Shantelle is a local businesswoman and entrepreneur. She sells personalised baby clothing, bibs and baby grows but her most popular product is her bespoke hampers for parents with new-born babies. Much of Shantelle's business so far has come from word of mouth but she is now looking to grow her business and find part-time work to supplement her income.

Shantelle had signed up to the Southwark Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL) programme, a project which supports business start-ups. To help her get more support with her business and access to various training and employment opportunities, Shantelle's mentor at SiLL referred her to Tarina, Training and Employment Project Manager at Notting Hill Genesis.

Tarina suggested that Shantelle applied for a Working Communities Bursary. This Notting Hill Genesis scheme provides financial assistance to Southwark residents to support them to achieve employment and educational outcomes. Shantelle was successful with her application and was able to put the bursary to good use. She used the money to buy public liability insurance and a gazebo, as well as stock to enable her to create more products.

As she was now equipped to sell at markets, Tarina offered Shantelle the opportunity to sell her products through Notting Hill Genesis' Enterprise Zone at Camberwell Fair.

Speaking about the experience, Shantelle said, "Camberwell Fair was a nice experience. It was good to get out there and talk to people and I sold a few things. The bursary helped a lot. Now that I have my insurance and a gazebo, I'm hoping to do more events and markets."

She added, "Tarina's also helped me to improve my CV and suggested job opportunities which suit my skills. The opportunities and advice that Tarina has given me have really helped me. She's given me inspiration and motivation to develop my business and help finding part-time work so I now feel that there's light at the end of the tunnel!"

"Notting Hill Genesis is really supportive and I’d definitely recommend people speak to the team about training and employment opportunities, even if it's just to discuss their options."