BECOMING A WIFE, A MUM AND NOW A FASHION BOSSBABE- FOLLOW MY JOURNEY TO MY LAUNCH AND ALL THINGS UNIQUE.

MY FIRST SEWING PROJECT LAUNCH-Ms. Unique's Sew Along

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 02:52:15 GMT

I'VE ALWAYS KNOW I'LL BE SOME SORT OF TEACHER, MOTIVATIONAL DESIGNER AT SOME STAGE OF MY LIFE AND LOOKS LIKE THE TIME IS NOW.

Hi all,

It's your girl Ms Unique and I just wanted to write about my first lead magnet that I launched in January this year. So I've been working hard the last few months to create a project, which I have been granted for and have been a successful candidate in my application for Black Thrives.org who specialise in creating jobs for black people with long term health conditions. You can read more about it on my projects page on the websit e . Beforehand, I've been super quiet because I'm working hard preparing the behind the scenes to get all the information to make the project a success. So things I've been doing are:

Scheduling emails to inform people about the project.
Creating samples for the projects for each week sew along classes.
Creating step by step sheet tutorial sheets so the candidates can learn from them in their own time
Ordering the equipment for the class
Creating surveys
Creating Level 2 sewing program if candidates want to progress further with their sewing tutorials with me
Creating email templates for successful candidates that have been selected.

And this is just to name a few things

I'm super excited to launch this. This is my first virtual sewing class and believe this will be a success. It's strange as I never thought I'll be teaching an online sewing classes but I guess I have to move with the times especially as we have to adapt to this new way of living during this pandemic period we are in. As you may know by now, I set up my sewing class in June 2019, but that had to stop due to COVID so this was just a nice alternative method of continuing my classes and for a much bigger and considered cause. This cause is to empower people to be the boss of their own future and to potentially open up their own marketplace for themselves with the new skill that I'm teaching them. I believe it's best to learn from those who have recently achieved what they teach and I'm ready to off-load my practice onto people.

INSPIRATION QUOTE I LIKE in relation to my SEWING PROJECT.

FOLLOW ME AND MY SOCIAL ACCOUNTS...

So stay tuned. This course is for specific members of the society but stay tuned for more courses. later in the year, as I'll be launching more project that will benefit and help other members of the society.

Keep collected to my website, and my social medias for further updates.

I'm super excited and super thrilled to be working with Black Thrives and thank you for believing in my project and selecting me.

LET'S TRY TO THINK POSITIVE

We're now one month into 2021 and I hope you have started to put in action some of the things you said you were going to do to change your situation for the better? If not what are you waiting for? Time does not stand still for no-one.

Night-night you wonderful humans OR good-morning you early risers.

Love from Mrs Unique

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE AN AMAZING 2021 YEAR FROM ME

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 23:53:14 GMT

LAST FEW DAYS OF THE YEAR, LETS REFLECT...

Hi everyone, as we approach the end of the year, I like to reflect on the year that I have just had and the goals I’ve set for myself. It’s

without a doubt that this year has been tough for most of us during this pandemic with lots of people not being able to see their loved ones during lockdown and on Christmas day which is the day that all families should get together to celebrate Christ, exchange gifts and to just enjoy each others companies.

My family have been in quarantine for the most part of the year as myself, hubby and daughter are all at home so we have all been ok here. It’s given us a chance to plan the year ahead, write down our goals and action points of how we will get there. My sister got me an amazing diary called laws of attraction and it’s a great journal and mind mapping diary to help me manifest my life dreams. I would highly recommend it so I've linked it above. I took the last week of December to de-clutter my mind and literally write down 50 goals in all aspects of my life that I want to achieve if money was not an issue and by Gods grace, determination and hard-work I plan to achieve them all.

I plan to achieve a lot in 2021 and it all starts with the action plan that I have written down for myself so I just need to keep on top of this and put my roadmap into action. One of the goals I wrote for myself for 2020 was to Inspire and teach others a skill and I’m manifesting this dream as I speak. I have a big project that I’m launching next year that I’m currently working on now so keep an eye out for this. This will be my first project and it will give me the confidence to do more throughout the year. I highly recommend that you all do the same and let’s elevate our lives together especially if there is a skill that you have always wanted to learn but never got a chance to. There are so many tutorials, learning e-books and video's online which are available at our finger’s tips, we just need to search for them and do it, Let’s have no more excuses this 2021.

