A STUDENT from Worcester has launched her own activewear clothing business alongside her studies to help support an orphanage in Malawi.
Charlotte Sidaway, a former King’s School student, founded online business Umoyo this month, whilst studying for a fashion marketing degree at the University of Leeds.
Described as harmonising luxury with a modern, urban edge, Umoyo provides premium quality sportswear for exercise workouts.
A percentage of all Umoyo’s sales is donated to Open Arms Orphanage, in Malawi – a place where Charlotte has previously volunteered.
The 20-year-old said: “I’ve always been really interested in fashion from a young age and King’s School had a fantastic art department that fuelled my interest.
“As I grew older, I found myself being drawn to enterprise and business, so the combination of my passion for sport, fashion and business provoked my desire to create my own activewear brand.
“Last May, when I was 19, I began sketching and playing around with designs on holiday and before I knew it I was contacting various manufacturers trying to work out what I could do with my savings!
“The name Umoyo means ‘health and wellbeing’ in Chichewa, the language of Malawi. I chose this name for my business because I volunteered at the Open Arms Orphanage in 2014.
“I had the most incredible time there and knew if I ever did achieve my dream and start up my own business, I would want to donate part of the profit to this amazing charity. It’s been a motivating factor in this whole process.
“Taking the leap to start my own business was a risk and a big commitment alongside my university degree, but I thought if I don’t give it a go, I’ll always wonder what if.”
Visit www.umoyoactive.co.uk for more information.
