as a hobby and realised there was a market for her products when people began to demand more.
Courses in soft bags and design in London and Australia followed and her focus shifted to textiles.
Her business, Mooch, was the culmination of her desire and effort to move in a more sophisticated direction.
‘My handbags are unique and it’s a strange feeling to see customers walking down the street with them.
‘I use anything from curtain samples to old clothes. It helps to keep my costs low and the bags are more interesting because of it.
‘To use fabrics which would otherwise go to waste is very satisfying. There are obvious environmental benefits, so the business is in fact an ethical and sustainable one as well.’
As with all the BYT finalists who did not win, Ms Young received £2,000 courtesy of the mentors.
She is putting the money towards the cost of more courses to refine and develop her skills further.
During the competition she worked with Island Rib Voyages founder Charlie Matheson, who gave her advice and helped produce a business plan.
‘Charlie was great because he didn’t have any experience with the products so he was able to give his opinion from an unbiased view.
‘With his assistance I did full budgeting with an accountant so that I knew what I was up against in terms of figures.
‘That preparation really made the difference when Tom Scott asked me some pretty challenging questions about the finances.’
The bags sell for around £40 and it takes Ms Young between one and two hours to make each one, although some can take longer. She sells them in person at farmers’ markets, craft fairs and charity functions.
‘Meeting people face to face has made a real difference and so far all my sales have been through word of mouth.
‘I haven’t done any advertising, although I will in the future. I’m happy to supply retailers with individual ranges for the next year or so and see how it goes.
‘Eventually I hope to grow the business and employ other people to make the bags, but I’ll always keep my hand in creatively.
‘Ultimately I would like to have my own shop in Town, but with the sky-high leases in Guernsey, that’s a long way off.’
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