I am the Creative Principal of Dream Draw Sew, a studio that transforms deadstock and repurposed textiles into everlasting textile floristry and expressive fashion. My corporate background is in law where I had a successful career specialising in business ethics and compliance. Driven by curiosity and inspired by my mother and grandmother, both of whom where dressmakers, I transitioned into textile artistry to combine my analytical eye with traditional craftmanship. My work goes beyond the final piece as I blend deep research of history and culture along with process to really share the stories behind my craft. By combining intellectual precision with sustainable innovation, I bring a unique perspective to floristry and fashion.
What inspires you?
I am constantly drawn to texture, color, and the hidden details of daily life which I capture through photographs, sketches, or voice notes that document the emotion behind what I see. When working with repurposed textiles, I am guided by forms and texture to give them new life. My legal background is my superpower as it has trained me to analyse intricate techniques and be bold in experimenting. Combined with extensive research into history and culture, this blend of intellectual curiosity and sensory inspiration is what truly shapes my work.
Have you made any memorable connections at Venture Café Manchester?
Absolutely. Exhibiting at “Rewoven: The Future of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles” event was an absolute catalyst for me. Within minutes of opening, I was in a deep conversation with an attendee about using my products for sustainable, high-profile gifting packages. Later that evening, another connection sparked an inspiring idea for a tactile, sensory textile installation. I left the event with a notebook full of genuine leads, and by the time I arrived home, I was already reimagining how to expand my product line. Venture Café provides an unmatched space for meaningful, fast-paced collaboration.
Tell us more about your current role and its impact on the Greater Manchester start-up ecosystem.
My mission is to show that creativity and sustainability are entirely inseparable. At Dream Draw Sew, I am championing design for longevity at every stage of the process, from product creation to presentation and packaging. I want to help people appreciate the profound impact textiles have on our daily lives, while demonstrating that traditional technical skills are essential to the modern green economy. By driving growth in sustainable textile floristry, I aim to inspire the Greater Manchester start-up ecosystem to innovate solutions that honor craftsmanship without creating waste. Starting with the end in mind allows us to build an ecosystem that values both heritage and the future.
How would you describe your experience at Venture Café Manchester and its impact on your organisation?
My experience at Venture Café has been incredibly empowering. It is a genuinely welcoming space that brings together innovators who are deeply curious about the world and driven to build meaningful ventures together. The energy in the room is really special; attendees are genuinely looking to build connections as both founders and friends. For my business, Venture Café acts as a vital accelerator. It has instantly expanded my network, opened doors to high-quality leads, and validated Dream Draw Sew’s place within Manchester’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
What are your biggest successes or most fulfilling moments?
I was recently invited as a guest on a radio show to discuss my journey into textiles and how it is uniquely shaped by my Caribbean heritage and cultural experiences. After the broadcast, listeners reached out to express how my story had reawakened their own memories and encouraged them to pursue their passions. It is incredibly fulfilling to not only create my own work but to know that sharing my journey has the power to inspire others to begin their own creative paths.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Your first idea isn’t usually the right one – but it is almost always adjacent to it! To truly develop your product, put it out there and share it with people who bring perspectives you don’t have. Most importantly, remain multidisciplinary in your curiosity. A skill or perspective borrowed from an entirely different discipline can often be the exact thing that helps you innovate your work and see your own venture in a brilliant new light.