Anna found a real passion when she started attending courses in dressmaking and fashion and instantly found a love for corsetry and working with special fabrics. She decided to follow her heart and start making beautiful wedding and occasion dresses and accessories under her own label; Anna D’Souza Designs, at home where she could work at her own pace allowing her time for her family.

“I love the transforming effect of clothes and decided to use this to help brides feel special. All my designs are commissioned, and inspired by beautiful fabrics, vintage wear, historical fashion, theatre costume, stories and fairytales, beautiful landscapes and old buildings!”

When asked to describe herself, Anna said, “I am a romantic daydreamer with a passion for what I do and doing it well.” Something that is reflected in the quality of her dressmaking and the ethereal feel for her imagery.

Anna came to Outset Cornwall looking to learn new skills and build on what she had learnt from other business support. In particular she wanted continued support for after she had set up on her own as well as the additional training and mentoring in those vital early stages.

Anna, who describes the Outset Cornwall programme as ‘invaluable’, continues to say, “I found myself learning how to do cash flows simply and at my pace, with someone who really understands what it is like to struggle with Maths! I went away from every session with at least one very useful point I remember and use all the time.”

Anna invites clients to her home to discuss their formal dress requirements. She then gets to work drawing up designs before embarking on making the final garment. One day she hopes to have her own dedicated premises and a partner or assistant to support her creative process.

“The flexible support Outset Cornwall offer meets your needs whatever stage you are at and my confidence has grown so much since I started.”

Outset Cornwall has been funded by the ERDF Convergence programme which invests in activities that will have a long-term impact on the growth and develop of the Cornish Economy.

For more information on Anna’s work, please contact Outset Cornwall on 0800 9174 324