PeachT Magazine by Beatrice

ISSUE 1

SPRING

5 FLORA

7 CRISTINA

8 CHELSEA

9 ELIETT

13 MILLIE

14 FACE

15 SEARLAIT

17 NAOMI

19 ELESSAME

21 MONICA

23 HANNAH

26 AMENA

27 TILLY

30 SHEERAH

31 HISSYFIT

32 PEACHT PRESENTS

SUMMER

Chelsea photographed by Ileana Malacrino Styled by PeachT in Sassy Patel bandeau top and Topshop trousers

Photographed by Ileana Malacrino. Styled by PeachT in Fila Body With Side Tape

FLORA

Meet Flora, born and raised in Kenya, where she moved to London at the age of ten during a rough time settling in education. Although she started struggling, Flora finally found her niche in life after discovering her love for fashion. Today, she thanks fashion. It has enabled her to gain the confidence and create her own identity. Being able to feel comfortable where now she loves being able to construct her own garments, designs and styles. Throughout her work, she finds her culture and her heritage continuously influencing her designs and drawings, through the use of patterns. Majority of the time, she follows designers such as Alexander McQueen and Iris Van Herpen, who are renowned for her work. “Iris Van Herpen really inspires me, she stays true to herself, and stands by her work. Even though she doesn’t gain a lot of revenue from her products, she still enjoys the ability to experiment with fashion and work collectively with artists and scientists.” So ging

how was

did something

you that

decide that you wanted to

blogdo?

I started my blog because I wanted to document my daily style, day by day I would continuously have people asking me where I got items from, and why I chose it. I thought what better idea then creating a blog, which enables easy access to everyone and helps people find similar items. It also enables me to document about myself as well as showing a portfolio of my work. “I like to think I inspire others and I would say I stay true to my goals and myself, I believe my lifestyle is no different to anyone. I come from a working class family and everything I have achieved is through hard work and determination.”

Cristina (below) shot by Ileana Malacrino Styled by PeachT in Topshop jacket and Primark jeans Chelsea (right) shot by Ileana Malacrino. Styled by PeachT in Cow Vintage jacket, Hissy Fit crop top, Topshop jeans

Meet Eliett Parchment, the 23 year old, award winning fashion designer hitting the Birmingham high street with her latest trends and newest collection. Nominated in many categories Eliett Parchment featured in Karen Millen portfolio, showcased at Graduate fashion week and was press requested from stylists for artists such as Years and Years, Lady Lesshur and Paris Gobel for Hunger Magazine. Already established, Eliett first began when inspired by her mother who created clothing for her as a young child. “It looked so easy and original and turns out this provoked my interest in garments and led me to start customising simple jackets and jumpers, developing my own techniques and skills.” This led onto where she studied fashion design at University and began creating a men’s street style collection which she based her work around shapes, silhouettes, colours, and fabrications. “I want people to see one of my garments or designs and know straight away that its Eliett Parchment work. Instead of just putting a big logo on the front, I want people to recognise my work from the design, quality and originality of it.”

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“What I really want to do to develop my skills and as a person, and to do this I want to travel, where I can understand different cultures, learning about their environment and values. I think this is so important in this day and age considering the negative things happening. Fashion is about celebrating cultures and believe travelling is the perfect way of extendeD my knowledge and inspiring my next collection.”

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To find out more about the Eliett Parchment collection, follow Website: www.eliettparchment.com Instagram: @ellietparchment

Eliett was always a creative individual and used her fascination of street-style as part of her collection, exploring how clothing seen as gym wear can be fashionable, putting a new print of street clothing. What are five things you couldn’t live without? “My life wouldn’t be the same without particular things, my family for one make me who I am today, and secondly my culture and freedom. Without my car either, I would be lost, and without creativity I wouldn’t be able to design the way I do.” So, what’s next for Eliett Parchment? “In the next five years from now, I hope to be part of big brand where I’m able to input my own creative ideas and seeing them go from simple ideas to complex garments which are seen on the runaway are advertised in magazine and sold in shops and online. Currently, I’m making sure my collection is seen, I work part-time in retail to gain business experience of clothing and one day my collection will be one seen in shop windows. One thing I do want to more of currently is styling, my interest for this has developed over the during of study at university and its fun being creative with clothing and making someone feel good about themselves.”

