Building the Framework: How Business Support Turned a 9-to-5 Dream into an Exciting Fashion Brand!
Lipa Azmol always dreamt of working in fashion and creating her own clothing brand that reflects her love of the outdoors. In 2025, she turned that dream into reality with the launch of The Rainstorms Seasons Essentials.
When Lipa looked for clothing suited to outdoor activities, she noticed that most options were priced at the high end of the market. She saw an opportunity to create a more affordable, mid-range brand that also championed sustainability. After spending 11 years in a corporate career, Lipa decided it was time to follow her passion and bring her own business idea to life.
“I genuinely realised that if I could put so much time and effort into someone else’s business, then I could absolutely put all that same dedication into my own business idea.”
For Lipa, the motivation to seek support was clear: "I wanted to try and get it right the first time." This simple but powerful belief is what inspired her to take the leap into self-employment. Getting started wasn’t easy, Lipa had to find her way through a tricky economic climate and tackle challenges like building brand awareness.
But the toughest hurdle turned out to be something she didn’t expect: admin. Lipa quickly discovered that the essential behind‑the‑scenes work, like dealing with Companies House, managing accounts, and finding an accountant is rarely talked about. For Lipa, this was a real challenge, especially since these practical skills aren’t something most people are taught in school.
Lipa made the most of the support on offer from both PNE Advisors Shirley Wilson and Maria Payumo, and The Enterprising North Service, diving into the SMARTA e‑learning platform and joining workshops to build her knowledge. Shirley also stepped in with practical, hands-on guidance around Cashflow Management, helping Lipa develop strong financial habits like keeping track of receipts and planning ahead with accurate forecasting. One of her standout wins was securing a place the Ouseburn Creative Market through The Sustainable Creative Programme, a brilliant opportunity to showcase her brand in person and connect directly with customers
“It can be scary starting a business, but don’t let that fear stop you from achieving that dream. Look for the support, there's so much business support out there…”
Looking ahead, Lipa is focusing on boosting her marketing efforts, exploring new collaborations, and experimenting with PR packages to see how they can grow her reach. Her five‑year vision is crystal clear: growing her business, expanding into athleticwear and activewear, and building a lively, engaged community both online and in person. A big milestone in this journey was opening her TikTok Shop in November 2025, which has already helped The Rainstorm reach customers in new countries and broaden its global presence.
Find out more about The Rainstorm Season Essentials here:
Website:
Social media:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567936393455
www.tiktok.com/@therainstorm.co.uk
https://uk.pinterest.com/therainstorm/
Enterprising North
The Enterprising North service is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and brings together business support providers from across the region to provide expert advice, guidance and exciting opportunities to help turn your business idea or early-stage venture into a reality.
Partners working together to deliver the Enterprising North Service are: The Millin Charity, North East BIC, Project North East, Rural Design Centre, TEDCO Business Support, The King’s Trust, Enterprise Made Simple, NBSL, UMI, FIRST and Transmit.
What Support is available:
- Access 1-to-1 support and e-learning, led by experienced business advisers.
- Interactive and informative workshops hosted online and in your local area.
- We provide tailored business support and mentoring within your local community.
- Legitimising your side hustle.
- Intensive support to the pre start Retail and High Growth sectors.
- Enterprising sessions within the Further and Higher Education settings.
Whatever your business idea, if you are based in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside or Northumberland, this programme is for you!
If you are interested in finding out more, please email enquiries@pne.org
The Sustainable Creative
The Sustainable Creative's programme is supported by Creative Central NCL, funded by the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council.
The programme provides a comprehensive package of support including access to creative themed workshops, networking events and 1-to-1 support from our team of dedicated business advisors, to help creatives set-up exciting and sustainable creative businesses.
The Sustainable Creative is open to residents of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland who are aged 18-24 or those of all ages who are new to a creative industry.
Applications to the Sustainable Creative are now open! To register your interest, please click here
