Anja Tchadieukeu Nwawe began sewing in summer 2016. After watching lots of YouTube videos, she found an enthusiasm for sewing, and especially upcycling and using cloth that cried out for a second life. With time she started to craft vibrant and colourful bags from denim jeans and curtains, experimenting with designs, making unique and highly functional tote bags with several pockets and that are often reversible. Having made bags for friends and family, Anja decided it was time to show the world her creations and launched her own shop selling items at West Norwood Feast where she made connections who […]
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Face Masks & Costume Design For Theatre by Make It Studio
Martina Sgoifo is a costume designer who wanted to pass on to others the pride and independence she gained through the work that she does by empowering women so that they could work flexibly from home and so, Make It Studio was born. But, with the recent Coronavirus pandemic, the path has veered to take on so many other challenges, bringing a community together to contribute to a greater cause. Martina’s journey began when she went to a show with a friend, Emanuela Pagliei, one of the founders of Neon Performing Arts, and was asked what she thought of the […]
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Time for a turnaround for self-employed left out in the cold
by Colin Crooks, CEO, Tree Shepherd Marcus Rashford’s campaign for Free School Meals has shown us that a U-turn in the Government’s policies and purse strings is possible. It’s just a shame it takes a celebrity to do this. While we celebrate the Government finally coming to their senses, we know 3 million hard-working small business owners have been left out in the cold by the Government’s complex package of COVID support and are struggling to pay everyday bills. Ordinary, brave people, who took up the challenge of starting a business, to contribute to our economy, alongside part-time work and […]
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Statement from Tree Shepherd on Black Lives Matter: We Want to Hear from You
We have all seen in the news the shocking murder of George Floyd and on-going violence being perpetrated on black people worldwide. With the rest of the world, we condemn this appalling racism, and we also know that racism pervades many UK institutions and we deplore that fact. We have seen how many of our institutions are inherently racist and how the black community have to struggle daily to get a fair deal. By holding back future leaders, stifling entrepreneurship and forcing the black community to work much harder to achieve goals their white counterparts readily access, our country is increasing social tensions and losing out on so much talent. The Tree Shepherd family […]
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How to Start a Small Business for Yourself in 5 Steps (During Coronavirus – and any other time)
By Colin Crooks, CEO, Tree Shepherd You may be reading this during lockdown and thinking, “why would I want to even think about how to start my own business?” Firstly, if you have an idea and a passion for doing things in a particular way, this could be the best decision you will make. Whether it’s making face masks, becoming a florist, running a fashion business, selling cakes or teaching crafts online, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge. If you’re currently furloughed, you’ve recently become unemployed or you’ve been out of work for some time, this […]
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Coronavirus update
Update 9 June 2020 A note from our CEO Colin Crooks: Coronavirus Hello everyone, We hope you are all keeping as well and safe as possible. Here’s an update on our work at Tree Shepherd. Spaces GLOWS and THRIVE are currently still closed to visitors, shared use or hot-desk workers but we are continuing to allow access to all our office renters who have their own key and are communicating with them about our new plans at the moment. GLOWS will soon be undergoing a refurbishment in response to the challenges COVID presents, and we will be offering individual offices […]
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Church Street courses cancelled
Unfortunately a number of our upcoming Church Street courses have been cancelled. Please refer to our Events page to find out which courses are still running in our sites across London. If you have any concerns please email info@treeshepherd.org.uk or call 020 3948 3020.
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GLOWS free spring workshops now up!
The raft of GLOWS workshops, most of which are free, are now online! Check out our events page and email us at info@treeshepherd.org.uk or call 020 3948 3020 to book your place now. Photography, T-Shirt printing, mosaics, Excel and many more. Hurry and book your place while there’s still space!
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Supported Self Employment Academy Course – Croydon
Our second Supported Self Employment Academy started in Croydon during November in association with Status Employment. Following the tremendous success of our first academy Croydon Council are supporting us to deliver a series of Academy’s over the coming months. The academy focuses on supporting people with disabilities to start, run and grow a business. The courses bring people together in a safe space where they can learn about business and share ideas and challenges. The first academy was a great success with several students setting up successful businesses. Yvonne Williams attended our first academy and set up Happy Feet while on […]
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