Barnsley College student designs her career

@BarnsleyCollege student Megan Timms has turned her craft hobby into a career as she launches her own business, Megan Faith Art.

Studying Level 3 Digital Design at the College, Megan has always enjoyed art and has been intensely interested in working in the creative industry ever since she left school. She decided to open her own business after experimenting with materials during lockdown.

Megan now has a website for her business showcasing the range of products she has to offer including, jewellery, accessories and prints.

Megan, 17, said: “I love drawing and during lockdown I started experimenting with polymer clay; I made a few pieces of jewellery and loved the process as it was fun to work on something that brought my art to life.

“I have always been interested in starting my own business but often thought I had to be older or that I didn’t have enough time. Lockdown was the perfect opportunity to work on it, and as I’d already designed by own brand in one of my units at College, it gave me confidence to build my brand and design all the elements that go with it.”

Megan’s business has been made possible through the help of iTrust, Barnsley College’s Enterprise initiative. iTrust is a joint venture between the College, The Barnsley Chronicle and The Business Village, which supports students interested in starting up a business in Barnsley. Students who choose to receive support from iTrust, will have access to an array of information and guidance such as mentoring from industry specialists and local businesses and financial investments. Megan has the opportunity to receive a grant totalling £250 from iTrust which she has said would go towards a machine that will allow her to make new products.

Jess Widdowson, Enterprise Team Leader at Barnsley College, added:

“Megan came to me with a clear brand and a fantastic website, and with the support of iTrust, we plan to help Megan with marketing and reaching her target market. I’m really looking forward to working with Megan and think her drive and dedication to her company really shines through.”