Meet A Small Business - Frazzles Scrunchies

Hi, my name is Frances, but everyone calls me Fran. I am the face and creativity behind ‘frazzlescrunchies’ on Instagram.

Let's see where it all started.  When I left school at 18, I thought I was going to do something extremely different.  When things don’t work out the way you plan, you investigate different avenues.  I decided to go into fashion design at university.  I spent three years learning all about it, creating a final collection in the end.  During my time there I did a module which changed the avenue that I felt I wanted to go down.  That module was Design for Screen.  Being put into a group with other film students, made me the only clothes enthusiast.  But through that I learnt so much about film and vice versa about fashion.  That’s why I ended up applying for a Postgraduate in Theatre Costume at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, RADA for short. 

RADA is primarily known for its acting, producing some incredible names in its time, and perhaps lesser known, the supporting roles off-camera.  My particular course at RADA was the Postgraduate Diploma in Theatre Costume.  It opened my eyes to see that costume is really what I wanted to do in life, and through work experience this cemented the idea even deeper.  I have a love of making, as well as, on set life.  During my time at RADA, I finally got to make things I always wanted to do. This culminated in two professional costumes, firstly, my own version of the concept for a Japanese ‘Assassins Creed’.  The second one, I can only describe as something I am incredibly proud of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2 suit’; something I have always wanted to make.  It was incredibly difficult, but I achieved most of it by myself; with help here and there from online sources.  I will include a picture of the superhero costume as it has developed.  But check out my Instagram for updates on my work at @frazzlecostume.  I hope to finish ‘Spiderman the Costume’ by the end of this year to be exhibited in January.  All are welcome to attend if you are in the London area.  I am a huge sci-fi and superhero fan, especially the films and the suits created for the actors, they are second-to-none.  It is my goal to one day be part of the team that creates these incredible works of costuming art.  

Over the past 5 years and towards the future I am very much looking to pursue my chosen career in film and theatre costume design.  But unfortunately, something a lot of us didn’t see coming was COVID-19, that slowed the activities in my last year at RADA.  So, in the time available I thought to myself, maybe I could use my knowledge of the costume and fashion industry to create a brand that would combine both areas.  I am fervently aligned to the reduction of waste and the positive use of surplus fabrics.  I want the brand to be as ethically based as possible, from the fabrics chosen, to the packaging used for distribution of the finished article.  In line with this ideal any fabric that isn't as popular as another, is sold on Etsy so that others can utilize it for their own creations.  Hoping all these small things help end fast fashion to landfill.

So, my journey started.  I thought that starting off small with scrunchies would be perfect ,and hopefully one day, I could progress onto clothing.  Beginning to learn quickly about social media and how to really use it as a tool to sell items.  Something was clear to me, especially during this time, is that I wanted to make beautiful scrunchies at affordable prices.  So, everyone would be able to have them.  I wanted all hair types to be able to wear them, so made sure there were fabrics to suit everyone.  If someone needs more fabric added or a bigger elastic width, I don’t charge for the changes.  Hair is unique to all and so should the scrunchie that you choose.  I wanted the fabrics to be as unique as possible; colours, textures and prints that you wouldn’t really see anywhere else.  I have already expanded into masks and 90’s style bandana headscarves, so people could have full matching sets.

One of the biggest advantages throughout the developing of the brand was the advice from other small businesses.  Being part of a group chat with these other amazing small businesses ran by incredible women, all starting at the same point, made all the difference to my venture. We help each other with our businesses by sharing our experiences and ideas. This group of creatives became a real shoulder to lean on in all aspects, a beautiful friendship that hopefully when all is well again, can meet in real life. 
Each collection that is created builds upon the one before, ensuring that all aspects are of high quality that is ethically based.  Recently I have released an advent calendar, with 12 and 25 day themes, as well as, a Christmas collection. The collection shows the type of fabrics that will be in the advent.  But there are obviously ones I want to keep a surprise.  I keep all my fabrics until they are gone, so if there is one you are after then just direct message me.  Helping small businesses such as my own is far more important now than ever.  

Doing all of this has given me a happiness that I cannot describe.  Hearing the amazing messages from those to whom  I sent orders, is why I do what I do and will continue to do so.  I cannot wait to develop and grow the business to a whole new level in the coming year. 

This is a little snapshot into a 23-year-old women chasing her dreams using the knowledge and friendships to expand and change.  Thank you so much for reading about myself and why I love what I do.

Fran

Xxx

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