Student Enterprise Sucess
Final year students on the Textiles Design and Design Management (Bsc) course have taken a task set as part of a third year module and turned it into a viable business.
The project, part of the compulsory Design Enterprise module, asks students to come up with a product or service and take it into the marketplace. The aim of the exercise is to allow students to simulate running a ‘live’ company.
The group of seven, who called their company TRingkets, chose to create a collection of unique rings.
They then decided to maximise on two key trends; up-cycling, where old items are turned into new products and vintage, which sees the aesthetic of by-gone decades revived.
All the products are made of old or recycled materials and go through a rigorous testing process.
The students utilised social media channels to distribute to a wider audience and hosted a series of events in Manchester to generate excitement around their product.
Tringkette, Emma Clayton, said: "We have had people emailing for pictures and buying products that way. We have also been selling through Facebook. Our first sale in Fallowfield, back in November, was a bit disorganised- people where fighting their way forward!"
Helen Hilton, whose handmade ring inspired the group to create TRingkets, said: "We are looking at new ways to diversify our product and make it more interesting. We would like to make smaller trinkets that can be worn everyday, something that really catches the eye. Our spring/summer collection is inspired by the 60’s and 70’s."
The group have taken different routes through their course, with a number of the group taking up the opportunity to do a one year industry placement between their second and third year of study.
Aimee Clarke, who completed a placement as assistant to the head of design at fashion retailer Monsoon, said: "It’s good to put into practice, what some of us have learnt in industry. When we came at this project we already knew how to write business plans, how a business should work."
Lecturer, Victoria Wheeler, described the groups approach to their enterprise as ‘steely and competitive.’
She added: "This module has given these young women a platform to explore their individual talents. A strong team dynamic, combined with mutual support, has allowed them to excel and fully realise a bold business venture."
TRingkets is soon to go nationwide with the groups selling their products on fashion website asos.com/marketplace.
More information can be found through the Trinkets website: www.tringkets.blogspot.com