Enda Kenny - Belfast Co.Antrim

Written by goforitni Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Hats off to enterprising Enda

There are many things that inspire people to start their own business – from identifying a gap in the market to turning something you love doing into a full-time career.

With the support of Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme, Enda Kenny has done both, combining his passion for making head-turning handmade headpieces and hats with his desire to go out on his own.

Milliner, prop-maker and costume designer Enda has just opened his own workshop off Belfast's Upper Ormeau Road and with his distinctive, creative style, is determined to shake up the market.

"I've worked in costume departments on both film and theatre productions for years," said Enda. "I've learned a lot of different techniques and skills along the way, but I've always yearned to push my own creativity in personal projects.

"Hat-making has always held my interest and with my own business now up and running, I'm keen to service the growing demand for bespoke head pieces and hats in fashion, film and theatre circles."

Though hugely ambitious, Enda is also a realist, having thought long and hard about his future.

"I think my approach to producing a piece of work is quite different to a fashion milliner because of my background as prop and costume designer – I think I have a more 'avant garde' approach to my work and I definitely stand out from the competition."

But before Enda started putting his plans into action, he signed up for the Go for it programme, which he says helped give him the confidence to make the move.

"I hadn't even considered putting together a business plan – the help I got with that certainly helped clarify all the issues I would face and the questions I had. I got a good dose of realism, as well as considerable help and advice in bite-size understandable chunks."

Aimed at start-up businesses or individuals with a good idea and the ambition to get them off the ground, the Go for it programme offers practical advice and support as well as one-to-one mentoring.

"I'm more focused than I've ever been," said Enda. "I'm in a position to set realistic targets and expectations based on what I've learned. I know I'm on the right track now."

Since setting up, Enda has sold several works and undertaken a number of commissions. "Things are moving in the right direction. I really enjoy being my own boss in a creative industry and I love seeing joy on a client's face when I have produced something unique and personal for them."

The Go for it Programme is provided by Invest Northern Ireland and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. For details, log on to: www.goforitni.com.