Dumbarton entrepreneur supports abuse victims

Leeanne Keane, 31, received the funding to help set up Sassy Lassy Lingerie, a clothing brand which aims to sell affordable and fashionable products including plus size garments.

The mother of two plans to launch the social enterprise in mid-September, advertising her products predominantly through social media.

Profits made from sales will then be invested into creative and skills-based workshops for women with the shared experience of domestic abuse, run by Leeanne herself.

The businesswoman has experience running similar workshops and working for other arts charities in the past, so understands the importance of providing woman with a safe space to access peer support.

She said: “It’s to give them something to do to take their mind off things, relax and help with their wellbeing.”

A self-taught seamstress, Leeanne had been making underwear as a hobby before coming up with the idea to turn it into a business at the recommendation of a friend last spring.

To help with start-up costs including buying materials (pictured above), she decided to apply to the Start It awards back in January.

Leanne was delighted to find out that she was one of 10 successful social entrepreneurs to receive a share of the £48,081 subsidy, adding: “I can’t wait for the business to be up and running and to help people.”