SENDING BIG KISSES TO YOU...

I wanted to take time out to thank all of my customers, friends and family that have supported my business so far and have brought products from my store since I’ve had the soft launch of my first accessory range. Without you, my store wouldn’t be possible so I’m

sending massive cyber hugs and kisses to you all.

INSPIRATION QUOTE I LIKE in relation to ELEVATING YOUR LIFE...

FOLLOW ME AND MY SOCIAL ACCOUNTS...

Just incase you have not done so, I would love for you to follow me on my socials to hear the latest of what I'm up to as I prepare for my launch and be sure to say 'HI'.

LET'S TRY TO THINK POSITIVE

Besides from this global pandemic that we are all experiencing right now, I think we need to come to terms and accept that this is a new way of living, whether we love it or hate it. Lockdown for me has taught me to concentrate on my life goals and achievements and to not get distracted with events and parties so I’ve done just that.

I wish we all have a productive new year. Start writing down your goals and review them daily and smash the hell out of them. Signing out from Ms. Unique, leaving 2020 behind and welcoming 2021 with open arms. Lets get it ladies and gents.

Night-night you wonderful humans OR good-morning you early risers.

Love from Mrs Unique

MY BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTION PRESENTATION TO JOHN LEWIS- SLOANE SQUARE

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 06:45:02 GMT

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO THIS MONTH

Hi all,

Hope you're all well? Following on from my last post regarding Black History month, I mentioned I will be involved in a little something for this special month. Here's how it went...

So I've been up to a little something this month which was great exposure and practice for me for when I'm ready to launch my collection. I was asked by John Lewis and Partners to show case my collection to partners of the store on Sunday 10th October. It got such a good reaction from the store partners that I was asked to come back the following weeks till the end of October month which I gladly accepted.

Ever since the cruel murder of George Floyd as well as the 'Black lives matter' movement, John Lewis wanted to have inclusion for diversity for the BAME community and wanted to promote black businesses as of course they asked the best upcoming designer in the game for her input, hehe.

I was more than happy to showcase my collection. I am no where near finished with the samples but I thought why not, this is an opportunity I didn't want to turn down so I put on my brave smiley face and got to work.

MY MISSION WAS TO EDUCATE FIRST AND PROMOTE AFTER... LET ME EXPLAIN.

The main reason for black history month is to educate people of the greatness that has been achieved from black people whom have made a change in the world or to purely inform them. So it was only right that I educated the partners so I wanted to showcase my African traditional wedding attire. This was because this was a highlight for me and I wanted to showcase the beautiful attire which was made for me by a talented tailor.

For many African couples the ceremony of a traditional wedding is full of rich contemporary Nigerian music, scrumptious meals, lots of colour and it’s a chance for the couple to celebrate their heritage by wearing their best African attire which is usually bespoke and handmade for the couple in a colour of their choosing. The bride’s outfit is a reflection of what the female guests will wear to represent her side of the family. The outfit consists of a gale which is a head tie, the Buba tank top, and an Iro, which is a large ankle length piece of material tied round your waist. (This styling is what the older mature lady may wear). I choose to modernise my attire to be more figure hugging to my liking. The bride would also wear accessories like chains, beads, earrings and shoes to match.

The groom could wear an Agbada, which is a two layered piece of material which is paired with trousers. Both outfit styles should compliment each other.

