1st Impressions, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides free volunteer-run styling support and pre-loved workwear to women in the south west, is celebrating a significant milestone of supporting 500 women with the clothes and confidence they need for job interviews, or to bring about change in their life.
Co-founded in 2021 by Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, Senior Lecturer in the University of Bath’s School of Management, 1st Impressions welcomes any woman who needs support preparing for work or building confidence.
Clients range from mums and carers returning to work; to refugees building new lives; women facing redundancy or unable to afford work clothes; and women wanting to make a positive change in their lives.
Each woman receives a personalised, free styling session with trained volunteers and leaves with outfits tailored to interviews, workplace settings, or next steps.
“1st Impressions was set up to help women into work, but we’re increasingly seeing how invaluable our support is for women on the pathway to employment,” said Dr Jane Ellis-Brush.
The inspiration for 1st Impressions came to Dr Ellis-Brush when she moved to Bath after six years in Budapest, heading up Citibank’s Shared Service Centre. Her wardrobe had grown with her career and, rather than bag up her clothes for charity, she wanted to be able to pass on the sense of empowerment that had helped her to progress.
“Our sessions are fun and friendly and the transformative power of looking and feeling good can’t be overstated - when women feel confident, it opens doors. We’re incredibly proud to have supported 500 women and I’m very grateful to the volunteers, donors and supporters who have made this possible.”
Jackie Mabika, from Bath, attended a 1st Impressions styling session in preparation for a volunteer role as a Support Administrator at local charity Julian House.
“I was offered a ‘fitting’ session where I tried on several women’s work clothing pieces which were for the first time in a while, comfortable and made me feel confident and ‘work ready’ - a great life saver!
“I now look forward to stepping out with my head held high, which was the total opposite before I got a new wardrobe. The clothes mean one less stressful thing to worry about when job hunting or going to work or job placements. It really made the greatest difference for me, which I’ll forever be grateful for.”
Operating from Fairfield House in Bath, volunteers sort donations and host individual styling sessions. 1st Impressions also runs community pop-up sessions to reach women where support is needed most.
The organisation works in partnership with Mercy in Action, HMP Eastwood, SEETEC Pluss, Wiltshire Council, and the Nelson Trust, supporting women in Bath, Bristol and further afield.
1st Impressions is keen to hear from local women who would like to book a styling session, and organisations with clients who could benefit from its services. Contact the team online.