Cymoedd learners shine as young entrepreneurs

21 November 2025

Coleg y Cymoedd learners are proving that with the right support, ambition and a great idea, it’s possible to turn a passion into a real business.

This year, several learners from across the college have gone on to launch successful ventures, from beauty brands to clothing lines, supported by our Futures Team and enterprise partners including Tafflab, Big Ideas Wales and The King’s Trust.

As we celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on three learners who are already making their mark in business.

Ellie Harford: mobile makeup artist and product developer

After completing her Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification in 2024, 28-year-old Ellie from Pontypridd launched her career as a full-time mobile makeup artist. She has since developed and released her own range of beauty tools, growing a loyal customer base across South Wales.

Ellie was introduced to the Tafflab programme through the Futures Team at the college and was supported through the application process. After being accepted, she was matched with a business mentor and accessed workshops on marketing, finance and business operations, as well as King’s Trust-funded courses. In 2024, she won ‘Learner Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the college’s annual Learner Awards.

“The programme laid everything out in front of me – opportunities I didn’t even know existed,” Ellie said. “Things like legal protection and insurance were completely new to me.”

Her success has already gained national recognition. Ellie was named a finalist at the Hair and Beauty Awards 2025 and has been awarded a place among the Top 100 Vendors in the UK. Her long-term goal is to become a full-time destination bridal makeup artist.

Caitlin Owens: owner of Lush Locks by Cait

19-year-old Caitlin from Cardiff discovered Coleg y Cymoedd at an Open Event after deciding Sixth Form wasn’t the right path for her. She enrolled on our Level 3 Business course and quickly realised the course would give her everything she needed to set up her dream beauty business.

Her tutors, Sam James and Yvonne Morris, encouraged her entrepreneurial interests and supported her through a fully-funded work experience placement in Italy.

While studying, Caitlin noticed local demand for lash lifts, extensions and nails. With guidance from the college’s Futures Team, she learned about the Young Person’s Start Up Grant through Business Wales – something she says she “never would have known about without the college.”

The funding helped her purchase equipment and renovate her home salon.

“It’s been so helpful,” Caitlin says. “If anyone is thinking about starting a business, take the risk and reach out to the college. The support is out there.”

Kingston Fu: custom clothing designer

Kingston, 17, from Senghenydd, launched his clothing design brand at just 13 years old and has already developed his product through six stages of the business life cycle.

Now studying Travel & Tourism at Coleg y Cymoedd, he was introduced to Tafflab through an email from the college. After applying, he excelled at every stage and was offered a place to further develop his business.

Kingston credits the college’s Futures Team with helping him manage appointments, communications and networking opportunities, significantly accelerating his business growth.

“My goal is to grow the brand into something recognised across the UK and beyond,” he said. “I’d definitely recommend the Futures Team to anyone thinking about starting a business while studying.”

Our Futures Team supports learners throughout their time at Cymoedd and beyond – whether progressing to higher study, an apprenticeship, employment, or starting their own business.

We offer:

1:1 support and guidance
Careers fairs and enterprise events
Access to a network of enterprise partners
Help with business ideas, funding, and start-up pathways

This month, aligned with Global Entrepreneurship Week, we’re hosting activities and partner sessions across our campuses to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and showcase the support available to learners.

A huge thank you to all partners who work with us to empower the next generation of Welsh entrepreneurs.

Discover more about enterprise opportunities for learners.