We choose the colour blue for our traditional wear as blue is a key colour which represents my tribe so it was a good way to show the new unity of two tribes now becoming one.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF UNIQUE ID FIT SAMPLES

So first of all I was a bag of nerves. I was filled with all sorts of emotions from excitement, to nerves to being anxious all in one. This was because I haven't showcased my pre-fit collection to anyone yet let alone showcased it to a massive brand like John Lewis before. I didn't know how anyone would perceive it or react to it so I was pretty nervous. I came in early to the store on the Sunday morning to set up so I dressed the mannequins, organised my table and ensured my leaflets were easily accessible for people to take as they please. Then the staff members came in and the first comments I heard were 'wooow ' , 'isn't that colourful', 'can I buy that please?' and it was a lovely feeling. My main goal of the set up was educate people about my forth coming launch and let them know I'm selling facemasks on the website. I also realised that although my main business concept and selling concept is very bespoke orientated I quickly realised that I do need actually ready -made products and I need to think about a ready made capsule collection to sell in order to have a viable growing business. I plan to implement this into my start up journey and add this to my list of to-do of the other 110 other things I need to do.... I got work to do!!!.

All in all, I'm happy I got a chance to showcase my pre- collection and get to test run how it will be for when I'm ready to present again in this big bad world. It gave me a bit of a kick up the bum as I had deadlines to meet in order to present my collection to John Lewis, My lasting wish is that I hope they give more opportunities to the BAME community and their business more throughout the year and not just the month of October. My fingers are crossed and I'm always hopeful so let's see shall we.

INSPIRATION QUOTE I LIKE in relation to BOSSING UP...

'Always deliver more than expected'

'Everything you do now is for your future'

'We cannot become what we want by remaining who we are'

'Choose your dreams over your fears'

FOLLOW ME AND MY SOCIAL ACCOUNTS...

Just incase you have not done so, I would love for you to follow me on my socials to hear the latest of what I'm up to as I prepare for my launch and be sure to say 'HI'.

SIGNING OUT...

I hope my blog will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and do something different today... I'm making a move on my new business venture. What are you up to... Let me know and good luck.

Night-night you wonderful humans OR good-morning you early risers.

Signing out, Love from Mrs Unique

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL- MY INFLUENTIAL FEMALES. PAST, PRESENT AND FASHION INSPIRED!

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 01:23:23 GMT

INTRODUCTION

Happy new month to all! October marks Black History month, the annual celebration of the history, achievement and contributions of black people in the UK. Events celebrating African and Caribbean cultures will take place across the UK until October 31st. Black History Month was first launched in London in 1987 where the aim was for local community to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about the history that was not taught in schools, I'm very excited for Black History Month because I get to participate (just a little) in the activities that are gracing our minds this month.. Watch this space... I'll let you know more in future posts coming soon.

My contribution is a small drop in the ocean compared to these influential ladies I'm about to post about. Each one of these ladies are as special, strong and as tired as most black people feel with the negative impact racism and prejudice has had on the world and still exist today. Each of these ladies have had some sort of racist treatment along their journey and have changed the mindset of people around them for the better hence why I'm shining light on these BAD ASS BI*CHES in my blog today. Without them and their own fight along their journeys, things wouldn't have been improved for us today so females I salute you. I will continue to fight for the better good just as you have done for the future generations to come.

INSPIRATION QUOTE I LIKE in relation to BLACK HISTORY MONTH...

'Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by colour'

'We are all different shades of the same colour'

FOLLOW ME AND MY SOCIAL ACCOUNTS...

Just in case you have not done so, I would love for you to follow me on my socials to hear the latest of what I'm up to as I prepare for my launch and be sure to say 'HI'.

SIGNING OUT...

I really hope you can all educate yourselves on a few of the wonderful achievements the black community have achieved from the past to present date. One new taught information from the black community can go a long way.

Anywhoooo... I'm signing out now. I'm writing this at 1.15am after I said this would be the first thing I would do as I got up in the morning but noooo wife and mother duties had to come first. I got up, cleaned the house, went food shopping, cooked, done some laundry, spread the clothes out and then bathed my daughter and washed her hair which is always a battle in itself. After struggling to get her to bed for over an hour I now have a second to breath..... so yes, I'm a little tired. I've tried to keep it short and sweet this time also.

So night-night you wonderful humans and good -morning you early risers. New blog post pending soon in relation to my involvement for Black History Month.

Signing out, Love from Mrs Unique

BECOMING A WIFE, A MUM AND NOW A FASHION BOSSBABE- FOLLOW MY JOURNEY TO MY LAUNCH AND ALL THINGS UNIQUE.

