A Royston teenager and budding fashion designer has gained valuable skills when she volunteered to create a Valentine’s-themed shop window for a charity close to her family’s heart.
Cameran Harris approached the Garden House Hospice Care shop manager in Royston and asked if she could dress the window to help them out.
“I decided to dress the window as Valentine’s Day was coming up soon and the event may increase sales,” said the 15-year-old.
“It would give me an understanding of visual merchandising within retail because I want to go into the fashion industry. And this helps the shop and helps my learning.”
Cameran’s whole family support the hospice. Her grandad was in the hospice with cancer when she was a baby, so they know how important the cause is.
“The staff supported our family and my grandad received the best care with as limited pain as possible because of the hospice,” she said.
“Grandad actually lasted five and a half weeks there, so we were there a lot. All staff knew my family very well towards the end and my older brother and I were always taken care of too.
“He had the best care and all of my family believe that there would have been no better or peaceful place for him to pass.”
Cameran drew on inspiration for the window from the most romantic day of the year.
“From the items put aside for Valentine’s, I selected what I wanted to use with a theme of red and white with things such as hearts, cards and teddy’s and flowers,” she said.
“The mannequin was dressed in a stunning, silky red evening gown and I found some shoes and a bag to compliment the style and colour.
“I got my idea from a family friend who studied art at university.
“We both thought it was something that I would be keen to do and gain experience from.
“For the actual window dressing I had ideas of what I wanted it to look like with colour schemes and items.
“As it was my first time I was a bit unsure of how to plan for it, so I made decisions as I went along.
“I made sure I kept going outside to see the outcome and if there was anything I needed to change.”
Cameran’s efforts were so successful that she has already been given another opportunity – to dress the window for Mother’s Day.
She said she would love to do more, and will have to juggle developing her fashion experience with her school work.
“In five years time I hope to be working in the fashion industry,” added Cameran. “I really enjoyed this experience, and it’s great to give support to this wonderful charity.”
For more on North Herts-based Garden House Hospice Care, call 01462 679 540, email enquiries@ghhospicecare.org.uk or go to their website www.ghhospicecare.org.uk.
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