Hackney local Rebeckah Kemi Apara founded Embellished Talk when she started interviewing people about how they got jobs in the industry

Rebeckah Kemi Apara created Embellished Talk just over a year ago.

A platform consisting of digital content and creative workshops, she aims to inspire and inform people about all things textile.

The Hackney local explains how the concept for Embellished Talk arose: “When I graduated from London College of Fashion in 2007, I found it really difficult to find a job. I did loads of other random non-textile related jobs, but textiles had always been on my mind. I wanted to get into textiles, but not just making stuff - everyone is making stuff!”

She started to interview people about how they got jobs in the industry - and that’s how it began. She added writing a blog and hosting workshops to her bill, teaching embroidery and embellishment. Currently the workshops are for all levels but eventually, she wants to be able to teach individual skill levels to different groups.

Recently, Embellished Talk collaborated with Gurls Talk, a safe space and platform for girls to share their experiences and stories. Embellished Talk created a special line of embroidered tops and hosted a workshop at Gurls Talk x Coach Festival at the start of the month, dedicated to inspiring female empowerment.

“I was reading the Gurls Talk website and I looked at the shop section,” she says. “I saw these really cool t-shirts and I thought they would look great with embroidery in them, so I emailed and asked if we could collaborate. I got people that I had previously interviewed involved, so that it was a bigger collaboration and so others had an opportunity to showcase their work.

“The festival was amazing! I was nervous that people weren’t going to get involved but they got really into it – there were two girls that came in at 12:15 and left at 5pm!”

Rebeckah has plans for the future of Embellished Talk: “I definitely want to do more workshops. I would also like to create products, I’m not sure exactly what yet but I would like to make some more one-of-kind bespoke pieces.”

For more information and updates on future workshops and events, go to: embellishedtalk.com