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 01:36:43 GMT

INTRODUCTION

Follow my journey as I go through the highs and lows of being a London based fashion designer trying to achieve my dream and carry out a mission worth keeping your ears and eyes peeled for. So from the very beginning, I’d like to introduce myself, my name is Vicky and as the title says, I’m a wife, mum and Fashion Designer.

After many years of designing and making clothes in my bedroom I knew it was time to level up but I wanted to achieve personal family goals first. I’ve spent my mature years working professionally for a high street fashion brand for over 10 years to only end my run with the company being made redundant at 7 months pregnant with my first child and about to go on my maternity leave. Can you believe it… Where’s the loyalty!!??. I knew at that stage I didn’t want to commit myself fully to another brand again so after my maternity leave was over I decided to go freelance to purely plant the seeds to the making of my own brand but I didn’t want to create just another fashion brand amongst this highly competitive industry…no, no, no! I wanted to create a service which put the customers at the forefront of the brand and give them what they want, spoil them with options, variety, choice, incentives whilst they shop a truly exciting shopping experience… I wanted a fashion brand that would disrupt the ‘standard’ fashion industry way of working and create my own rules so read on to know how and why I wanted to create this concept for you.

‘Disrupt?’ I hear you say, but how? Well let me explain:-)

During my many years of designing and sewing hand-crafted outfits for family, friends and clients as well as professionally in my career, the one thing that I have always asked myself is ‘who made you the fashion guru of the industry to make people want to copy your style’, ‘Why do we need to have a season ‘must-have colour palette’ or trend to follow??? And ‘Why on earth do we fit sample clothing on stick thin models that don’t represent the real bodies of today’s society?? Why, why, why? I now know the reasons to those questions. Fashion shows date back to the 1940, where the first ever fashion week was held but that was merely to show case alternative clothing styles to fashion buyers during World War II and then this quickly became the trends for the forth-coming seasons to show case their styles….With my other burning questions, I’ll get back to that in due time…

In today’s world, we are obsessed with the latest seasonal drops from fashion brands, or what the latest print will be but I would like to ask YOU something… 'Do you really care about the latest print or details that are in season or do you care about the FIT of the garment first and foremost and possibly the colour of the item?' If your answer was that you care about the fit and colour as priority when shopping then this blog and Unique ID values are why you should continue to stick with us as I share with you some really important analysis and research regarding fits, body shapes, what suits different body frames, and what fabrics are best to use with different shapes.

I’m researching if customer would like to select ready-made design elements for them to pick from to create their own special occasion garments and highlight why this is the way forward. On a personal level we feel we can help with the reduction of the tons of wastage consumption that the fashion industry provide yearly and the results are shocking to date. I would also like to explore the different types of fashion shoppers and their lifestyles and how this launch can help those save on time as we all know time can get the very best of us especially if you’re a full-time worker, full-time mother/father or just anything full time. We're here to assist those busy-bees and come up with a great solution for you when your shopping and of course ‘online’ is a key word here. Me as a fashion designer would like to explore avenues to help reduce fabric wastage here and I’m reaching out for your help. I’m planning on really exciting sustainability incentives to help with my goal so stay connected. I would also like to share with you my experience of setting up a fashion brand and help any fashionistas looking to venture out on their own and brave the world. I’m here to connect, give advice and build a community of budding like-minded, hard-working individuals and share their views also on the industry, good and bad points.

I'M ALL ABOUT INSPIRATION...

I will share my best inspirational quotes that keep me motivated in times of need and could maybe inspire or motivate you.

FOLLOW ME AND MY SOCIAL ACCOUNTS...

I will love for you to get connected with me and follow me on all social media accounts and follow my journey.

I’ll be blogging once monthly to share my topics with you as well as throw in a few additional blog post here and there. You will hear the highs, the lows, the good, the bad, so stay with me as I discuss and overcome my issues and improve them because I’m all about improving and bettering any situation.

I’m really excited about this next phase of my life as I believe this blog/launch will be the start of all things unique in how you see clothes, how you see fabric and shape and how its important to pick what you want as a consumer, simply because that’s what you want and what you want matters. Body confidence is a key word for me as well as expressing personality through clothing. It allows customers to express themselves without saying a word as they enter a room. Self-confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it well.

