London entrepreneur uses fashion brand to champion neurodiversity

Art Cha Series is a growing London fashion brand that incorporates creative design with raising awareness around neurodiversity.

Founded by entrepreneur Marlon James-Edwards in 2020, Art Cha Series is a fashion company that combines Marlon’s passion for design with his 15 years teaching experience, to raise “much-needed” awareness of neurodiversity.

Marlon is currently enrolled on NatWest’s bespoke London Accelerator Hub, a programme of specialist support for businesses seeking to grow and scale.

Marlon’s designs are inspired by a celebration of difference unique to his brand which was first conceived of during lockdown in 2020. During his time as a teacher, Marlon taught students with neurodiverse needs including ADHD, autism and dyslexia.

The company is committed to reinvesting 20 per cent of its profits back into education to support programmes and campaigns to challenge the stigma around neurodiversity as well build effective tools, resources and strategies to achieve self-acceptance and independence in schools, workspaces and industries.

As a part of the NatWest Accelerator programme in London, Marlon is receiving one-to-one coaching, networking opportunities and access to peers and sector specialists to support the growth of his business. The NatWest hub provides a physical working space for London entrepreneurs to benefit from the bank’s expertise in helping small businesses scale.

NatWest currently runs 12 Accelerator programmes across the UK and through their enterprise programme the bank aims to create 50,000 new businesses by 2023, with the majority female led and 20 per cent run by Black, Asian and Minority ethnic entrepreneurs.

Marlon commented: “I have always been passionate about fashion and wanted to turn my passion for creative design into a purposeful business. As someone with 15 years’ experience teaching students with a range of neurodiverse needs, I wanted to create a brand that raises awareness of neurodiversity.

“My mission is to challenge the idea that those with neurodiverse needs cannot excel in life and my brand seeks to raise awareness around neurodiversity through fashion, workshops and targeted support to students with neurodiverse needs.

Georgina Mackey, NatWest regional ecosystem manager for London and South-East said: “We are pleased to be supporting Marlon and Art Cha Series, which is a great example of how purpose-led businesses can play an active role in tackling social issues.”