Hana Salih
Manchester
Studying Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, I pride myself on my versatile set of skills, combining creativity and problem solving. I am motivated, ambitious and have an impeccable work ethic. I’m always looking to expand my repertoire, unafraid of hard work and have a willingness to learn. I love working collaboratively and function well as a team member. I can step up and adopt greater responsibility or follow a lead when required. I’m friendly, easy to get along with and approach every task with enthusiasm.
Garment-Centric Experience
October 2022
Kate Beaumont Bridal
I completed a week of work experience for independent bridal designer Kate Beaumont while working on my A-Level Fashion and Textiles Final Major Project. I was designing and making a wedding dress and wanted the techniques I used to be authentic and of a high quality, leading me to seek work experience. I had the opportunity to shadow Kate’s small team at their studio, giving me insight into the workings of small-scale production and expanding my knowledge of high end clothing manufacture. I learnt many sewing techniques including hand applique and swing catches, and sewed toiles for the clients. I was also able to observe a fitting which enabled me to witness client and designer relationships first hand. The practical skills I learn have been beneficial to my current work as a designer and maker, and the lessons I learnt about the industry remain incredibly valuable.
March 2020 - September 2021
Self Employed
I ran a business selling made-to-order clothing. As the single entity in the business, I had to embody every role, from designer, to seamstress, to photographer and model, to social media manager and the list goes on. This has given me an immense range of skills that I believe to be useful in any job. I have excellent organisational skills which I developed through keeping a track of my business and finances on a spreadsheet. I have a good understanding of digital media - I have to run several online marketplaces and social media sites. I am charismatic and outgoing, even in online communication, and this means I’m able to converse with customers to ensure their experience buying from my shop is as good as it can be. I’m able to adapt my service to suit different customer’s needs. I also have the practical skills, I am a very able seamstress, and I have experience using a standard sewing machine, overlocker and cover-stitch machine. I can work from measurements to fit a garment to my buyers, and deliver a high quality piece of clothing that they can love and wear. I have amassed over 100 five star reviews on my Depop shop alone.
Other Creative Experience
May 2024 - June 2024
Artist in Residence: Action for Conservation
I had an incredibly opportunity to complete an artist residency at Penpont Estate in the heart of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. I was commissioned to create a piece for the new Land Library on the site. I used double exposure cyanotype printing to create a quilt stuffed with the wool of sheep from the estate, to adorn one wall of the library. I lived and worked from my tent in the rolling hills, connecting me with deeply with the nature and allowing my creativity to flow freely. I’d never had total freedom over a piece of work like this before, so I became much better at decision making and understanding my own creative process during the residency. I researched sustainable materials as part of the work as the Penpont Estate is a nature-restoration initiative so I knew whatever I created had to be kind to the planet.
I also utilized these lessons when I ran workshops for a group of young people on a camp with Action for conservation. I taught sessions on foraging for natural pigments, the natural dyeing of yarns, and then the creation of a textile craft from these yarns. I believe sharing my skills with the younger generation will help foster a more sustainable future of textiles.
November 2024
Workshop Facilitator: Manchester Art Gallery
I had a freelance role running a workshop for the National Saturday Club at Manchester Art Gallery. The young people had a session centred around the Unpicking Couture exhibition, focusing on the themes of sustainability, upcycling and personal style. I led a workshop on finger knitting, using upcycled yarns from old t-shirts, making phone charms, keyrings and other accessories. I chose to teach a relatively simple process to allow them to nurture their creativity. The workshop was well received, with many of the young people taking home materials to continue their work.
To prepare, I wrote a workshop plan, made a risk assessment, and created a presentation for the workshop itself. I had to balance the planning and delivery with my studies approaching deadlines, which taught me a lot about time management and demonstrates my work ethic.
Education
September 2024 - present
The Manchester Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology
September 2023 to August 2024
The Manchester Metropolitan University
Certificate of higher education in Art and Design (Distinction)
September 2021 to August 2023
Tapton School – Sheffield
A-Levels in Mathematics, Art Craft and Design, Product Design: Fashion and Textiles (A,A,A*)