Local fashionista supported to start up her own personal styling business

After facing redundancy in June 2020 from a well-known British department store as a Personal Shopper, Izabella Osterman did not have a clue what to do next.

She had been helping people finding their style since 2015 and absolutely loved her job saying, "it was so much more than just shopping clothes for people, I made them feel amazing about themselves!"

Izabella applied for a few jobs but nothing she was passionate about. She then made the decision to start her own styling business despite lockdown and was supported by Business Gateshead. 

Isabella explained: "I reached out to Gateshead Council to see if there was any type of start-up scheme's available and that's how I found out about the New Enterprise Allowance and Project 2 Northeast Enterprise support .

"The really taught me everything I needed to know to get my business off the ground! It was so helpful to have that extra support from the Enterprise advisor who could answer all my many questions throughout this journey. 

I am so happy I have started my business and the response from both new and old clients has been overwhelming, I have also been able to expand my services and reach a clients all over the North East.

Since starting I have been helping so many people getting out of their lock down clothes and revamping them ready for the summer! I don't only do styling in shopping centres I also go through my clients wardrobes in order to work with what they've already and show them how to build inspiring outfits."

You can follow Isabella's journey as a personal stylist please on Instagram (@stylebybellas) or at stylebybellas.co.uk.

If you would like support to start your own business get in touch with our team. 

Izabella has been supported by New Enterprise Allowance and Enterprise Support in the North East 2, which are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2020.