Kenzie is an 18-year old senior member with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and starting a clothing business. With lots of ideas, but not knowing where to start, Kenzie enlisted the help of both our Employability and Enterprise programmes. Find out more about Kenzie’s journey at Legacy.
I heard lots about Legacy as it was being developed, and I was lucky enough to attend just before it opened as part of a local charity football game – I was drawn to the amount of sports facilities that were there. I instantly knew this was a place I’d definitely be coming to. I spoke to one or two members of staff who invited me to the official opening in September 2019; they explained that a Youth Zone is a place to play games, meet new people and have access to funded opportunities.
I was just finishing my exams, so thought it’d be a good thing to get into – so I came once it had officially opened.
The vibe I got from youth workers and other members was positive and inspiring. I was kind of nervous it was pretty crowded but once I introduce myself to other members, found out that we shared similar interests and ended up getting along. Next thing I knew I was here every day.
Sports was what drew me to Legacy – imagine going to the gym or using a climbing wall and only paying 50p for unlimited access that session! But, I soon realised it was more than just a sports or music facility, the youth workers really valued me and took an interest in what I wanted to do with my life.
I was approached by a staff member who introduced me to the employability programme ‘Empowered’, which offers a 6-week workshop providing the skills/tools needed to find work or access further education. Around this time, I was looking for a job since I recently left my previous, so I felt like this opportunity came at the right time.
Empowered worker, Reanne said, “When I spoke to Kenzie he sat in my classroom unimpressed and unengaged in fact, he yelled out “I’m not writing anything”. He caused me to rethink my whole session layout and approach. But with a couple of weeks of mentoring and engagement, I saw Kenzie become a focused and determined young man. Instead of calling out to complain, he would highlight where he’s at in terms of progression and achievements.“
During six weeks, the Empowered team helped me with my CV, punctuality at the workplace, support in employment searches, my work experience, and so much more. I am pleased to say that I now have a job in retail – which I think it a good first step in the industry where I’ll soon be starting my fashion business in. One of my main changes is that it taught me to step outside my comfort zone which led to improving my confidence.
As part of my career, I plan on setting up my own clothing brand. This is a goal I had before attending Legacy but really came to life since attending.
Without the help of Christine Legacy’s Enterprise Youth Lead, I don’t think my brand would be where it is right now in terms of design, materials, setting up my website and much more. If it wasn’t for Christine I don’t where the brand would be. She really sped up the process from zero to a hundred in the space of 2-3 months.
Christine said, “When Kenzie came to enterprise, he knew exactly what he wanted when it came to his brand name, however, he needed some guidance with regards to his logo and exactly what his brand represented”.
My brand agenda will be streetwear clothing for teenagers aged 14-25 years old, each product will be made and themed for unisex use. I hope I can use my business as an eye-opener for teens who want to get off the streets but don’t have the right people around them or the tools that are needed to apply for potential opportunities. This is my mission.
I was given the opportunity to showcase my brand’s identity and mission at Legacy’s annual Senior Showcase in front of hundreds of members. This was a great chance to present the new and improved brand that I worked on. Following that event, I was invited to Legacy’s Supporters Dinner. I got to introduce myself and my brand to community businesses and investors (Legacy’s Founder Patrons). That evening I learnt so much about how to conduct myself on a professional level and how communication is key if you want your business to be recognised because you really don’t know who you’re going to meet. It was a great night!
The biggest cherry on the cake was meeting John Boyega, who visited Legacy just before Christmas (2022), as part of an Amazon takeover. I plucked up the courage to pitch my business to him and tell him about my clothing business. He even held up my t-shirt and did a shout out on social media – I’ll never forget this.
For anyone who is unsure or feel like they have hit a barrier in their dream job or life goals, give Legacy a try… you’ll never know what opportunities might come your way.
Thank you Legacy, for your support and don’t worry I’m not going anywhere…
