Help us to make it happen for the 2inspire Academy: Young, Gifted and Talented Compilation Album Project

Help us to make it happen for the 2inspire Academy: Young, Gifted and Talented Compilation Album Project.

2inspire Academy is a personal development community project for young people run by young people, in 2014 they launched a project titled Young, Gifted and Talented. It is a music development project which was developed for young artists that displayed amazing talent in areas such as song writing, vocals and performance. The Artists involved were all hand-picked via an audition process.

In order to fund the project 2inspire Academy have now launched a crowd funding campaign titled the Young, Gifted and Talented music compilation album project.

The aim of this crowd funding appeal is to raise enough funds to provide the artists with the opportunity to access a recording studio in order to; produce a compilation album, get experience, work with professionals, gain exposure, and develop their own individual projects.

More information on the ideology behind the project and what the funds raised will be used for can be found on the Indiegogo campaign page. This is where you can also watch the amazing video put together by the Young people of the Academy.

 CLICK HERE TO VIEW CAMPAIGN & VIDEO

On Friday 6th February 2015, 2inspire Academy will be hosting a showcase for  the Young, Gifted and Talented artists to raise awareness of
their fundraising campaign and to provide another opportunity for them to showcase their talents.

The showcase is from 8pm-10.30pm and will be FREE ENTRY to all. Registration is not necessary but if you register your attendance on the link below you can claim a free cocktail at the event:

TO CLAIM YOUR FREE COCKTAIL & REGISTER ON-LINE - CLICK HERE

We would like to thank all those who have supported the Academy and helped us with the campaign to date. On the back of the promotion for the campaign, doors have been opened for the Young, Gifted and Talented team to get advice and knowledge from key figures at Radio 1Xtra and MTV, these developments alone are so amazing as they are providing the artists with genuine opportunities to support their progression and to develop as artists. We appreciate that not every one can contribute but would really appreciate your support by helping us to spread the word about the campaign and share the link on social media platforms.  

For more information on the Academy and the work it does:  2inspire Academy Project Review

2Inspire Network Business Profile: Clare Brownlow, Pheasant Feather Artist

In this 2Inspire Network profile we meet, Clare Brownlow, a phenomenal mumpreneur who started her business from her passion for art and for the love of her family.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
Sadly I am not one of those zen-types that starts the day with meditation nor one that gets up to a sleeping household to quietly check my emails over a cup of freshly brewed coffee by myself. No, a toddler poking me in the face telling me they are hungry usually, awakes me. I choose to start up my company exactly for this reason though – my family! The mornings are a whirlwind of cereal, Cowboys and Indians, email checking and trying to get my feathers and ink out. If I can fit in a baby group with the boys then I’m doing well then I’m researching new products, walking the dogs, a great time to gather inspiration as I live in the stunning Scottish Borders and then discussing commissions with clients or making sure orders have been processed and sent out. 

No two days are the same but if I can spend plenty time playing with the boys, painting and getting the laundry done then I’m a happy lady!


What made you start the business and how did you get started?

Before I started the business I was working for an investment management company but I always harboured a longing to paint. I decided to go back to art school, after I was married and soon into the course I became pregnant. As challenges go morning sickness and the smell of different concoctions and potions of paint and who knows what else are not the best combination but I knew I was doing the right thing!

We moved to the countryside after I had finished my course and I was determined to combine my creative side and being a full-time mum.

My unique style was developed quite by chance, while visiting my parents. On realising I had left my sketchpad and paints at home I picked up a pheasant tail feather and crafted a quill, found some inks in my father’s desk drawer and started to experiment with new techniques, which are now seen in my animal portraits today.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

The interest in my particular style has been phenomenal and has really driven the business forward. It is very humbling when complete strangers commission me to paint a picture for them or when people buy some of my products for their homes, it feel so personal.

We went to a lodge in the North of Scotland and there was a picture of mine hanging there that must have been bought at an exhibition, as I had no idea it would be there and I didn't know them.

It’s lovely when friends and family support you but when strangers find you and admire your work; it’s a real buzz. What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
I am determined to source and manufacture all my products in the UK and I really take great pride in this. It can be a challenge to find the highest quality products to use for my artwork that will have a reasonable retail price for customers. Trying to keep focused on this end goal, when you have a screaming toddler around you, adds another dimension to my day sometimes!

What are your future plans for the business?
I am continuing to pursue two lines that are important to the business. One is as a professional artist, exhibiting and doing commissions; it is this discipline that is really at the root of everything else I do. The other is growing my home wares range. At the moment I am working on a very exciting fabric project with an amazing independent supplier and I’ll also be enlarging the crockery range and investigating some new interiors products.

It is a very exciting time and 2014 has started with a bang.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Doing my accounting better! Everything has been a learning curve. When I started at the end of 2011 I had no funding, no contacts in the art world, no studio, nothing and I have built the business as and when I can around my family. But I am a determined so and so and as I learn and discover what works, it has driven me to make a success of it.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
It makes you happy. It’s as simple as that.

If women want a family there is nothing better than showing your children that you can be whatever you want to be but you have to work jolly hard at it to achieve your goals.

Even though you are a mum you can still find your niche and make it work and when they start school you are already up and running chasing your dreams.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Think about it a lot before and find a niche, take it from that angle, take it slowly and see where it goes. It will undoubtedly change as it grows and as people start to respond to your business, this is important, let it happen. If you set yourself a concrete plan and don’t allow for flexibility you could find yourself getting frustrated and disheartened with your business.


