To celebrate International Women’s Day, and shine a light on our fantastic female startups, here is a selection of the businesses the USW Startup Stiwdio has been supporting through the Developing Entrepreneurial Women programme, in partnership with Natwest.
More to come soon!
SAKURA (Allison Mackenzie)
Allison Mackenzie of SAKURA is a Japanese inspired freelance artist and printmaker now living in Newport. She has been fascinated by the Far East from a very young age and was fortunate enough to live and work in Japan for about 13 and a half years. She produces original fine art works, designs art goods & stationery and runs creative and cultural workshops.
Sakura • Website
• Sakura • Facebook
• Sakura • Twitter
• Sakura • ETSY
• Sakura • Instagram
“The DEW (Developing Entrepreneurial Women) business support programme has been a great help to me over the last few months. With both face to face and online classes it has allowed me the chance to meet and share good practice with the other course members. The teaching has been very valuable, and the camaraderie in the classes, instilled by Prith, has really been a boost to my confidence, helping me to get back out into the world and begin networking and collaborating with others.”- Ally
CURLYBONCE (Emma Jenkins)
Emma is a portrait photographer with a broad range of experience. Her current focus is on mother and baby portrait sessions. She loves being able to capture the bond between a mother and a newborn, and also give the family photos and memories they will treasure for years to come.
Emma is also a textile artist who focuses on up-cycling. She is passionate about sharing with others about the harm fast fashion is having on the planet and mankind and little things people can do to help. She repurposes items she finds into charity shops, into whatever comes into her mind. It helps her to calm her mind and also make income when selling the items she creates.
Photography- @curlyboncephotography
Textiles work- @curlyboncecreations
“The Developing Entrepreneurial Women Program has helped my confidence grow leaps and bounds. The program has helped me to set achievable goals for the next few months , including that have already taken place. The program has also helped me to see the path to growth in my business in smaller steps, instead of being overwhelmed by the full picture all at once.
I am so thankful that a friend recommended this program to me, and am genuinely excited to see what the future holds.”
-Emma
SIRIA FERRER PHOTO (Siria Ferrer)
Siria Ferrer, born in Ibiza in 1995, is a portrait and fashion photographer based in Cardiff, Wales. Amid the pandemic, she diligently developed her portfolio, gaining recognition in publications such as Iconic Artist Magazine, HORIZONT Magazine, Mob Journal, Young in Focus, and others. Also in 2020, she co-founded VAINE Magazine with her partner, aiming to celebrate and showcase emerging art and literature.
Based in Cardiff since 2021, freelance photographer Siria focuses on propelling creatives’ careers through her professional photography. Collaborating with musicians like Mali Haf, Mari Mathias, Josh Hicks, Otto Aday, and most recently with The Mysterines, she contributed stills to the BBC documentary ‘Foxy Music’ (2023) for New Voices of Wales. Beyond the music scene, she’s partnered with authors, painters, and various local and international brands, including Boutique De Nana, Da-Ti Clothing, and Ámbar Collections.
Elevate your professional image with her bespoke photography
Siria Ferrer (@siriaferrerphoto_)
Siria Ferrer Sainz-Pardo | LinkedIn
“I am truly grateful for my experience with the USW Women Entrepreneurial Workshops. The engaging sessions, expert guidance, and supportive group have significantly fueled my growth and kept me motivated throughout the entire process. I have gained valuable insights into the business side of things, and the exercises were both useful and enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend these workshops to any aspiring women entrepreneur!”- Siria
