
From June 2024 to February 2025, Re:Create Wandsworth empowered fifty creative, self-employed individuals and small enterprises in the borough of Wandsworth to develop their businesses and thrive within their communities and beyond.
Re:Create Wandsworth is a business support programme designed specifically for creatives and micro or small creative enterprises. Thanks to our continuing partnership with Wandsworth Council and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we provided free one-to-one business mentoring, networking opportunities and access to an on-demand, e-learning course. This edition of Re:Create Wandsworth followed on from Re:Create 2021 and Re:Create 2023.
The objectives of the programme were to:
• Increase business resilience and financial sustainability
• Build business confidence and skills
• Develop networks in the borough
Signing up to the Re:Create Business Skills E-learning is still free of charge until April 2026. Click here to find out more about the course.
What did the programme achieve?
0
Jobs Safeguarded
0
Est. additional income generated across cohort
Social Return on Investment of
£1:£10.16
Who did the programme support?
A diverse cohort of 50 talented creative freelancers, artists, and creative business owners from across the borough of Wandsworth took part in Re:Create Wandsworth from June 2024 to February 2025
See who took part – scroll through the slider of images below by hovering over the first or last images, then click the arrows

Yasmine Dankwah
Spoken Word Poet

Yasmine Dankwah
Spoken Word Poet
Yasmine Dankwah is a British Ghanaian spoken word poet, born raised and based in South West London. Through nostalgia, lyricism and play, her work explores how resistance, predominantly through identity based discrimination, can be used as a springboard for joy for communities on the margins. Yasmine was a Roundhouse Poetry Slam finalist and has been featured on BBC Radio London thrice.

Victoria Resser
The Victoria Gallery

Victoria Resser
The Victoria Gallery
The Victoria Gallery exhibits artwork, lifestyle, and cultural events through exhibit quality oil paintings and digital content via social platforms. The business encourages women to create art and experience London-based cultural events.
Instagram: @thevictoriagallery
Tiktok: @thevictoriagallery
Substack: thevictoriagallery.substack.com

Tracey English-Polch
Illustrator and Surface Pattern Designer

Tracey English-Polch
Illustrator and Surface Pattern Designer
Tracey creates bright whimsical images created from hand coloured paper collages. Her designs can be found on a wide range of licensed items from children’s clothing, homewares and stationary to a range of her own home grown products.
Instagram - traceyenglish
Facebook - traceyenglishillustration

Sonja Bessant
Sonja Bessant Jewellery

Sonja Bessant
Sonja Bessant Jewellery
Sonja Bessant Jewellery creates unique silver and gold jewellery collections, remodels your old heirloom pieces and takes on commissions for your one-off piece to be treasured for years to come.
Facebook - sonjabessantjewellery
Instagram - sonja.bessant

Shiza Naveed
Artist and Researcher

Shiza Naveed
Artist and Researcher
Shiza Naveed is a freelance artist and researcher focused on community engaged public murals that tell stories of the places they exist within, as fully accessible site-specific archives. In her work, Shiza centres collaboration, untold histories, and building otherwise worlds.

Rina Kang
Artist

Rina Kang
Artist
Rina Kang creates intuitive abstract artwork to facilitate the power of healing through visual expression. Her client bases are those who would like to discover more about their true nature, their core, their essence. For Rina, art is meditative and therapeutic, and she wants more people to discover the healing power of art and to connect with their inner, most authentic self.

Ozoemena Umunna
Upholsterer

Ozoemena Umunna
Upholsterer
Ozoemena Umunna reupholsters preloved items of upholstery, mainly seated furniture such as chairs, armchairs and sofas, restoring and reviving old items into new pieces. The renovation and repairs can involve adding new springs, webbing, making and sewing new seat pads and cushions, cleaning the wood, fixing joints and sourcing new fabrics giving the piece a new lease of life. Ozoemena transforms tired, old, worn-out furniture into comfortable, aesthetically pleasing pieces that support a sustainable lifestyle.

