Block Clothing Eighty81 Graduate Resident
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We are thrilled to announce our winner to our Graduate Entrepreneur in Residence – well done Marie-Clare Duncan with her creative business idea Block Clothing
We are so excited to introduce you to Marie-Clare Duncan and tell to you all about her creative business;
1) Tell us about your business idea?
My business idea is to create a unique fashion brand, with an online clothing store. It will consist of all over printed garments designed by myself and produced within the UK. The business will be called ‘Block Clothing’, and the aim is to create a strong brand image which focuses on style and individuality. Block Clothing will also be a proud advocate of ethical production methods in order to raise awareness and tackle global issues such as sweatshops and child labour.
2) Tell us in one sentence about your business?
Block Clothing is a fashion brand which caters for fashion lovers’ sense of style, individuality, and personality.
3) How do you define success?
Success is doing what you love.
4) What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My mum is constantly telling me “take every opportunity you can get”. Growing up, she has always made me very conscious of the fact the younger generation have a lot more opportunities available to them now, I think it’s important we make the most of them.
5) Why did you want to become a resident of Eighty81?
I wanted to become a resident of Eighty81 not only to get my business off the ground but also because it’s a good stepping stone after graduating in June. I felt really lost after graduating, not knowing what to do or what direction to take. I spent hours applying for countless design jobs in the UK and elsewhere in Europe with no luck, and decided I should carve my own direction, doing something I’m passionate about. Eighty81 is the perfect starting point for this. It’s also a great opportunity for me to represent Design at Magee, I wouldn’t be where I am without it!
6) How do you think being based here in Eighty81 will help you?
I think being based at Eighty81 will help me gain confidence in starting up a business, while working in a professional setting. It will also give me the chance to network and work alongside other like minded creative people. It’s really exciting to see something in the city which focuses on the creative industries.
Marie-Clare has won a her own desk-space at Eighty81 for six months, where she’ll be able to develop her ideas, take part in Eighty81 events, and design a panel for Creative Camp 2016 – congrats again from all of us here in Eighty81
