Helen G. Designer workshop inspires
Published:Thursday | January 12, 2017 | 12:00 AMKimberly Goodall
The 17 designers in the Helen G. Design A Dress competition sat at attention anticipating to be inspired at the competition's designer workshop at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa, last Tuesday morning.
After eight weeks of designing a tropical-themed wedding dress, the designers are anxious and excited to build their brand and start their lives as professional designers.
"We executed this workshop with the intention of ensuring that the designers understood the business side of becoming a designer. How to be professional, dedicated, focused, and understanding clients. We also wanted them to be aware of financial responsibilities and where they see themselves in five years. For this reason, we got the best people to come and talk with them," Paula Pinnock of Free Your Image Consultancy Group told Flair.
Invited to speak and motivate the designers were the competition's patron, Ann-Marie Vaz, CEO of KLE Group Limited, Gary Matalon, and Nursita Gray Barriffe, Sagicor's assistant branch manager at Hope Road branch.
Vaz spoke of building brand and image and advised the designers to produce nothing but the best and to always remain professional. Gray Barriffe followed with money management, budgeting, and how they could build their business financially. Afterwards, Matalon shared some pointers he believes will help the young entrepreneurs.
"First, there is no theoretical plan for business. Second, be prepared, and finally, have confidence," he encouraged.
He ended by advising the designers to never limit themselves. "You have zero idea of what you are capable of."
The workshop was a success as the designers were in cheerful spirits and ready to go after their dreams.
But until then, they wait anxiously to see if they will be the grand prize winner to be announced at the Helen G Bridal Fantasy Expo to be held at the Spanish Court Worthington on January 29.