Nicola Melvin
PSYBT Supported Business, The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust, Opportunity & Enterprise
After I graduated from Herriot-Watt’s School of Textiles in Edinburgh, I had a choice; either I move to London to pursue a fashion career or I stay in Scotland to set up my own design business. That was just over a year ago now and since then I’ve started trading as Nicola Melvin Fashion Design.
At first my aim was to produce informal evening wear for women that was flamboyant, fun and flirty, combined with cocktail dresses and separates made from 100 per cent silk. I secured premises but increasingly I found myself offering dressmaking and alteration services to cover the ongoing running costs of the studio. It meant I was spending less time focusing on my own designs and I was unable to establish my reputation in the fashion industry.
I decided to re-evaluate my business priorities and decided to concentrate fully on my design career, devoting my time to producing a seasonal collection of designs and taking on commission work only. I’m now based in a ‘creative design hub’ in Edinburgh which also accommodates other artistic businesses such as photographers, graphic designers and make-up artists and allows me to collaborate with other businesses on joint projects.
My first year in business has been tough but I’ve learnt such a lot and I wouldn’t change it for anything. It has given me great experience in working with customers, working with material to produce beautiful clothes and despite a stumble at the beginning; it has helped me really focus on what I want to do in the future. Moving to the ‘hub’ and re-shaping my business has really helped me to move forward with my business. My aim now is for Nicola Melvin to be recognised as a fashion label for informal evening wear through my collections.
There is a growing fashion scene in Scotland supported by some brilliant independent boutiques. I think it is all being driven right now by the talent that is coming out of our fashion and textile colleges, not only in Edinburgh and Glasgow but the Borders too. One day I hope to have my own shop but for the present time I want to build my reputation as a creative designer.