Millie Walford My Style, My Way Last year, as the world increasingly made no sense, as things we thought we knew to be true were bought into question. Rock-solid foundations started to shake, and conversations became our safe place. One voice that constantly spoke passion and positive change was fashion guru Millie Walford, turning her world upside down in pursuit for her dream career, showing how truly determined anyone can be when they are passionate for a life they want to achieve. Although she might be the most outspoken individual she has the most infectious personality, putting a new spin on everything she experiences.

Can you describe your style to us and top styling tips? As much as I love following on the newest trends, I believe it’s important to be true to you, don’t just wear something that is on trend when you don’t particularly like it. I don’t doubt, there is nothing wrong with experimentation with clothes, and styling an outfit but wear whatever you feel most confident and comfortable! What I’ve learnt over the years is don’t worry about what anyone thinks. Styling wise, I generally look at what retail outlets turn high end fashion into high street fashion. I mostly buy from Zara, Topshop and ASOS, if I had more money I would shop more in places such as COS, and Whistles and if I had even more money than that I would be head to toe in Chloe.

“

So where did it all begin for you? Well I’ve always been obsessed with clothing, I always enjoyed experimenting with style and loved dressing up for the occasion. I found myself always looking at outfits of other people had put together and being fascinated. After researching into fashion I came to the conclusion I wanted to study the business behind it and before long, I ended working at numerous retail shops to get experience and flying half way around the world for a six month internship in Milan. After my final year in university I knew I wanted to work with an online retailer, the fashion paced atmosphere it what excites me most. To begin, after graduating from university I got my first job as a stylist which was fun however lacked any strong opportunities and wasn’t what I really wanted to achieve. Therefore, I ended up packing up my life and moving up north to have an unpaid internship at Boohoo. com, after two months of working on the weekends to pay my rent, I finally got my first fashion assistant buyer job, and dreams do come true.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS MY NUMBER 1 RULE IN LIFE, YOU WONT GET ANYWHERE BEING NEGATIVE AND NO ONE WANTS SOMEONE COMPLAINING ON THEIR TEAM

Who is your biggest aspiration? In fashion everything seems to aspire me however my boss in particular, she enables me to have more and more responsibilities every week, she is willing to help me to get where I want to be and she is amazing at her job. One day I eventually be at her position and I know she will support me to get there.

Do you believe promoting creative females is important? OF COURSE! Even though our world is becoming more equal, it’s important we still endorse women, specifically when they’re doing something different and beneficial. Brands like PeachT are needed, especially in the midlands, where nothing is heard!

What advice would you give someone aspiring to gain a career similar to yours? For every company I believe it’s different however there are three main aspects that are important consider before starting in the fashion industry... To begin with you need be willing to work your way up, is it highly unlikely you will be able to at the top straight away, but each day taking on more responsibilities, showing you’re keen and wanting to be successful. Before I got this job I had no previous experience in buying throughout my university course however moving to a completely new city and starting an unpaid internship really proved I was willing to work hard and nothing would stop me. Secondly, you need to be able to work in a faced paced environment, trends are constantly changing and developing which is constantly crazy but extremely exciting. Finally, you need to be positive and work well under pressure, as mentioned before, fashion is constant so you need to have your head on the ball at all times.

You have a big online presence, in the past this can be seen to effect people’s lives dramatically, for the better and the worse, what has it done for you? I love Instagram, it is definitely my favourite social media and I completely understand from friend’s experience, it does have it bad and good points, but it is just the visuals I find so appealing, it inspires my daily fashion ideas. When looking at new garments especially it’s beneficial for inspiration. I have been offered quite a few opportunities though Instagram for promoting certain brands.

