As a student at Humphrey Davy school in Penzance, Ella had a natural orientation to art and textiles.
Following A levels in textiles, art and graphic design at Penwith College and a further year at Truro College doing a National Diploma in Art and Design, Ella headed to Bristol for a three year degree at the University of the West of England (UWE) studying fashion and textile design.
Graduating in 2011, Cornwall’s summer lifestyle was beckoning her home and knowing she had student debts to pay off she got a job at Dorothy Perkins. “I might have been working in fashion but I knew this wasn’t my career destiny and refocused on getting a ‘proper job’,” says Ella.
Spotting an advert for a pattern cutter with DM Orthotics, Ella pounced on the opportunity. DM Orthotics’ specialist designs and supporting textile technologies strategically place panelling where needed on the body which correctly influences a person’s alignment. “Securing the job meant everything. I had a career where I could really make use of all my skills and training, make a difference to people’s lives and make a difference to my life by finally being able to afford my own home.
Now, I’m leading on a project which is not only enhancing human life but that of dogs as well. Canines can suffer from curvature of the spine which impacts on their walking abilities and quality of life and in many cases dogs are put down to put them out of their misery.
We are trialling body suits for dogs that re-align their spine and the results are mind blowing. One of our test dogs, started moving like a new dog when he tried the suit on. I’m still making adjustments and fine tuning his requirements but it is so exciting and I feel very proud to be at the cutting edge of this new development.”
CAD design work now beckons and there seems no end to Ella’s ambitions. “I am so pleased that doing what I love has led to a prosperous career in manufacturing where I’m not only helping man but man’s best friend as well.”
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