Bournemouth born, Abbie Perkins has recently taken the fashion industry by storm. The 21 year old has always had a love for detailed, delicate accessories, so decided to turn her love into a business! In between studying for her degree at 'The University Of West London,' Abbie saw a huge gap in the fashion and accessory market and without hesitation, took advantage of it.
Recently, the fashion industry has seen the 'choker' make a serious comeback! We all know that the 'choker' was the must-have accessory during the 90's but recently you cannot walk the streets without seeing these super-cute fashion essentials! Abbie quickly saw that they were making a massive come-back but also noticed that there was an opportunity to sell and produce, hand made 'chokers.'
Abbie needed some extra income whilst studying but couldn't hold down a typical job due to some physical and mental health problems. Deciding to work from home, plus the added benefit of enjoying what she was doing really helped her mental health.
Abbie started making her hand made accessories during the summer of her second year university studies. Initially, Abbie made 'chokers' for herself and decided to blog about her new found love. To Abbie's complete surprise, she was soon inundated by messages from women all over the UK asking if they could buy her 'chokers.' Taking advantage of the opportunity Abbie had now been blessed with; she set up a small, online business on selling site, 'DEPOP,' selling and making her 'chokers' to order. Starting with just a few designs, Abbie now offers a wide variety of these fashion go to's and they have been seriously successful! Abbie has sold over 400 individual 'Chokers' online!
Abbie hasn't let her business venture get in the way of her degree though. Abbie explained, "I could make 'chokers' in my spare time and around my uni work, so if I had deadlines I could put on 'DEPOP' that no orders would be made that week." "It's really helped me financially but most importantly mentally. It makes me so happy and keeps my mind really busy too! Above all that, I really enjoy doing it and it makes me feel great to see my creations worn by so many different young women."
Abbie's brave decision to start her own business has definitely paid off. Her story is perfect proof that not only can you study for a degree but you can also expand your hobbies and skills into a successful, thriving business! All of this, on top of juggling her own health issues, without a doubt, makes Abbie a 'SuperStudent.'
You can see some of Abbie's beautiful creations below!