During our first event, ‘PeachT Presents – The Boujee Edition’, collaborated with a local girl gang and glitter gurus called FACE. Face is made up of Tinisha, Claudia, and Becky who use their creativity and skills to make people feel and look great, spreading the glitter glow. “We wanted a creative and fun outlet from our daily lives. When we would go out and go to festivals we used to glitter ourselves and friends. From there we formed FACE!” FACE was created when the girls were glittering people’s faces (and beards) at one of Birmingham’s favourite events Magic Door. The team say their inspiration roots from the disco years at Studio 54, especially the iconic Grace Jones. “The creative industry is one which has been dominated by men up until now. Women should be building each other up, enabling us to express our talent and gain the recognition we deserve! Birmingham needs more girl power!”

Séarlait Golby Meet Séarlait Golby, an eighteen year old editorial stylist and blogger from Coventry. Currently, studying fashion business and promotion at Birmingham City University in the dreams of pursuing her career, learning the ins and outs of the fashion world. What inspired you to work in the creative industry? I always loved thinking of concepts for editorials, everything from the location, the atmosphere, the model, right up to the looks, but they’re only a part of it. It was when I read British Girls, a magazine by Anya Holdstock that I decided I need to start putting my ideas to good use. I’ve never felt so inspired in my life by anything, I think the editorials in British Girls really spoke to me and gave me that extra push. For my blog, I originally started it as an extra thing to put on my CV, however I quickly forgot about the reasoning behind it when I realised I really enjoy it. I love curating my favourite inspirational imagery and discussing my current thoughts and points of interest, as well as showcasing my personal style. I am currently in the process of preparing my new website, which is nearly complete. It will be up and running mid-April and I’m excited to talk more about self-growth and produce more frequent content. Decribe your style. I think everyone knows me as being cosy, and I know a lot of people are using that term now, but really, every day. I love wearing trainers for the comfort but I also just love them in general, I always have done. I wear a lot of high quality, practical basics and you will rarely see me in anything other than light colours. I think my personal suggestion to everyone is find your own style. Trends are fine but you will inevitably spend a lot of money in addition to the damages to the environment. I would suggest finding some time to regularly utilise social media and find outfits and looks that you are drawn to instantly. Also, is there any items of clothing you have liked for a really long time? Such as a shape of denim (for me, it’s my Levi 501’s) or certain silhouettes of garments? Invest in a variety of such, and

you know you won’t get bored. I shop second hand 85% of the time but to add trendier pieces to your wardrobe for a cheaper price and to be more environmentally conscious, I recommend shopping on Depop. There are thousands of people selling good as new clothes from fast fashion retailers for next to nothing. This way you can add character to your otherwise bare essential wardrobe, whilst preventing clothes from ending up in a landfill. Do you think it is impirtant to have a platform to promote female creatives? I think it’s unspoken about how hard it is to meet likeminded women who are interested in the same stuff as you; it’s great having a bunch of amazing friends but when there’s no common ground, it can get kind of lonely. This is an amazing chance for girls to network with those who are similar to them. I think it’s worth mentioning too, that there’s not much like female energy. Nights out with just women will allow a lot of girls to feel more safe and comfortable whilst going out as we all know that’s often not the case with regular clubs. When my friend on my course showed me PeachT on Instagram, my obvious first thoughts were how cool their branding and editorials are. But, when I looked at what the brand was about, it really spoke to me as I think this is something that’s been needed for a long time, especially in the Midlands.