If you have any burning questions, contact me via any of my social media handles and don’t be shy, I’m here for you, I’m quite an open book so get in contact and I’ll do my best to respond back as soon as I can.

OK I'M FINISHING UP NOW...

WOW. OK! Two pages later and I think I have covered everything I wanted to say on my introduction blog post. Hooray! Sorry I didn’t plan to write as much as I have but when I put my fingers to the key pad they just started to projectile vomit all over it and it wouldn’t stop. which is so ironic as I have been putting this part off for the longest time as I didn’t know what to say… Funny that!

FINAL NOTE AND THEN I'LL SHUT UP TILL MY NEXT POST...promise!

Final part of my post… This is just a disclaimer to say this is my very own personal experience of working over 10 years as a Fashion designer, over 15 years as a Bespoke designer, as of now it’s been just under 3 years of being married, 2 years of being a mummy to my first little princess Iyla and the start of my new chapter to becoming a boss babe entrepreneur. Watch this space.

I would like to thank everyone that has assisted me in getting to this part of my journey and have given me constructive advice to implement it for growth, I truly appreciate it and love you all.

Ok, seriously I’m signing out now, sorry for the babbling but I’m just too excited… See you all next month for all things Unique.

Signing out, Love from Vicky. aka Mrs Unique

NHS MASKS PROJECT By UNIQUE ID AND THE LILFORD AREA SEWING GROUP.

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 23:04:51 GMT

INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to my website and blog. My name is Vicky Quadri also known as Mrs. Unique and this is my first blog post which I’m sorta scared and excited about. Today I launch the start of my blogging adventure as I will be talking all things fashion, fabrics, creative projects, starting my own business, being a mum, and anything else I would like to write about or discuss. First things first I would like to thank you all for even pressing the link to read my blog post and visiting my website so be sure to subscribe to be kept up to date with all things Unique ID. I also can’t let this opportunity pass without addressing the recent protest that we have all been discussing recently as it's all over the news and on social media and I’m not talking about COVID-19. The #BLACKLIVESMATTER movement has been a topic very dear to my heart. Not only because I’m a black woman but because I have family, friends and acquaintances that I don’t want any unjust action being brought onto them so I stand tall, powerful and confident whilst I repeat #BLACKLIVESMATTER . We all have a part to play if we want change for the better so let's make this happen. I will continue to champion this movement until my last dying breath.

Rant over…So, onto a more positive note…

I’ll be writing about my mission and my values on forthcoming blog posts but today I wanted to share my project I’ve been doing with my sewing member and volunteers so read on…

As the title says, I’ve been making masks for the NHS staff members at Kings College Hospital in South East London. This project was commissioned by Lambeth Council. Counsellor Pauline is the Counsellor there. She was a nurse in her previous role and knew the issues the staff faced with the shortage of face mask and supported us all the way.

It’s been a very busy last few weeks in the Quadri household, I felt like I was back doing my dresses and sewing till stupid o clock hours most nights and mornings. It was all worth it though, knowing that my team of ladies has helped in this pandemic which has softened my own heart. P.s that’s my one good deed for the year done…I pat myself on the back lol!

We wanted to give the staff members a variety of different design patterns and options for them to pick so we have presented them with 2 styles, 10 different fabric options, which resulted in 20, different designs. JOB DONE!

WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?

I did a few masks for a friend who recently sent round a broadcast message asking if we can make masks for local care working in South London. I jumped up at the project because it was for a great cause especially seeing the figures on the news with the high rise of COVID cases and the sad fact that the staff looking after suspected candidates were not being properly protected. After this first batch of masks, I spoke to the Chair lady Rosemary Egbe of my local area and she too had a great idea to get my sewing group involved in creating more masks. It was a ‘great minds think a like' situation. Rosemary mentioned to me that she had previously spoken to Counsellor Pauline about doing a project for the NHS team at Kings College as a thank-you gesture for the hard work they have been doing during this pandemic so it just made sense to put our vision into reality. We got to work straight away.

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MAKING THEM AND FOR HOW LONG?

