I am extremely grateful for the team at Hustle & Heels and BelEve as without them my dream of running my own business would have stayed just that, a dream.

Now, with their help, I am seeing my business come to fruition before my own eyes and I am learning invaluable skills and pushing my limits to become the best version of myself that I can be. I can’t thank them enough. 

Having a mentor has been a really amazing experience. It’s really comforting to know I have someone to talk to about what’s on my mind outside of my family and school environment. My mentor not only helps me with making important life decisions like choosing which university I want to go to, but she also helps me with things outside of education. For example, my dream job is to have my own modest streetwear brand one day, and Ella, my mentor, helped me to slowly make that dream into reality by talking through with me the steps I should take in order to start and that most importantly, I should just start!

Over the last six months I have learnt to be more confident in who I am as a person and to believe in myself more. Also six months ago my dream of owning my own business was just that, a dream. However, six months later with the help of my mentor, I now believe in the idea I have and feel empowered to take the next step and start making clothes!

I would really encourage young women like me to have a mentor as it is an extremely beneficial experience that most companies or organisations would charge for. Having a mentor means that you can speak to them about anything that’s on your mind and they will always listen to you and do their best work to work with you to solve any issues or concerns you may have. Your mentor will support your dreams and aspirations and encourage you to believe in yourself and your abilities, so that you can blossom into a strong, independent young woman.