Any words of wisdom for those starting out as a stylist? You need to self-promote yourself first and foremost. It’s one thing to write on your CV that you’re interested in styling but why? How? If you haven’t shot before, potential people you work with will want to see examples, whether that’s on a personal blog or Polyvore. It’s so important to utilise social media too. In terms of approaching photographers, I suggest creating a mood board for how you want the shoot to look, and then send them your ideas in as much detail as possible. It also helps to choose a photographer whose aesthetic matches yours or the one of the shoot. I also recommend looking locally for photographers, you have a lot more freedom when starting out and you will both get some great stuff for your portfolios. As a woman, I feel like we should be just telling the younger girls around us that we can do what the hell we want. I don’t feel any responsibility for anything, but I feel like it would help the younger generation of girls around us to feel more independent and empowered by seeing us doing everything and anything we feel like doing (as long as you’re not hurting anyone, obviously). Photographed

Millie

Simon.

“

I think I would describe myself as a learner – I love finding new ways to grow from within, I’m very curious and I’m always itching to develop myself more

Check out Séarlait’s lifestyle and fashion blog at searlaitgolby.com

Naomi in Cow Vintage two piece, Asos jacket, Monki sheer dress. Shot by Ileana Malacrino. Styled by PeachT.

P Naomi in Topshop faux fur black jacket, H&M black jeans and pink velvet leotard.

Photographed by Ileana Malacrino. Styled by Charlotte Watts in H&M jumper, dress, vintage reversible orange jacket.

Adventurous, outspoken and authentic – Elessame is charming singer songwriter, spreading her love for music through her individual sound. Elessame has always been a creative individual, whether she’s writing, painting or creating her own clothing, she has always relished being active and imaginative in her own way. Capture

Elessame

At nineteen years old today, Elessame follows the footsteps of her family, being theatrical in every way she can and continues to express her everyday emotions through singing song writing, following artists such as Stormzy and Jhene Aiko for inspiration. To Elessame, these artists continue to remind her how important it is to lyrically smart and on

and to appeal to a varied audience. “I like Jhene Aiko for the vibe she gives off, the mood of her music and the way she writes her songs. I like Stormzy because his word play, he’s good with his lyrics and the way he interprets things into music, you have to listen to what he’s saying.”

soundcloud.com/Elessamemusic

Monica Martini

“I

never

call

what

“When I look back I can never really pick the breaking point where my videography and photography career began. I was already at university studying media, I always thought I will have to do more with PR and graphic design. I had a little weekly radio show on house music but I still didn’t know which direction I’ll end up taking once I graduate. It all gradually just fell into place without any planning. This one time our university TV channel got asked if we would film the society awards event, I was just there with two of my friends. After the event we got invited to join the after party at this club, we ended up going for a couple of drinks but as we had the camera equipment on us we didn’t really want to go wild. I randomly picked up this camera and filmed some people partying, then got home that night, edited a video. Events manager for university saw the video and offered me to film the entire fresher’s week. Funnily enough, one year later, at the very same event where it all started, I won an award as Media Person of the Year for my videos. That same year I got elected as President for the TV station as well as picked a TV based final project for my degree where my role for the series was director and videographer. It all started becoming a little bit more obvious what I should be doing. Kept on filming clubs, then promo videos followed, real estate, fashion behind the scenes, then started doing photography along videography and it all just ex-

‘work’,

enjoy

too

much”

panded. I’m pleased with the variety of different areas I’ve covered so far, I love having a versatile portfolio. Drawing and painting is a huge part of my life, I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been fascinated with colour and sound and I think it shows in my work. I started going to art school same time I was attending high school, I would spend half of my day in high school and then continue on until 7/8pm at art school. I found it quite cool as from a young age it taught me how to handle long days and being creative when you need to be, not just when you’re inspired. I started attending art school as my original plan was to become an architect but as time went on I realised that being an architect isn’t what I want to do for the rest of my life. Picking Media as my university degree was the best choice as it gave me such a wide range of areas to choose from and 3 years to figure out what suits me best.

