Pauline Ng: own online business.

Two enterprising Salford graduates are getting a headstart in the fiercely competitive jobs market by setting up their own businesses.

Maria Hills and Pauline Ng graduated last week with first-class BA (Hons) Design Futures degrees. Both developed their entrepreneurial flair at the University of Salford, with Hills designing and developing digital interactive learning materials and Ng setting-up her own doll-making business.

During her studies Ng worked on a number of projects exploring the nature of dolls, doll-making and the emotional responses and connections that people have with them.

Grumbi Doll

In her final project she developed a concept product called the Grumbi Doll which is made from old dusters, tea towels and odd buttons. She now has an online business, grumbi.co.uk, where customers can buy readymade dolls or use instructions to make their own.

Hills originally chose to study neuroscience, but after a year she realised she had a calling for design and changed courses. Her passion for both disciplines was combined in 9 Dot Design which she set-up at the University’s Innovation Forum (a venture which supports local businesses and provides office space) to design and develop learning materials for A level science students.

She has also been offered an internship at MTa Learning in Boston Spa which she plans to do while developing the 9 Dot Design business.

Courage for entrepreneourship

Roy Chilvers of the School of Art & Design told ModernSelling.com: ‘Maria and Pauline are great adverts for everything we do at Salford. They have ambition, innovation, market awareness, great design skills and the courage for entrepreneurship.’

‘With the support of the university they have been able to tap into their abilities and create a bright future for themselves.’

Both students will graduate today (15 July) at a ceremony in The Lowry, Salford Quays.

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