SME founder named one of UK 's most inspiring entrepreneurs
Janet Douglas, the founder and CEO of Feed My Creative CIC, has been listed as one of 55 of the UK 's most inspiring entrepreneurs on the Social Entrepreneur Index 2022.
The UK Social Entrepreneur Index celebrates entrepreneurs running businesses driving social change.
The second time Janet has been listed, the index shines a spotlight on the UK's most purpose driven entrepreneurs and their businesses, acting as a benchmark for good practice.
Feed My Creative works with young people and adults to inspire creativity through craft workshops and create more sustainable communities.
The workshops give individuals the opportunity to discuss common issues and experiences such as bereavement whilst being creative and reducing waste through the enterprise 's sourcing of recycled fabric.
Janet (pictured) said: “I 'm extremely grateful to be chosen as one of 55 of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the country especially with it being a national list not just regional, it 's even more humbling.
“It is such an amazing achievement for me and for the work I do with Feed My Creative as imposter syndrome had me for a long-time questioning 'am I doing enough? '.
“Being a SME, you don 't always get seen, especially as a creative, but this recognition goes to show that people do see you even when you don 't think they are watching."
Janet has over 30 years of design experience and has taught in secondary schools and alternative provisions for 11 years.
Ms Douglas founded Feed My Creative in 2016 as she was “frustrated with the education system pushing students into subjects that they didn 't choose or enjoy ”. Speaking on this she said: “I wanted to build a platform for people to be creative, without the need to be in a classroom of twenty plus. ”
It was also important for the founder to dismantle the “misconception that sewing is something for females only. ”
Janet has gone on to win a number of accolades including former Dragon 's Den entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis ' Small Business Sunday and Company of the Year at All Women Achievers Awards.
She has been a Great British Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in the Midlands Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year category in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Ms Douglas added: “I may be small but I 'm taking mighty steps to help and support people and there is plenty of room for more growth. There is much more to come from me, just watch this space. ”
One of Feed My Creative 's current campaigns, the RE:PROJECT, has seen 126 emergency toiletry packs distributed to vulnerable people in Birmingham. Support the campaign here.
Find out more about Feed My Creative 's work here.