Well its been a while but I have kindly been sent the images of a job that I did back in 2007 so I wanted to share it. At the time JosyFlo didn't exhist and it was just me making belts and skirts from leather on commission and to sell at fairs and festivals.
A friend had seen my designs online and called me to say that the restuarant that she was working in was looking for someone to produce some pouches for the waiting staff. The restaurant was Jamie Oliver's Fifteen in Cornwall. With their reputations for helping young people they wanted to support an independent designer rather than have something mass produced.
I worked with the team to design some simple, hand made leather and suede pouches featuring a pink butterfly for the girls belts and the fifteen logo for the guys.
It was a fantastic project to be involved in, especially as I was a keen supporter of what Jamie had been doing to provide young people with the opportunity to make something of their lives. At the time his food for schools project had not begun but he had shown dedication and passion in his quest to help other people and I really admired his enthusiasm and hard work.
It was an honour to be given the opportunity and it really inspired me to want to start my own business. I wasn't able to move forward with it at that stage but 2 years later, I was in a position to design a range to have produced and JosyFlo was born!
Without this initial confidence in my abilities I don't know if I would have had the drive to get started. My brand has been inspired, not just by making money but by providing beautiful accessories which help make women feel more confident, and the knowledge that if I make a success of my business I am able to ensure sustainable and fair employment for the producers of my belts.
Jamie has been successful in his career, not just for his ability to make delicious food but because he has had the confidence to make a difference without compromising his morals. I admire his dedication to helping people and hope that I am able to be as successful by being true to myself.
For images of the Fifteen Belts see here