Shadow to Shine

Dare I say, I see my creative career beginning before my eyes? The last month or so has been full of realisations and realisation- understanding and making things happen. So if you read my first post you’d know I was on a Music Pathways programme with Shadow to Shine’s Her Future Now division and less than a month ago, and since I’ve felt momentum picking up in all my creative facets which is really exciting. In that same post I mentioned my love of fashion and it was a good thing I did because with Jennifer Uche’s encouragement, I’m back with Shadow to Shine for their COS fashion programme! Our first session was early last week and already I have learned so much. For the next month alongside a new cohort, I’ll be learning what it takes to bring apparel from ideation to release and I have already picked up so many gems. When I say we’re covering everything I mean everything from picking the collections colours to suitable sourcing locations - I’m excited to see what the next few weeks will bring. Funnily enough, my first day with COS was also the release day for Dazed Magazine’s Summer 2026 print. Again, as someone who is a fan of the intersections of art, culture, music, fashion and conversation - I’ve been loving the magazine for a little while now. As a Dazed Club member I was able to sign up to pick up a free copy of the new covers (its always so tough) but I also got to bring a plus one, which for me was a new friend I made on the programme earlier that day. We had such a good time and met so many artists who shared the same interests honestly Shel Kaplan you did so well - thanks again! I had already had the best day but imagine two days later when I saw myself on the Dazed Mag site? Living a fashion lover’s dream honestly and who’s to say what’s next??? (Oh and yes, I left with three covers - Shel said I could ok?!)

We believe talent exists everywhere, but access to opportunity does not.   That’s why we’re proud to be entering our fourth year of collaboration with Shadow to Shine. Together, we're helping young people build the knowledge, networks and confidence to navigate the fashion industry, turning a shared belief into meaningful action.   We recently joined the charity at their six-year anniversary celebration to recognise the incredible impact they are making. And next week, we’ll welcome a new cohort to our London Head Office for another immersive programme focused on practical industry insights and employability skills.   Each programme is an opportunity to build confidence, broaden perspectives, and create connections that deliver a stronger sense of belonging in the industry. We are excited to support the next generation of talent and help shape a more inclusive future for fashion.

First Linkedin Posttt? And I’m so glad that we're talking Shadow to Shine’s - Her Future Now programme I did last week! I’m Isatu by the way, nice to meet you :) Two truths one lie quickly! 1. I love fashion and culture, how they inform and explain each other - I live for that on-going conversation. 2. I’m not a musical person, give me some peace and quiet, LOTS of quiet pleaseeee. 3. If I could only eat one carb for the rest of my life it would be rice, it's the best one, so versatile -sue me! If you said 2 - good guessss :) To know me deeply is to know I LOVE music but something I rarely outwardly share is that I would love to work in the industry. So when I saw Shadow to Shine was hosting a programme for Music Industry Pathways for young women aged 18-25, I decided to go for it. I’m beyond grateful I did, it relit something within me truly. The week was facilitated by the amazing Amelia Poamz, a woman of many hats from events host to interviewer, presenter, teacher and of course a music lover. She guided our discussions with ease, encouraged us frequently to see ourselves as the people we aspire to be and is just so kind. With her, we started our days with meditations centring ourselves, before we spoke about the practical and dreamy aspects of a career in the music industry, she’s honestly a star in her own right! Across the week we had many other women come in and talk about themselves and their careers in the industry, such as Pembe Tokluhan, Peju Ayanwale , and Eunice O. they kindly shared their journeys from back lining, production, project management and leadership within the industry and what that entails. We also spoke with Jennifer Uche the CEO and Becky Fatemi the founder of Shadow to Shine who shared her beginnings in the music industry. Each person, while not providing a formula (because there isn’t just one) clarified paths that often feel muddy and difficult to navigate, even directly offering to help overcome some obstacles. The experience completely changed my mind on ‘the bars for entry’, and it’s not lost on me that this was from other women of colour. From the experience I realised that I have to be ok and forthcoming about asking for what I want from any opportunity, something I don’t normally do when it comes to work. I have huge dreams, always have really, but making them happen felt so distant - not anymore. I don’t have the path planned out completely but it renewed within me that I have to do SOMETHING and I’ve been applying that where I can since, and will continue to do so. A huge thank you to Shadow to Shine for this, this is only the beginning and I look forward to seeing what my future looks like. Special thank you to Louise Thomas for picking me for this programme for Her Future Now, this was truly enriching. Lastly my cohort - the Girlsss are all so full of light, expressive and open, I can’t wait to see what you put out into the world, we truly aren’t ready! Rebirth would be my word of the week.