Orode Faka
R.O.C.K.S

Orode Faka
R.O.C.K.S
R.O.C.K.S is an acronym for Responsibility, Ownership, Community, Knowledge, and Sustainability. They work collaboratively with communities to tell their unique narratives and engage in dialogues with local partners towards a shared understanding of their needs. They promote equity and community centred empowerment, leadership and development – R.O.C.K.S!

Neal Cooper
Coach and Mentor

Neal Cooper
Coach and Mentor
Neal Cooper offers individual and group coaching to empower others of all ages and backgrounds through the uniqueness of the human voice. Authenticity, presence and self-expression are available to each one of us. Through workshops, one-to-one coaching and masterclasses, Neal aims to free voices and unlock potential so that every voice has the opportunity to make a difference.

Nathalie Webb
Artist

Nathalie Webb
Artist
Nathalie Webb is an artist and sole trader. She works in watercolours, acrylics, oils and collage and has exhibited her work locally at the Clapham Omnibus Café as well as in France. Nathalie has sold her artworks mainly through word of mouth and has a profile on Wandsworth Arts page.

Nacheal Catnott
Yam Collective

Nacheal Catnott
Yam Collective
Yam Collective is an arts organisation dedicated to carving out space, supporting and championing Black and marginalised creatives in the arts. Committed to enhancing their visibility by curating immersive and interactive events that showcase the rich tapestry of creativity within our communities. Their events aim to educate and evoke social change, which in turn enriches our communities as well as diversifies the status quo of the Western ‘white cube’ art world. Yam Collective is passionate about spotlighting talent and stories of Black and marginalised artists, creators, and visionaries as well as providing support and giving these artists the space to be nurtured and showcase their creativity.

Monica Godwin
Fine Artist

Monica Godwin
Fine Artist
Monica Godwin is a fine artist trained in painting, printmaking and sculpture. With an MA from the Slade School of Art, UCL, and having trained as a specialist decorator and interior designer, she uses her skills as a specialist colour consultant for interior spaces. Monica also successfully produces commissioned work for her loyal following.

Maxine Binger
Koobool

Maxine Binger
Koobool
Koobool is on a mission to transform children's reading experiences. 1 in 4 children in England cannot read well by 11, rising to 40% among low-income families, and speech and language difficulties, including dyslexia, account for some of these gaps. As a relatively new player in the educational space, Koobool’s flagship products are children's activity books designed for early learning. They are crafted with activities that
come to life through creativity and augmented reality, providing an engaging and interactive experience. Complimented with creative workshops for children and their families, Koobool's mission to bring back creativity is destined to make change.

Mark Nader
WIP Space

Mark Nader
WIP Space
WIP Space is an LQBTQ+ led, artist run studio that was founded by artist Mark Nader in response to a lack of long-term studio provision for creative practitioners in London. It has been cofounded and developed by those in Art, Finance, Horticulture and Publishing. Officially open in 2024 Wentworth House is a mixed-use site that houses 17 studio spaces, a project space with two attached artist residencies, gallery space, communal rooms and a bookable community meeting room. They aim to create a community studio space with a diverse programme of events and exhibitions, where locals enable locals.

Lucy Williams
Classical Singer, Musician, Teacher

Lucy Williams
Classical Singer, Musician, Teacher
Lucy Williams is a classical singer and teacher working in the borough of Wandsworth as a self-employed musician. She teaches singing and piano and since starting up again after the pandemic, Lucy has been singing solo and choral music in London and the South of England. She teaches privately, in schools and music schools and wants to help people enjoy music and music making.

Lucinda Denning
Painter

Lucinda Denning
Painter
Lucinda Denning is primarily a painter working in oil on canvas, gouache and acrylic on paper and pen and ink on paper as well. She also makes mosaics, paints furniture and makes little figures from clay. She is deeply ensconced in her local community and has been involved in community art projects, such as mosaics for the local rec and stained-glass effect windows for the Furzedown project. Lucinda also teaches art classes in the community for adults and children.

