Partner Article

Pupil proves hoodies make business sense

Teenage entrepreneur Emily Ord is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to starting a business.

At just 13, Emily, from Whickham, has single-handedly set up Emily’s Prints, a company which offers personally designed hooded sweatshirts. Emily already has 174 orders to date from students and teachers at Emmanuel College in Gateshead.

Emily said: “What started off as a small project has developed into something great. I’ve always wanted to start my own business and when the opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance.

“It’s not always been easy; I’ve missed many a lunch break completing orders, proofing artwork and dealing with invoices but it’s well worth it. Most importantly, my customers are happy.”

Emily’s supplier, Team Valley-based Logo Logic, has provided a helping hand during the process. Owner, Graeme Stewart, said: “Emily is so switched on in terms of business.

“From the beginning she’s known exactly what she wants and what it takes to deliver a commercial product. She’s well on the way to becoming a self-made businesswoman.”

Funding for Emily’s Prints came via the Post 16 Enterprise Support scheme - a One North East initiative, delivered by RTC North - which helps schools and colleges to develop the entrepreneurial skills of young people in the region.

With the profits, Emily plans to re-invest in the company and make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, limiting her own rewards to a new pencil case. She added: “I’m not a big spender and don’t tend to splash out; I suppose that’s how the business has been such a success!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .