Billingham youngster shuns law degree to start business

A 21-year-old from Billingham has realised her dream of launching her own vintage fashion business.

Hannah Proctor has set up in her bedroom thanks to funding and mentoring from Transmit Start-Ups who are partnered with the Start-Up Loans Company.

‘Aphrodite and Ares’ has sold out of stock in its first week as the brand aims to bring the same professional shopping experience to vintage items that you would expect with brand new clothes.

Hannah, who turned down the chance to study a law degree in favour of starting her own business, said: “Some people like the security of the 9 to 5 and to know exactly what they are going to do each day but that’s just not for me.

“The loan from Transmit Start-Ups means I am now completely self-sufficient. I can do everything from selecting the stock to photographing it, editing the shots, getting it online and dealing personally with my customers. Initially there was a small cycle of money going round but now I can offer my customers much more choice and achieve better prices from my wholesaler.”

On the thinking behind her business she added: “There can be a lot of guesswork involved when buying from vintage websites and you can end up disappointed with what you’ve paid for. You often aren’t sure what you are buying because the items have been bought and sold in bulk so the colours and fabrics won’t be the same as they are shown.

“Aphrodite and Ares is different because every single item has been hand-picked, washed, ironed, repaired and photographed by me.”

Transmit Start-Ups was launched by three North East entrepreneurs and experienced business mentors who all run successful start-ups including a record label, a digital music company and a business consultancy.

Their partnership with the Government’s Start Up Loans Company means they can offer young people loans of up to £10,000 at an affordable repayment rate and based on clear terms. Loan recipients are teamed up with a mentor to help them fulfil their potential and get access to a whole range of products and services from big name brands such as Ebay, PayPal and Regus that would not normally be available to new businesses.

Mentor Damian Baetens said: “We were incredibly impressed by Hannah’s drive, her business acumen and her very clear vision for her company. Aphrodite and Ares has already earned a loyal customer base and the business has incredible growth potential with Hannah behind it.

“Hannah is a perfect example of the amazing wealth of entrepreneurial talent the North East has to offer. With the Government’s Start Up Loans and our vast expertise in the creative sector we are helping to maximise this potential and to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”