Liza Bec
Composer, Producer, Performer

Lara Brook
Hyper Cursor

Lara Brook
Hyper Cursor
Hyper Cursor specialises in the design and development of custom websites, data visualisations, and other digital solutions. Their goal is to redefine the digital landscape by offering tailored, cutting-edge solutions that empower medium-sized enterprises and start-ups to thrive in the digital age, redefining industry standards. Their unique approach combines collaborative innovation, expert craftsmanship and unwavering creativity to deliver transformative results for their clients. Hyper Cursor have a range of different clients and also work in collaboration with other agencies.

Krystal Wong
Illustrator and Graphic Designer

Krystal Wong
Illustrator and Graphic Designer
Krystal Wong is an Illustrator, Graphic designer and Artist based in Balham. Krystal captures the vibrant spirit of South London and beyond through colour popping illustrations that celebrate community and architecture. Krystal strives to bring joyful memories and a sweet dose of nostalgia to life, connecting people to the places they love and the stories that shape them. Limited Edition giclee prints are available to purchase on her website.

Katherine Wood
Art at Home (Kath & Company)

Katherine Wood
Art at Home (Kath & Company)
Art at Home sources original and affordable artworks by living artists for individual buyers connecting artists and audiences through a range of exhibitions and residences from our headquarters in Twickenham, London.
Instagram: newartathome

Jess Gell
Documentary Filmmaker & Artist

Jess Gell
Documentary Filmmaker & Artist
Jess Gell is a documentary director, producer and artist based in Tooting. Her films have ranged from exploring the lives of artists to unearthing family histories, with commissions for arts organisations, cultural heritage groups and mental health charities. As an assistant producer, she has worked on productions for Sky Arts, BFI and more.

Georgia Spencer
Fine Artist

Georgia Spencer
Fine Artist
Georgina Spencer is a practicing fine artist with a particular interest in craft as a way to explore tradition, and as a method to process complex emotions, such as grief. Her practice uses a range of media in order to understand her own feelings and to help create those conversations with others.

Garret Monahan
Garlic Designs

Garret Monahan
Garlic Designs
Garret Monahan, founder of Garlic Designs, is an Irish artist and designer residing in Tooting creating bespoke murals, paintings, and digital artwork.
Instagram - garlicdesigns
Facebook - garlic.designss

Gail Dickerson
Artist

Gail Dickerson
Artist
Gail Dickerson is an artist who makes paintings, sculptures and experimental films inspired by geology and the everyday. She works with earth pigments made from materials collected from the layers of geological strata below London, and also leads walks and holds workshops and talks in various venues.

Fintan Maguire
High Rock Media

Emma Boutet
Artist

Emily Stott
Personal Stylist

Emily Stott
Personal Stylist
Our sartorial choices are important; clothes should be fun but they should also be a positive reflection of who we are. Emily Stott believes that a stylish and accessible wardrobe, full of go-to outfits that inspire confidence, is achievable for everyone and it doesn't necessarily require a huge budget. By identifying what works best for your shape, colouring and lifestyle and streamlining the contents of your wardrobe into a workable collection, having nothing to wear will be a thing of the past.
Instagram - emily_styled
Facebook - EmilyShopped

Elaine Giles
Artist and Coach (Make a Mark)

Elaine Giles
Artist and Coach (Make a Mark)
Make a Mark was set up to share the benefits of the creative process with both the local community and further afield. Its creator is the award winning artist Elaine Giles who works primarily with eco-friendly water-based media, Her work has been featured in Portraits for NHS Heroes, published by Bloomsbury and at the Mall Gallery in Figurative Art.

Eduard Sacrest
Visual Artist, Muralist and Arts Educator

Eduard Sacrest
Visual Artist, Muralist and Arts Educator
Eduard Sacrest is a visual artist, muralist and arts educator. He works painting murals all around, working for festivals and private customers and is also very engaged with community based projects. He has led participative projects using street art and muralism as a tool of change and communication since the beginning of his career.

