Hello everyone and welcome back to the Isabelle Diaries. I hope everyone had a lovely winter break and new year!
At the beginning of this New Year, I found myself pausing to look back at the journey of building Isabelle Pennington Edmead. Not the highlight-reel moments or the shiny launches, but the foundations. The people and organisations that held the door open for me while I figured things out.
As a woman of colour in fashion, creating an ethical, sustainable brand rooted in hand-painted original prints was never just about having a strong vision. I had that. What I needed next was the support and access that would allow my dream brand to become a reality. Proof that this dream could exist beyond my sketchbook. That’s where these organisations came in. They didn’t just believe in the brand, they believed in me, often before I fully believed in myself.
The Sarabande Foundation was truly where it all began. Winning their scholarship meant I could study fashion design at university. They gave me education, community, and connections that laid the foundation for everything I do today.
The King’s Foundation came later, but at such a pivotal time. Through the Modern Artisan programme and being named one of the 35 Under 35, my craft was nurtured in a way that reaffirmed the value of traditional skills and slow, thoughtful making. This also allowed me to connect with others that believed in traditional craftsmanship and supported slow, sustainable fashion.
The King’s Trust Enterprise scheme was a gamechanger on the business side. Yes, funding helped, but the mentorship and guidance were just as important. It taught me how to back myself as an entrepreneur, not just a designer.
The fashion Minority Report helped me bridge the gap between creativity and commerce. Through their support and funding, I secured my first wholesale deal. A pivotal moment that proved my brand could thrive successfully in the industry.And studying MBA 30 at SOAS University of London, supported by the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and Black British Initiative, completely transformed how I think about strategy, growth and sustainability. It gave me the tools to scale without losing my values.
These organisations don’t just support careers, they change lives. As I reflect on my journey so far, I am so grateful for the support I have had from these amazing organisations and look forward to what opportunities 2026 will hold!
Thank you for reading this entry!
With love and intention,
Isabelle x