I think my main inspiration comes from ambition, they both are tied very closely together in my life. I decided to teach myself Photoshop when I was 12 — I remember thinking it’ll be so easy, I thought “it’s basically advanced MS Paint, right?” I tried to do something for 5 minutes, it wasn’t as easy as I expected, and I got angry and deleted it straight after. 3 months later I decided to give it another go and it was there to stay. The rest followed. I can remember my first photography pieces took 15 hours to create but at the end of it I knew that this is going to be something I will be noticed for as it is a little bit different. I wanted to create something that you would see, even unwater marked and say “that’s Monica’s”. My first event photo set was different to what you would usually see for a club photo album but I was so proud and confident about it when I sent it off, the fact that they loved it was the cherry on top. If you’re starting out, it’s never about the kit you have, it’s all about how resourceful you are. Don’t be afraid to get yourself out there and experiment. Find your own style and let it grow. There’s no wrong way of doing things. And surround yourself with likeminded people — you’ll grow a hundred times faster and you’ll have way more fun doing it. Looking back, first year starting out was tough and I’ll always be grateful to my family that helped me out as well as my closest friends who told me

not to give up and keep going. I’ll never forget my closest circle who encouraged me, every early and loyal client that called me talented from Day 1. I’m always grateful to have friends who work in the same field who often encourage me and admire how unique my style is. I’m really glad I didn’t hit pause on my dream and wake up miserable at some point way later in my life thinking “what if?” I know it might seem risky and hard at first but just decide what you enjoy doing and go for it. It’ll pay off in the long run. Recently, I’ve got into directing and shot my first ever music video. It feels like the next natural step knowing my relationship with music and colour. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t have asked for a better band to be my “first”. I had very strong behindthe-scenes support that day, which made me go into it completely relaxed and confident and that is why the magic happened. Overall, I’m super excited to do more of it and see where it goes but I tend not to limit myself to just one area I specialise at, I love how unpredictable it all is.”

www.monicamartini.co.uk P

Photographed by Ileana Malacrino. Styled by Freshta in Supreme.

Hannah Adler ,

an infectious, humble individual, who always has a smile on her face. Her contagious personality, continues to create a positive vibes for everyone who surrounds her. The fun-loving twenty one year old, has made her success after starting out her career DJing in her bedroom in Maple Bank, where she would religiously practice different ways of combining music after seeing how much fun it could be when her brother began making mixes of his own at university. “I loved how you could put different songs together, and mash them together. I use to put Eminem lyrics and quotes from movies over songs, it was so fun” Although DJing is a big part of Hannah’s Life, she has many talents under her belt, with her dreams of being a playwright and a Muay Thai Boxer showing how really creative she can be. However, she does have some advice for those DJ’s started out their career.. “Play whatever you want to play, people have booked you for a reason, have faith in your set, tune search all the time, there’s always new tracks, there’s always better tracks. No matter how good you think your playlist is there’s always a ten times better one out there, which you can find by always looking for tunes. Download WAVs because, one of my teachers told me the difference between a good set and a shit set can be the quality of your tracks. And don’t worry if you f**k up, it’s fine, it’s funny. There’s nothing like good f**k up.” So Hannah who would you say is your biggest influence or inspiration currently? In general, I like loads of different people for lots of random reasons. I love Justin Bieber, I actually rate

so much, as I do Eminem. But these are just people who I’ve recently been listening to, it’ll probably change in a week but influence wise, oh god – Bradley Cooper. He’s a massive inspiration. I used to love him because he did English literature and then became an actor, that’s what I wanted to do, so he’s sick because he showed you can do anything whenever you want at any point in your life, so it’s a life lesson for any aspect of your life. If you could be eternally be stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be? It would have around 2005, when albums like Bustard came about and Mcfly When was it when you realised you wanted to DJ for a career and really started enjoying it? When I started getting really good, and people started asking me - how much I charged? I was like what I can charge, sh**? My friends and family were like yeah of course you can charge I was like shit I can charge! So yeah probably around that point, but that’s not when I realised I wanted to DJ, I think that happened over a period of time, where I began more and more into it. Do you think being a female DJ in a male dominated industry has been difficult to get into? No, I don’t think it’s been difficult to get into at all really. I haven’t found any problems with it so far but maybe that’s due to the fact it’s gone over my head, like everything does drama wise, but no I think being a female DJ is pretty

easy. As long as you stick to your guns and play what you want to play, no matter how bait someone thinks it is, or shit, you know everyone has different opinions. They can go to the smoking area, they haven’t got to stay for your set! What type of genre do you prefer to play the most? Garage. Obviously. But it’s going into happy, melodic stuff. Bass line, Garage, bit of RnB, Dancehall but Garage, Garage will always be, my favourite.