Hi Network! Last week, I had the privilege of taking part in Shadow to Shine's Her Future Now: Music Industry Pathways Programme, and it was genuinely one of the most inspiring and fulfilling experiences I've had. I came across the programme on Instagram at a time when I'd been putting my own ambitions on the back burner. I took seeing it as a sign to stop waiting and finally take a step towards the career I've always wanted in music. Applying turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. Throughout the week, we explored everything from confidence building and professional development to networking, personal branding, and creating opportunities for ourselves. Every session challenged me to think differently about what it takes to build a career in the music industry. A huge thank you to Amelia Poamz, who led the programme with so much energy, encouragement, and honesty. Her advice reinforced that success isn't just about talent, it's about showing up consistently, building relationships, and believing you're worthy of taking up space. We also had the opportunity to hear from an incredible group of women working across the music industry. Learning from professionals in production, project management, brand partnerships, diversity, and live events gave me a much clearer understanding of the many pathways into the industry. One statistic shared by Eunice O. particularly stayed with me: over the past 30 years, Black music has generated around 80% of the UK's recorded music revenue, contributing £24.5 billion to a £30 billion market. Yet only 22% of senior leaders within the industry identify as Black, Asian, or from a minority ethnic background. As a young Black woman hoping to build a career in music, I could have found that statistic discouraging. Instead, I found it motivating. It reminded me why representation matters and why it's so important that more of us continue pursuing careers in this industry. I want to be part of changing that statistic. Finally, hearing from Becky Fatemi, founder of Shadow to Shine, was incredibly inspiring. Her journey and determination were a reminder that resilience, professionalism, and persistence can open doors that once seemed out of reach. To Louise Thomas, Amelia Poamz, Becky Fatemi, every guest speaker, and the entire Shadow to Shine team - thank you for creating a space where young women are encouraged to dream bigger and back themselves. The biggest lesson I've taken away? I'm no longer waiting for opportunities to find me. I'm going to create them myself. This programme didn't just deepen my understanding of the music industry, it reignited my confidence and reminded me why I started pursuing this path in the first place. Here's to taking the next step. 🎶

It’s been a week since celebrating Shadow to Shine’s sixth birthday in London on 29 June 2026, and I’ve found it hard to put my reflections into words. One of the things I’m most proud of is being a Trustee of this incredible charity. I’ve been thinking about the remarkable young people I’ve had the privilege of meeting, and trying to untangle whether Shadow to Shine is so impactful because of them, or whether they’re thriving because of Shadow to Shine. The answer is both, but ultimately it’s because #AgainstAllOdds, some people demonstrate that with #access and #opportunity they can rise from the #shadows and #shine. Through its employability programmes, mentoring, support and partnerships, Shadow to Shine opens doors. The young people walk through them with determination, talent and resilience, going on to build brighter futures for themselves and inspire others along the way. Pledges are still being received and every pound, every partnership and every opportunity created helps us reach more young people. If you made a pledge on the night, would like to find out more about Shadow to Shine, make a donation, explore a corporate partnership or simply learn more about the work the charity does, please reach out! https://lnkd.in/eNb38Eyx

