Member Article

Entrepreneurial émigré launches Sunderland-based fashion business

Polish fashion designer Klaudia Małolepsza has realised her dream of setting up her own business, after relocating to the North East.

With support from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), the enterprising fashionista has chosen Sunderland as her base to grow the company.

Klaudia, 32, believes now is now is the ideal time to start a business in the UK although confesses she finds the culture here very different to what she’s used to.

She commented: “As a fashion designer, stylist and artist with a passion for designing clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery, I think I came to Sunderland at a very good time.

I’ve heard a lot about Sunderland’s UK City of Culture bid and feel it’s an exciting time to be in the city, and an interesting opportunity for me.

“I came to Sunderland knowing that I wanted to establish my business here, as I know that the people are open-minded and I’ve been made to feel very welcome.”

Klaudia added: “This is my passion, it’s what I love to do so I don’t consider failure as an option. “Opening my business has come from my determination and the fact I really wanted it – I’m so focused.”

Klaudia worked with BIC Business Adviser Ron Anderson who helped her to develop a business plan and supported her through the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), a national government initiative.

After attending business planning sessions with Ron, Klaudia received the mentoring she needed to register her new business.

She continued: “At the beginning it felt daunting but Ron helped me through the whole process.

“Anyone who is thinking of establishing their own business should consider contacting the BIC.”

Ron Anderson said: “Klaudia has worked extremely hard and has overcome many barriers and setbacks to get her business up and running.

“Klaudia is clearly very passionate and determined to succeed in all that she does. She is an extremely talented designer and I am delighted she has become self-employed to enable others to benefit from the high standard of clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery she produces.”