Do you do anything obscure outside Djing? Boxing, I do Muay Thai boxing. I love it, I train pretty much every night, I’ve got my first fight coming up which will be a lot of fun, I’m starting to get abs which is sick. I love writing- I haven’t written a play in ages but that’s what I want to do, I want to be DJ playwright- boxer, well boxing for fun but DJ playwright definitely. I wrote a play last year that performed at Latitude yesterday haven’t written anything this year cause I’ve had my dissertation and stuff but I’ll be writing stuff next year. What are five things you possibly couldn’t live without? Good question, I couldn’t live without my rats, I’m just trying to think if I was in a room what 5 things I’d want, my rats, a mirror- I’m not going to lie, cause what are you singing to if you haven’t got a mirror? But I don’t know I once spent two weeks on a summer camp without a mirror and it was actually really fun, but only cause when I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe how good I looked, that’s two, a book, Peter Pan or Lord of the Rings, that’s a good book, it made me cry the third one. So a book, a notepad and a pen.

Zara pink leather jacket, Topshop cargo trousers shot by Ileana Malacrino.

Tilly

Springer ,

a determined individual, with the drive to achieve anything she puts her mind to. Her generosity is endless with her spirit will lead her extraordinary things. Recently Forbes magazine ran an article about the top 10 highest earning DJs in the world. Not one was a woman. Do you know where the first female appears on the top 100 list? 45th. It’s 2017 and yet the music industry is still dominated by men. PeachT met Tilly Springer, an aspiring female DJ in Birmingham. Currently studying at Birmingham University, following her passion for DJing has inspired her future career. It was this mind-set that has taken Tilly to have some pretty awesome experiences, “I had a 3-4 hour extended set on Rainbow Terrace at my Tektu residency. It filled up so quickly so I was like, great, ‘let’s whack out the Japanese grooves, why not?’ My close friends were in the booth it was just really special. Everyone had some beers and were smiling, chatting and having a great time.” But often these opportunities are far and in between, especially for women. Annie Mac is a great example of a female DJ that can outsell venues continuously. Tilly names Sassy J as one of her idols, “When I saw Sassy J play the selector’s stage at Dekmantel Festival in Amsterdam, to physically see a woman behind the decks curate such an amazing and eclectic set and actually tell a dance floor story was a big deal, I think actually witnessing a lady create something amazing behind the decks was really important and spurred me on.” On the UK scene it is harder to find inspiration as Tilly has found, “I was so disheartened with the lack “female DJs” in Birmingham and the music scene more generally. So where does it start? Where does a young woman like Tilly

start? “I went to university with the mindset that I was going to DJ and that I needed to pursue some role in music. In the summer before I moved to Birmingham, I was working two jobs so I could have a bit of spare money in my back pocket. I could still buy records, gig tickets and go out etc. whilst collecting, accumulating and making a lot of mix tapes and playlists that weren’t being shared with anyone.” With the UK missing the promotion of female talent, Tilly has looked across the pond to plan her future career, “I’d ideally like to be DJ-ing professionally, owning my own radio station and maybe an occasional club night, and these ideas do involve moving abroad to Berlin.” In cities such as Birmingham, that are looking to attract a younger generation, it is key that young people are heard. By Tilly’s own admission this is something that is lacking, “[there is] blatant unfairness in Birmingham, I mean it’s everywhere but Brum especially has a long way to go if it wants to be the cultural hub that it’s aiming to be. How many DJs that are girls do you actually see out? How many are booked on line-ups? How many self-manage nights? How many produce? How many have managed to actually get their foot in the door? Pushing and promoting DJs, who are female, in Birmingham is necessary….by showcasing all female nights is so relevant. The young and talented generation that are up and coming know that being thrown into the spotlight has its ups and downs. Tilly at the tender age of 20 is happy to hand down advice to aspiring DJs, “Be kind. Everyone should be doing this anyway, but especially up and coming DJs/ producers. In such an unpredictable industry, you need all the help you can get from people who really know their stuff. So you might as well be pleasant along the way and learn a few things or two, be professional and reliable. Only play what you love and don’t try and fit a mould that isn’t you, this will show in your sets