We've all heard the proverb—"Iron Sharpens Iron"—and Shadow To Shine is living proof. This year marks their 6th anniversary—the Year of Iron—and Flywheel is honored to have served as the Legacy Sponsor for this milestone celebration. This partnership is deeply personal to us. Our Chief Strategy Officer, Simon Cooper, sits on their board, and with the full support of our CEO, Alex McCord, we were proud to stand alongside this incredible organization. SVP & Head of Flywheel's London Office Kelly Miller, along with VP James Hanscomb, represented us at the event, and the strategic insights brought back from the ground have completely energized our roadmap. Coming straight out of my recent trip to Cannes and looking ahead to share my recap of Flywheel's BECA London activation, the biggest takeaway is clear: "Innovation without Intentionality is Just Automated Exclusion." If we want inclusive technology, we have to support inclusive creators-- and that is where Shadow to Shine comes in. For those unfamiliar with Shadow to Shine: they are transforming the lives of driven 16-24 year olds in the UK who have overcome multiple barriers. Their mission is powerful—helping young people move out of the shadows and into the light as entrepreneurs and emerging corporate leaders. It's iron sharpening iron at its finest. At the event, Kelly & James had the privilege of hearing from some remarkable Shadow To Shine alumni: Sarah Malengele - Founder of Maison Affluere. Her sustainable, affordable, and stunning handbags prove that style and purpose belong together. Andrae Miller - A model and stylist who has leveraged his Shadow To Shine network to elevate not just his personal brand, but his entire business perspective. Braulio Chimbembe - Director and founder of TRY42 Productions, an innovative London-based AI creative studio specializing in authentic youth culture and underrepresented voices. His Shadow To Shine experience inspired him to create a platform where untold stories can be told. Razik Darji - A creative technologist and Shadow To Shine graduate who shared his inspiring journey from purchasing his first laptop just a few years ago to where he is today. None of this impact would be possible without the visionary leadership of Founder Becky Fatemi and CEO Jennifer Uche. To Jennifer--It has been a distinct honor working with and getting to know you over these past months---looking forward to the future. Here's my challenge to everyone reading this: If you can't directly support organizations like Shadow To Shine, find someone in your circle who's still in the shadows. Be the iron that sharpens them to help them shine! This is just the beginning of our partnership with Shadow To Shine. We can't wait to share what comes next---K #Flywheel #FlywheelDigital #Omnicom #OmnicomUK #ShadowToShine #InclusiveCommerce #Nonprofit

Always a learner. A year ago, I said yes to an opportunity that changed the trajectory of my entrepreneurial journey. I joined the Shadow to Shine Young Entrepreneur Programme, founded by Becky Fatemi in partnership with Pimlico Million. At the time, I had an idea and a vision, but I needed the confidence and skills to communicate it. Through the programme, I learned how to: • Speak with confidence. • Deliver a compelling pitch. • Build a business plan. • Communicate my vision with clarity. • Refine my elevator pitch. • Present myself as both a founder and a leader. A special thank you to Samuel Ade , whose mentorship challenged us to think differently, build resilience and understand what it really takes to become an entrepreneur. The greatest lesson wasn’t just how to pitch a business… it was learning to believe in myself. Everything I learned became the foundation for entering my first-ever business competition. Out of more than 300 applicants, I was incredibly grateful to place 3rd. That achievement wasn’t mine alone! As a thank you, I donated 10% of my prize money back to Shadow to Shine because I truly believe in investing in the people and programmes that invest in you. My biggest lesson is: Always be a learner. Every room, every mentor, every conversation and every setback has something to teach you. Thank you to Becky Fatemi , Samuel Ade, Jennifer Uche Sharai-Raven Mae and the Shadow to Shine team and everyone who continues to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to grow. I’m excited to keep learning, keep building Maison Affluere. #AlwaysALearner #ShadowToShine #Entrepreneurship #Founder #Startup #Leadership #PublicSpeaking #Pitching #MaisonAffluere #WomenInBusiness #Gratitude