Frequently Asked Questions (FAOs)

  • A: We’re a Nottingham-based Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering women through artisan craft workshops. We offer creative programmes like dressmaking, jewellery making, millinery, bag making, soap making, and more. Our mission is to build skills, confidence, and small business opportunities for unemployed women, those with caring responsibilities, or on low income. 

  • A: Skilled Hands Organisation CIC was incorporated on 13 February 2023. 

  • A: We offer a wide range of workshops, including:

    • Millinery (hat-making) – create fascinators, Sinamay hats (12 weeks, 2.5 hrs/week) 

    • Dressmaking – from beginner to advanced, sewing machines, drafting, garment construction (24 weeks, term time, 2.5 hrs/week) 

    • Jewellery Making – beads, resin, polymer and bronze clay, certificates via NOCN (24 weeks, 2.5 hrs/week) 

    • Bag Making – fabric and leather bags: clutches, tote bags, origami styles (12 weeks, weekly sessions) 

    • Body Care Product Making – melt & pour and cold process soap, plus candles, bath bombs, bath salts, lip balm, wax melts, liquid soaps (12 weeks, weekly sessions) 

    • Digital Growth For Creative Entrepreneurs - How to start and grow social media pages, take professional-quality photos and videos using a smart phone and create engaging content for marketing (24 Weeks, 2.5 hrs/week)

    • Recycling Workshops - Learn to creatively repurpose materials into reusable or decorative products (12 weeks, 2.5 hrs/week)

    • Small Business Set-up – support alongside business partners to help launch micro-enterprises 

    We also offer paid, adult workshops—for example, UV resin jewellery, candle making, wax melts, perfume making, body-care courses, kids’ crafting classes—hosted via platforms like ClassBento and on Craft Courses. 

  • A: Yes—our core Craft Workshops (millinery, dressmaking, jewellery, bag making, body care product making, business set-up) are free for unemployed women, women with caring responsibilities, or those on low income, living in Nottingham. 

  • A:

    • Dressmaking: 24 weeks, term time, once weekly (approx 2.5 hrs) 

    • Jewellery Making: 24 weeks, once weekly (2.5 hrs) 

    • Bag Making: 12 weeks, weekly (2.5 hrs) 

    • Millinery: 12 weeks, weekly (2.5 hrs) 

    • Body Care Product Making: 12 weeks, weekly (2.5 hrs) 

    • Recycling: 12 weeks, weekly (2.5 hrs)

    • Digital Growth for Creative Entrepreneurs: 24 weeks, weekly (2.5 hrs)

  • A: Venues in Nottingham include:

    • Castle Cavendish Enterprise Centre (63–67 St Peter’s Street, NG7 3EN) for Dressmaking, Bag Making, Millinery, Recycling and Digital Growth Workshop.

    • Mary Potter Children’s Centre (76 Gregory Blvd, NG7 5HY) for Body Care Product Making.

    • Broxtowe Children’s Centre (Bradfield Rd, NG8 3AY) for Jewellery Making. 

  • A: Participants often receive NOCN-endorsed certificates (notably for Jewellery Making, Bag Making, Body Care Product Making, Millinery and Dressmaking), and are invited to showcase their work through exhibitions, fashion shows, or fairs. 

  • A: We’re committed to empowering women via creative, therapeutic engagement—combating unemployment, loneliness, mental health challenges, and enabling economic independence through skill acquisition. 

  • A: Yes—revenue from our paid adult workshops directly supports the funding of our free workshops for women in need. 

  • A: Absolutely! Skilled Hands won the Global Recognition Award 2024 and was shortlisted for BAME Business of the Year at the British Business Awards. Founder Sheila Ako was also nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. 

  • The Red Carpet event is an annual showcase, celebrating the achievements of our workshop participants. It features a fashion show, exhibitions and awards. Tickets are required and all proceeds support our community work

  • A: Simply submit an application form via email to skills.hands.org@gmail.com

  • A: Many workshops offer waiting lists. Contact the team to be added. 

  • A: Visit our workshop listings or partner pages like ClassBento to browse adult craft experiences. Booking is usually online, based on availability and session type. 

  • A: You can support us by donating, sponsoring, or collaborating. You may also participate in events, help fundraise or become a partner organisation. 

  • A: Email skills.hands.org@gmail.com or sheilaako@skilledhandsorganisation.org or phone 07432 440 997

  • A: You can explore:

    • Our website for galleries and details 

    • YouTube channel with crafting tutorials and event highlights 

    • A video titled “Transform Your Life with Skilled Hands Workshops” from about six months ago