[and] always stick to your gut instinct with your tracks and play what you deem as quality.” But equally downtime is just as important, “I do sometimes draw and collage and sew when I feel like it. I like to stay as creative as possible because it relaxes me. I used to do a lot of textural art at school and in my free time, but not so much now…. I also love taking photos… I love an IG spam of random buildings and objects that I find eye catching.” Often seen on the front of magazines these days we see models/actors/DJs, making it seem that anyone can turn their hand to mixing a bit of music but as Tilly is quick to state that DJing is a job that requires skills, “You have to remember that DJ-ing is really fun but it is also a job and you can’t forget that you’re being paid to deliver a set to the highest of your abilities. When I got to university, the first thing I did was join student radio, so I could just play and distribute the artists and tracks I loved…. I had to save up and buy my own decks.” It is this kind of determination and passion that will drive our future and ensure that more female DJs are on our music scene. Tilly Springer may well be the next DJ to inspire a nation of music lovers. Watch out Annie Mac, you’ve got a generation on your tail.

cargocollective.com/tillyspringer soundcloud.com/tillyspringer

Sheerah Ravindren YOUNG,

INDEPENDENT

Sharmadean Reid. Michelle Mone. Zadie Smith. Do you recognise these names? Donald Trump. Steve Jobs. James Dyson. I suspect you know those names pretty well. But why? Why is it that these names are so easy to identify and yet you’re Joe Bloggs on the street would not know Sharmadean Reid, the founder of WAH nails, who has almost solely started a nail art revolution. Turning a niche market into a global sensation with millions of followers. It’s these women that are inspiring a generation to start their own business and embrace individuality, feminism and independence. No longer do these girls let their male counterparts bring in the big bucks and put them down. They stand up and refuse to accept a lower wage or sexism in the workplace. Its young women like Sherrah Ravindren that are rising up and utilising the platforms that support new business women. Sheerah is 21 and originally from Sri Lanka. She moved over to the UK in 2000 with family. She has her own clothing brand, Dravidian and is passionate about activism and helping those in need such as refugees. For the future she hopes to be a successful clothing brand owner and work with organisations that help women of colour and refugees. Sheerah agrees that women face more obstacles than their male counterparts. “Women don’t get the same opportunity that men do and that’s a fact. We are always having to prove ourselves just that bit more because we have different genitalia and it’s ridiculous.” She has found that not only being female but also from a different background has led to difficulties when it comes to business. “Men are given so many more platforms especially the stereotypical straight white men who are the most privileged group in the world. Being a dark skinned women in South Asia was hard….constantly being put down and told I wasn’t pretty because of it.” With so many things

AND

FEMALE...

THIS

that seem to get in the way it can often put people off following their dreams or going against the grain and truly being what or who they want to be. As Sheerah explains she has had to fight adversity, “my Instagram bio states ‘Dark Skinned, Tamil Sri Lankan, Immigrant’ I feel like being all of these things have made me experience so many things that have defined the person I am today….what I want to do in the future furthermore. I can proudly there is nothing wrong with being any of these things but be proud and loud about it!” She appreciates a platform where women like herself can have a say and be heard. Cyber bullying is a nasty subject that repeatedly comes up in the news and can put young people off from truly following their dreams or going against the ‘current trends’. Sheerah has used this negativity to challenge those who may criticise her, “these words I used to describe myself typically were used against me as derogatory/insulting terms to put down marginalised/minorities and I have reclaimed them.” It’s social media that is promoting female creatives and creating a platform for new businesswomen to come through and show what they can do. There are also publications such as Gal Dam magazine that Sheerah finds refreshing.