In total there have been 9 members sewing the masks. Most of the ladies were from my sewing class which I hosted every Friday in my local community centre. It’s since been put on hold due to social distancing. One helper is a friend of mine who I told her I was doing the project and she leaped up to help. Don’t you just love when that happens….

We have been doing this project for about 6 weeks which started at the beginning of May this year. In the first 2 weeks, we were waiting on the fabric and trims to be delivered and then I had to prepare the fabric and cut all of the mask templates out and distribute them to the sewing members ready to sew.

HOW DID THEY DO IT WITHIN SOCIAL DISTANCING- GETTING THE PATTERNS, GETTING THE FABRIC, GETTING THEM COLLECTED?

We presented the NHS staff with two different styles, the curved option and the straight pleated option which I created patterns for them both. We have a what’s app group that I shared an online tutorial link through there for the members to see the process of making both masks. I also conducted a one-to-one session in the community centre for people that wanted to visually see the step by step process of the mask making. We maintained social distancing by wearing our masks and sitting 2 meters apart from one another whilst I taught.

I also created a shopping list and fabric consumption sheet to figure out the total amount of fabric that was needed to make the masks. Items were orders, patterns were cut and I also pre-sewn ready-made masks for each member to have hard copies of as a point of reference for making. The mask patterns were distributed by arranging to drop off at each sewing member's door or meeting at the community centre for collection. Once masks were completed I or Rosemary collected them from the member's houses.

IS THERE ANYONE WHO'S DONE AN AMAZING AMOUNT, OR ANYONE WHO'S NEVER SEWED BEFORE AND GOT INVOLVED, ETC?

Everyone has done an amazing amount of work as everyone fitted in hours of sewing around the quarantine lifestyle. Some members are home-schooling children, looking after vulnerable members in their household, or have other personal commitments but everyone worked hard to achieve the 650 masks we have to date.

Most members are complete beginners so sewing was not easy to them but after a few practice trial wears, I believe everyone picked up their confidence regardless of their ability.

Omeh Egbe showed amazing dedication throughout the project duration. She is an autistic member of the community and showed exceptional talent and hard work through all challenges.

HOW MANY HAVE THEY MADE SO FAR?

We have made 650 masks so far. 500 were given to the NHS staff, 100 given to volunteers and healthcare assistance and the 50 will be given to the residents of our estate with a plan to make more and top this number up.

HOW ARE THEY GETTING THEM OUT TO PEOPLE?

The first 500 masks were made for Kings College Hospital for the NHS staff members. Councillor Jim and Pauline arranged a scheduled time to meet with me and Rosemary for hand over. Every mask was neatly folded and packaged individually in single cases and presented in a gift bag to gift them. The Councillors delivered them to the hospital where they were distributed out to the staff members. They were extremely chuffed with the gift from us and me and my ladies were happy to hear that.

HAS IT HELPED BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER?

Lilford Area Residents Association’s (L.A.R.A) main goal has always been about the community and about bringing members together and allowing them to showcase their talent through entrepreneurial achievements. Through this project, we have combined members of each activity group as one unity be it the summer playgroup members, the knitting group and of course the sewing group.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE SEWING GROUP AND YOUR BRAND?

Sadly we have had to stop our weekly sewing classes due to social distancing but as soon as we are given the red light to meet again we will keep you informed as everyone is more than welcome to attend.

This as a project has taught me a lot in terms of managing my time well with a 24-month-old. I had to make myself accessible at all times from phone calls, video tutorials and any troubleshooting issues that the ladies came across. We had to work fast to get the project completed to the deadline date. Managing a team of 9 ladies was an experience I will use for my Unique Id launch so stay tuned to see how I do it.

O and BTW we were featured in this week's South London Press newspaper…here's the link to read the full article. Who knew… starting my sewing class back in July 2019 was just a pastime venture whilst I was on my maternity leave and now my first project has been featured in my local newspaper article. What a blessing!

'Mumma, I made it lol!'

I look forward to writing my next blog to hopefully inspire you and to keep you going in your achievements and goals.

Stay connected and hit me up on any of my socials, peace and speak soon.

From Mrs. Unique