DCG Success Stories

Taking a level 2 business course at Derby College Group has given young artist Aqsa Yaqoob all the skills she needed to open her own shop and workspace.

Aqsa, aged 23, a self-taught henna tattoo artist and designer, recently launched Art House by Aqsa at Derby’s new Pear Tree Plaza.

Her business opened around Eid, with more than 60 customers going to Aqsa the night before for mehndi – the intricate decorative hand art celebrating special occasions like religious festivals and weddings.

As well as henna tattoos, Aqsa also designs artwork for candles, canvases and jewellery boxes.

She had previously worked from her bedroom at home but was rapidly running out of space.

Following a move to Derby in 2016 from Pakistan, Aqsa initially enrolled at Derby College to learn English but stayed on to gain further qualifications at the Roundhouse.

After passing GCSEs in English and Maths, she took level1 Business and recently finished her Level 2 Business course.

She found that level 2 Business taught her the essential things she needed to launch her own venture, such as how to market her business, advertise and keep financial accounts.

She added: “Derby College has given me so much help. Betina, my teacher has supported me not only on the course but through the college’s Enterprise Academy.

She invited me to come into college to show off my work last month and there was a lot of interest in my designs. I’m looking forward to exhibiting at the Roundhouse again during Freshers Week in September.”

As well as running her own shop, Aqsa also showcase her work on social media sites including Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram and gives online tutorials.