Dina Klumbys
Artist and Art Teacher

Dina Klumbys
Artist and Art Teacher
Dina Klumbys is an artist and art teacher for any skill level, the youngest being 5 years old. She hosts art workshops including birthday parties and after scchool classes. Dina also creates pet portraits and other commission work.
Instagram - dina_klumbys_art
Facebook -dina_klumbys_art

Diana Furlong
Calligrapher, Lettering Artist, Signwriter

Diana Furlong
Calligrapher, Lettering Artist, Signwriter
Using the skills of hand lettering, display and good lighting to promote growth in the local retail economy. Diana's work is driven by the desire to communicate visually to help small independent shops and cafes thrive against competing online sales, and the clout of the global mega brand.

Caroline Barker
CB Designs

Caroline Barker
CB Designs
CB Designs creates hand drawn and watercolour painted colourful characters which feature on original works, prints and greetings cards. CB Designs was founded by Caroline whose creative passion was placed on hold for 22 years. She is now doing something she loves and hopes her joy is reflected in the pictures she creates.

Ari Ruban
Ariike Studio

Ari Ruban
Ariike Studio
Ariike Studio is a sustainable fashion brand. The ethos of the business is extending the lifespan of used materials and reducing damage to our environment by designing luxury pieces of clothing and accessories with used denim, deadstock fabrics and remnant materials. Ariike Studio's designs are made to order.

Anastassia Zamaraeva
Sculptural Ceramic Artist

Amy Matthews Page
Amy Matthews Page Design

Amy Matthews Page
Amy Matthews Page Design
Amy Matthews Page Design was established with the aim to create a collection of environmentally conscious, handcrafted homeware pieces, incorporating circular design and products made for longevity. Amy's practice encompasses the belief that the architectural way of thinking should not be limited to buildings alone. She intends to produce products that make a good contribution to the space around us. Pushing the boundaries of design, exploring materiality, form and function through experimentation and uses her freedom to learn new skills, utilising hand making processes and finishes using small scale artisan craftsmanship.

Amy Adams
Nature. Connected. Creative.

Amy Adams
Nature. Connected. Creative.
We create nature walk experiences which nurture, bring relief and reconnect people with themselves and their surroundings. We are committed to reconnecting people with nature's harmonies, inviting them to immerse themselves in forest bathing, awakening their senses through the art of photography, where your eyes become the lens, or use your phone camera and nurturing your spirit with the soothing balm of healing sound.
Cohort diversity
Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic-led businesses
Women led businesses (and those that identify as women)
Disabled-led businesses
Hear form the cohort
My mentor listened and understood exactly where I was coming from. They provided very useful tools and techniques – just the kind of thing that I needed in order to think clearly about what I am looking to create and develop”
– Re:Create Wandsworth participant on one-to-one Business Mentoring
I’ve made more of an effort to reach out to people I don’t know and to make connections in order to build my network.”
– Emily Stott on feeling part of a network
A very professional and easily digestible resource…. For me as an artist, the advice on how and when to use social media was particularly relevant.”
– Elaine Giles from Make a Mark on e-learning
I’ve built new confidence to reach out to potential new clients, brands, galleries and venues. Also, with my new dose of confidence I’ve set plans in motion to tick some big dreams off my list. One of those being securing a venue to host a group art show at The Bedford Pub in Balham over the WAF 2025 celebrations.”
– Krystal Wong on increased confidence in how to grow and sustain her business
How the cohort felt after completing the programme:
Have increased confidence in how to grow and sustain their business 0 %
Have an improved understanding and ability to make a business plan 0 %
Have more confidence in themselves 0 %
Inspiring Networking Event
On Thursday, 6 February, creatives from across the London Borough of Wandsworth gathered at the Royal Academy of Dance for a networking event celebrating artistic enterprise and opportunity.
Photography by Rebecca Cresta
Case Studies
We have developed a number of case studies to capture the Re:Create Wandsworth experience and demonstrate the ways in which individual participants benefited from the programme.
Click the images below to read each case study in more detail
Want to bring Re:Create to your borough and better support the creatives in your community?
Drop us an email: susie.agathou@creativeunited.org.uk
