Graduate’s skills bring city vintage shop to life

A COMPUTER animation graduate has fulfilled her dream of working in the fashion industry after helping to transform a Cardiff-based business.

Kadesha Affrica Drija has used her technical skills to help Blue Honey Vintage clothing shop, situated in the city’s High Street Arcade, begin selling online through the company’s first website.

The former University of Westminster student, from Pontypridd, is also responsible for selecting stock and creating artistic visual displays at the shop.

Blue Honey was originally set up by entrepreneur Josh Dymond, who has now employed Kadesha as his first member of staff.

She initially applied for the role through Itec Skills and Employment, a skills and training provider in Cardiff that selects and prepares candidates for interview and matches them to local employers.

Kadesha, 23, said: “Working at Blue Honey has been amazing, I’m learning so much about styles of clothing, dis- plays and chandising.

“I’ve always wanted to work in fashion so this job is like a dream come true for me as I also have the chance to use my animation experience on the website.

“I’m making a big difference to the business by helping them sell clothes online for the first time.” visual mer-

Josh added: “Kadesha’s role has been vital to the company’s expansion.

“Before having a member of staff, I had to rely on my friends to keep the shop open but since Kadesha’s started, I’ve got someone I can rely on and that’s a huge weight off my mind.

“I couldn’t have taken the next step to employ someone without the funding from Jobs Growth Wales.

“It has helped give me time to explore new opportunities and expand to make sure I have the funds to keep Kadesha on full time.

“It’s an exciting time for Blue Honey and Kadesha is a big part of that.”

Development director at Itec Skills and Employment Joel Williams suggested that the partnership with Blue Honey Vintage shows the impact the Jobs Growth Wales scheme can have.

He said: “Kadesha’s and Blue Honey Vintage’s experience shows how Jobs Growth Wales unlocks transformational opportunities for both businesses and young people.

“There’s a range of roles on offer and each one doesn’t just equip candidates with new skills and experience, it helps them to get onto the first rung of the career ladder.”

Jobs Growth Wales is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Social Fund.

For more info about the store visit www.blue honey.co (no ‘uk’)

“Since Kadesha’s started, I’ve got someone I can rely on” Vintage clothing store owner Josh Dymond