This panel explores what it really means to build a creative business in its early stages — from navigating uncertainty and funding challenges to developing a clear vision, brand identity, and sustainable growth strategy. Bringing together emerging founders and industry voices, the session will offer honest insight into the realities of starting out in the creative industries today, including the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. Attendees will gain practical advice on building momentum, finding your audience, and turning creative ideas into viable businesses in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Meet the speakers: 

Callie Therese Holden is a Liverpool-based alternative fashion designer and stylist. She is known for her upcycled clothing, hand-printed graphic pieces, and designs heavily inspired by retro British subcultures (such as mods, punks, and 1980s scooterist scenes).

Brandon Bolland is a London based Fashion Stylist and Creative. With experience in editorial and commercial styling, production for fashion, lifestyle and events and creative direction.

Safa Basharat Malik ‘Saf’ is an award-winning British-Pakistani social documentary and portrait photographer based in Birmingham, England. Her photographic practice explores themes of cultural identity, community narratives, and social memory through portraiture and documentary. 

From Belfast to Mumbai, Irish-born Tarika Kinney draws deeply on both of her ethnicities to establish identity, memory, and emotional connection in her work. She creates wearable art for everyday occasions by exploring craft and materiality.