AlumniThe part we play

After struggling to find vegan, cruelty-free products to combat her psoriasis, Melanie decided to make her own. Using a how-to book and ingredients she sourced herself, it soon became a business. Four years on, and the company’s thriving – just ask its long list of fans like Camilla Parker-Bowles (Duchess of Cornwall), Nicola Sturgeon, and Evanna Lynch.

“SEN helped massively. It gave me access to incredible mentors and opportunities to pitch to potential investors. I was even chosen as one of the SEN Rising Stars and secured panel-funding that enabled sales training and new product development. Now the likes of House of Fraser sell White Rabbit Skincare online, and I’ve won various awards this year. My dream is to create more products, employ more people, and establish my brand as the Scottish skincare brand!”

During a conversation with her dad, a joiner who suffers from arthritis, Vicky found inspiration to design a new kneepad for tradespeople as part of her final year design project. The result: a product that reduces pressure on the knees by 20%. In two short years, Recoil Kneepads has gained buy-in on Channel 4’s Buy It Now, landed a major distribution deal with Homebase, and boasts sales from across the globe.

“My individual project supervisor encouraged me to get involved with SEN. And, after a business meeting with the Enterprise Advisor, I connected with some Strathclyde alumni who became mentors. Through the network, I received great advice and gained invaluable skills for business planning, pitching and presenting. So far, my career highlight is seeing my products on sale in the Homebase I worked in to financially support myself through uni!”

While studying a masters in product design, Michael knew he needed to find a gap in the market and create something unique. His dad, who passed away around the same time, had been passionate about watches – and Michael had a love of whisky and sustainability. Honouring his father, he decided to combine those three ordinary things to create something extraordinary: Fiodh Watches.

“After hearing amazing things about SEN, I popped in looking for marketing advice and help writing a business plan. That’s exactly what I got. Having someone to go to for feedback and advice is great; it’s comforting to know when you’re headed in the right direction. This year, I’ve achieved big goals: winning an award, getting into The Herald, and running a successful Kickstarter campaign. Next year’s plans are even bigger!”

During a photography project, while Jeremie was gathering pictures taken by kids in Senegal, he realised they were all taken during the day. That’s because at night, they were left in total darkness. Without electric lighting, they couldn’t study – which heavily impacted school grades.

Jeremie decided to launch a charger that wouldn’t just power up devices, but supply electricity to enable kids to study in the evenings. Power a Life has already improved baseline grades in schools – some by up to 37%. (PAL Project Update Report November 2016).

“Strathclyde Entrepreneurs Fund (SEF) helped in lots of ways. Obviously investment was amazing, it was so beneficial, but so was support from Strathclyde in general – particularly the Entrepreneurial Team. I’ve just relaunched my product and brand to be bigger, better, stronger and faster. I want to empower as many kids as possible, and eventually empower entire communities.”