Elly chose the OU so she could boost her skills and become an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) specialist. Part way through an MA Open degree<\/a>, Elly has already achieved her goal and has used the knowledge she’s gained to combine her passion for art and equality with her business, Nearly Nude Prints<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to be the EDI specialist at the company where I work, which is what led me to suggesting to my employer that I pursue a Masters degree,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n \u201cThe MA Open degree<\/a> at the OU allows you to pick and choose your modules. I\u2019ve opted to focus around two thirds of my degree on education and the rest on business, including HR and corporate finance.<\/p>\n Prints from Elly’s business<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cI used to do a lot of art in school and even completed an art foundation course. Although I love my job, I felt like I was missing that creative side. It was when I was thinking of ways that I could combine my passion for art and EDI, that I came up with the idea for Nearly Nude Prints<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI use different parts of my body to create the artwork, which is colourful, abstract and exciting. As a dual heritage woman, I want to use my art to celebrate the diversity in all our bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n Elly says that the support she\u2019s received as an OU student has been crucial to launching her new venture.<\/p>\n \u201cMy degree has given me additional insight and knowledge into running a business and has benefitted both my employed work and Nearly Nude Prints<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI found out about the OU\u2019s Student Entrepreneurship Competition, which awards grant funding from Santander Universities, during my studies last year and felt like it was too good an opportunity to pass by.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the application process, I had to complete a business model canvas, which really helped to formulate my plans for Nearly Nude Prints<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I found out that I\u2019d won a grant through the competition, I couldn\u2019t believe it. With the funding, I\u2019ve been able to purchase my own printer, art materials and marketing collateral. I would have struggled to purchase these necessary items without the grant.\u201d<\/p>\n Elly has recently had her first child and is managing to juggle motherhood with her studies and work.<\/p>\n \u201cMy tutors have been supportive throughout, but particularly during my pregnancy and the last couple of months when I\u2019ve needed additional flexibility.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I\u2019ve reached out to them for advice, I\u2019ve had quick responses, which has led to some high marks in my assignments. I can\u2019t praise my tutors enough.<\/p>\n Elly’s partner supporting her business<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cLife has been busy with the arrival of our baby, but I\u2019ve got big plans for my business. As a new mum, I\u2019d love to champion our changing bodies, in particular postpartum.<\/p>\n \u201cMy son Kallen is dual heritage like me, so I\u2019d also like to concentrate my efforts on shining the spotlight on diversity. He has reignited my passion for spreading this message.<\/p>\n \u201cWith my employed work, I\u2019m hoping that the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired from my degree will help me climb the ranks. One day it\u2019d be great to share my EDI insight with others via my own consultancy.\u201d<\/p>\n For those that are thinking about pursuing OU study, Elly has some advice.<\/p>\n “OU study is really rewarding and opens doors to lots of opportunities. It does require self-determination, but there’s flexibility available to make it easier to fit your studies around your other commitments.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you’re still in doubt, reach out to the OU\u2019s student support team<\/a>. They\u2019ll be able to give you all the information you’ll need to make up your mind.”<\/p>\n Find out more about the newly launched Open Business Creators Fund<\/a> and how to apply on the Opportunity Hub. With grants from \u00a31,000 to \u00a310,000 provided by the Higher Education Innovation Fund and Santander Universities, this funding competition will support students from the idea stage through to those running an early-stage start-up.<\/p>\n![\"Rolled](\"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Elly-photo-7-edit-288x300.jpg\")
Opportunity to expand<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Future plans <\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Elly-photo-6-edit-300x219.jpg\")
If you\u2019re considering OU study<\/strong><\/h2>\n