‘The day after I left finance, I dyed my hair a bright colour. It was liberating’

She was persuaded to choose a life in finance over fashion, but years later Reny Morsch, 52, has rekindled her passion.

I’ve loved art and fashion since my teens when I taught myself how to make clothes. My plan was to study fashion design, but my parents were worried I wouldn’t make enough money and persuaded me to try an apprenticeship in banking. There, I met a foreign exchange trader who said he’d hire me after my exams. This new career path seemed exciting so I thought I’d try it out.

I threw myself into trading. In the 1980s, it was all headsets and shouting. I was one of the only women on my floor, but I loved the atmosphere.

However, in 2012, I decided to revisit my love of fashion and started an evening course in pattern cutting. When I realised the exciting lessons were in the day, I reduced my working week and started learning corsetry. In 2015, I took a course in costume design at Central Saint Martins, and a tutor persuaded me to apply for a postgraduate diploma at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). They only took four out of 40 applicants. But with my husband Richard’s support, I applied and, to my amazement, was accepted. The day after I left finance, I had my hair dyed pink. It was so liberating.

Starting the course was nerve-racking. My peers could have been my children, and I was the only student with no formal qualifications in art or design. I took it in my stride. We’d learn techniques, then put them into practice by working as costume supervisors for RADA productions. In the day, we’d be making and altering, and in the evenings, dressing the actors. I graduated with a distinction in July. I was ecstatic, but also sad the course had ended. It had gone so quickly.

Now, I’m working freelance and have started selling my designs on Etsy. I don't regret my years in finance, but I really love my new creative life.