Surface pattern design graduate and former youth worker Melanie Sheldon has combined her two callings in a new business.

Melanie, who is currently on the Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship course at Staffordshire University, has set up MsheldonDesigns to deliver workshops where people can design their own customised cups.

She uses digital software to create personalised vinyl stickers which she then applies by hand to cups, bags and T-shirts.

Melanie, from Leek, worked at YMCA North Staffordshire for seven years before stepping away from her youth work role to concentrate full-time on launching her business.

She said: “Last year I decided to take the plunge and focus on what had been my side hustle. I make custom cups which are personalised for people and also personalise T-shirts and bags.

“I do pop-up events and workshops, had a pop-up shop in Hanley and have had my products at a fashion show.

“I did a marketing apprenticeship so have a strong social media presence for the business and do a lot of social media creation.”

She said the MSc course is giving her a good grounding in how to run and grow a business.

“It’s really inspiring being around likeminded people. I particularly enjoy the group work where we bounce ideas off each other and just work together.

“It’s a really good network of people and I’m learning so much. It’s giving me a good grounding into how to run a business.

“I currently work from home but one day I would love to have my own shop and I’d like to deliver workshops around the UK. My dream is having my products in a vending machine.”

Melanie has entered the Young Business Person of the Year and Alumni Person of the Year categories of the Staffordshire University Business Awards and has entered MsheldonDesigns for Small Business of the Year.