What or who inspires you in business and why?
Richard Branson works so hard building and maintaining his global brand and inspires people all around world by being honest about his successes and failures. He does all this while having blatant fun – he has an insanely epic island to play on but continues to work hard regardless of the fact that he has ‘made it’.

A fabulous female business icon is Kirsty Allsopp, she has a great public persona, is wonderfully creative, and gets straight to the point, oh and I wish I could carry off her ‘don’t mess with me just because I’m in a pretty dress’ style!

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“Good things come to those that work hard”

Clare Brownlow 

www.clarebrownlow.co.uk/

@clarebronlow

The Creativity of Women celebrated at The 2Inspire Network Ladies Day

PRESS RELEASE

The Creativity of Women celebrated at The 2Inspire Network Ladies Day

The 2Inspire Ladies Day event took place on 9th March 2013 at the Crowne Plaza, Docklands.  Coinciding with International Women’s Day, "Celebrating the Creativity of Women" it was a free event that showcased budding and established female entrepreneurs; particularly those in the creative sector.

The 2Inspire Ladies Day offered a platform that promoted and celebrated the creative talent of women.  Some businesses owners had only just launched their products and services and felt that The Ladies Day was a superb entry to market. With poetry readings from Joanne Mills, LD Henriquez and Cezanne Poetess delegates were treated to some superb entertainment topped off with exclusive singing performances from Linda E and Nyarai. The 2Inspire Ladies Day was honoured to have Councillor Joy Laguda MBE as one of our guest speakers; encouraging women to take ownership of their goals and strive for the best in life.

The event included stands from organisations and education as well as a wide range of creative businesses and services selling everything from natural beauty products to cupcakes and fashion. There was also entertainment and workshops to meet the lifestyle, personal and business development needs of attendees. Workshop topics included health, education, personal development, business start-up, media and styling. Feedback of the event has been empowering and inspirational; many delegates staying for the entire programme and stall holders keen for the next event which will hopefully take place in September 2013.

The 2inspire network was launched in May of 2012, “Empowering individuals and helping them to realise their potential is something that I am passionate about. I believe that women should work together and support each other on their journeys, this belief is the foundation of the network, an organisation that provides forums and platforms that help to empower, promote and inspire women” says Founder Hazel Chawapiwa. Hazel has been nominated as “Role Model of The Year” at this year’s Women4Africa Awards.

The event also marked the official launch of the 2Inspire Network’s Academy; a personal development and life-skills programme for young people aged between 16-21.

For more information log onto www.2inspirenetwork.com

marketing@2inspirenetwork.com

@2inspireltd

#2inspireladiesday

Notes to Editor

Images available upon request

OPPORTUNITY: Request and Opportunity for Women Artist to Showcase Work in Progress at the V & A

This is a great opportunity for all artists in the 2Inspire Network - Read below:

Dear Visitor and Colleague,

I am writing in search of RISING TALENT, women artists from diverse
backgrounds and all artforms, visual, performing, literature, spoken
word & poetry, comedy etc. aged 18 - 30, who would welcome the
opportunity to have their voice heard through a showcase of their work
at the V&A as part of the ARTIST UNSEEN: WOMEN FACING FORWARD event
taking place at the Victoria & Albert Museum on Friday evening, 15 March
2013. This event is in celebration of International Women's day & week
and the exhibition 'Light of the Middle East - New Photography'.

Artist's work MUST be fully influenced by one of more of the following
event & exhibition themes:
STRUGGLE
SURVEILLANCE
FREEDOM
BELONGING
GENDER
RIGHTS OF PASSAGE

Four women artists will be chosen to take part in a presentation
inspired by the format of PechaKucha, in front of a live audience for 5
minutes each. Artists must present almost finished work-in-progress.
After and as part of a panel, artists will then take questions and
comments from the audience to inform future direction and / or next
steps for their work.  The session will last 50 min in total and each of
the four chosen artists will receive a V&A voucher worth £30 to spend in
the museum shops.

HOW TO APPLY:
1. You must be 18  - 30, from a creative arts background (as mentioned
above).

2. You must be available on Friday evening 15 March between 19.00 -
21.00 hrs.

3. Be confident, out-going, keen and willing to share your almost
finished work-in-progress with an audience.

4. Willing to take part in a panel discussion / Q&A to further inform
and inspire your work.

5. Be prepared to present work live, on screen or sound either as a
performance, PowerPoint, internet link, film, CD etc.

If you are interested and meet the above requirements:
Send an email with TWO images of your work plus 200 words max
describing:

What is your work about?
What has inspired your work so far?
What are some of the highs and some of the challenges this work has
presented?
What do you hope to get out of the experience of presenting and sharing
your work at the PechaKucha & Panel?

Emails should be sent to Janet Browne, j.browne@vam.ac.uk no later than
Monday 11 MARCH at 12 mid-night!  Only the first 20 email applications
received will be considered for the four places.  If you have not heard
by Wednesday 13 March, then your application has not made the first 20.

Please refrain from applying if you know you cannot commit to the
requirements.

PLEASE DO PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE THAT COULD BENEFIT FROM THIS
OPPORTUNITY.

Kind regards,

J