Features / Etsy
Bristol costumier launches online shop
Local dressmaker and costumier Jessica Hardy started her new clothing business The Secret Embroidery Club during the first lockdown.
Jessica sells hand-embroidered unisex sweatshirts through the Etsy, an online retail platform.
Having trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Jessica has spent the past five years making costumes for theatre, television and film.
However, when the pandemic hit and her existing work opportunities dried up, Jessica decided to put her transferable skills and long-standing passion for embroidery into launching this new business.
The Secret Embroidery Club sells hand-embroidered unisex sweatshirts. Photo: Jessica Hardy
The costumier considers herself “incredibly lucky” that she has been able to transfer her skills, as many colleagues fell through funding gaps after lockdown began in March and had to find work in supermarkets or factories.
“Setting up the Etsy shopfront has been challenging at times but has provided me with technology, marketing and customer facing skills that will prove invaluable going forward,” Jessica says.
“I believe The Secret Embroidery Club is a positive example of up-skilling and re-skilling to create a viable business model for the future”.
All of the sweatshirts are from Just Hoods, which use Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production-certified factories. Jessica then embroiders each item with her original designs.
The range features original designs. Photo: Jessica Hardy
The Etsy shop currently offers six designs and an option for a customised pattern. Jessica hopes to develop the range, especially as the festive season approaches.
Even though she enjoys running the Secret Embroidery Club, she misses being involved in live theatre: “I love making costumes for theatre because of the imagination it takes, and the craftsmanship is incredibly satisfying.”
Main image: Jessica Hardy
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