OUR

FUTURE!

“There are few things I have seen regarding women of colour to have a platform because let’s not forget the intersectionality of being a women especially a women of colour, where we have less opportunities. Gal Dem magazine is one example that promotes women of ethnicity, allowing women of colour to discuss their issues and daily problems. What I love most about the concept of PeachT that its current and trendy, really appealing to the younger generation.” And it is this younger generation that will next be the Beyonces’ and Hilary Clintons’ of our world. Social media will educate them to become the new idols and heroes “It’s vital to educate and inspire the next generation of women and men to me. To use the platform to promote creativity is beautiful. It’s exciting that young women like Sheerah are keen to inspire a generation that they can achieve anything they want. Who knows? One day it may be Sheerah that will be listed as an influential young woman who has inspired a generation. And I wouldn’t doubt her at all.

We met with the girl-boss Danielle, owner and founder of Hissy Fit clothing. Creating a successful clothing brand in Birmingham, which strives in her garments being original, unique and authentic, stating that Hissy Fit is a company that’s anti-corporate, unprofessional! Danielle’s story: In the beginning I started out studying fashion design at university for four years and then typically ended up getting a full-time job in retail to gain some valuable experience. After a few years of working, I started to really crave being creative and started drawing out numerous designs, and that’s when I decided I wanted to create a business – Hissy Fit. I grew tired of sales targets, stock packages and all the rules working in a corporate company. I always remember thinking

Hissy Fit

WHEN DID SHOPPING BECOME SO SERIOUS? In the meantime, I started designing, creating and selling garments online on my days of. Within less than two weeks of doing so, I sold all my pieces and that’s what made it reality to me. It really gave me the boost and drive to carry on. I was working long hours from my grandparents spare bedroom keeping up with orders when I finally decided to get serious. I wanted this as my career! So I decided to pack in my job a week before Christmas, which inalterably was a lesson learnt, as money was extremely tight due to needed to invest in new stock. So, I had numerous worries in my head and ended up going to The Princess Trust for help – after an intensive business course I attended and a dragons den style interview to propose my business plan, begging for a loan, I ended up passing with flying colours.

After managing to persuade the princess trust to fund me I decided to put all my money into my first collection and Hissy Fit was in full swing. From that day on, Hissy Fit has gone from strength to strength. Through numerous research I finally found a small UK factory to manufacture the garments and the demand grew! After being overloaded with stock and space I ended up renting my first studio at Birmingham City centre. I am adamant on using UK factories’ for stock, local students for interns and regular girls for modelling. I want the past, present and future of Hissy Fit customers to know that every single penny I make goes straight back into the business. I am a single person trying to create a successful business and like every business has struggles along the way.

I believe shopping should be a fun activity, and you shouldn’t be consumed or treated like robots. Life is too short to wear things because it’s the newest trend. I work extremely hard and don’t plan on stopping any time soon!

PeachT presents: The Boujee edition

“PeachT is a great concept. I always think any creative collective or community that promotes the achievements of women and celebrates women is vital. By praising females in up and coming creative roles, it will hopefully encourage others to pursue a career in these industries. Equally, I think PeachT is important because it also steers and helps present equality in an approachable way for our male counterparts.” -Tilly Springer

“Inspirational, forward-thinking and completely necessary.” -Hannah Adler

“I think a platform like PeachT has been needed for a long time.” -Searlait Golby

“I love how current and trendy it is and appealing to a younger generation.” -Sheerah Ravindren

“It’s an interesting concept and can’t wait to see how PeachT develops.” -Monica Martini