Phoebe-Nicole Steer – Accessibility but make it Fashion
Phoebe-Nicole Steer is a final-year BA (Hons) Fashion Design student at NTU who is dedicated to making fashion more inclusive and accessible. With a strong belief in the power of design to drive social change, she is developing an innovative concept that rethinks how clothing can better serve diverse needs and bodies.
Turning ideas into action
Phoebe’s entrepreneurial journey started with a simple idea...
I’ve always loved fashion, but I wanted to make it more than aesthetic. My idea is about accessibility - designing clothing that’s stylish and wearable for everyone, regardless of physical ability. It’s about fashion that works for everybody.
Milestones that shaped the journey
Looking back, Phoebe identifies two key moments that defined her growth as a budding entrepreneur:
Winning her first pitch
Despite having no prior experience, Phoebe delivered a successful pitch as part of NTU Enterprise’s first co-founder programme, The Idea Hatchery. This initiative allowed Pheobe to gain hands-on experience in testing ideas, access to collaborating with NTU students from other disciplines, and encouragement to articulate the team’s idea to a live audience. Not only did this boost her confidence in public speaking, it also gave her access to £500 prize money towards getting her venture off the ground.
Real-world networking
Attending NTU Enterprise events like Entrepreneurs Club, Female Founders Club and DEC Connect introduced Phoebe to inspiring group of peers and mentors. She keeps in touch with many of the people she met through those networks.
Support from NTU Enterprise
Phoebe discovered NTU Enterprise through the Learning Room calendar and her involvement in the Women in Business society. That discovery opened the door to a wealth of support and resources.
In addition to the above, other highlights include:
- 1:1 feedback – Personalised advice from Student Enterprise Senior Coordinator, Will Chew, gave her clear direction and practical next steps accessible clothing concept.
- The Knowledge Lab – Interactive sessions where she gained structured feedback and guidance to turn ideas into action on a range of subjects such as Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset, Sales and Marketing, and Creating a Socially Responsible Idea.
The Knowledge Lab and Idea Hatchery helped me realise that feedback is fuel. If you take notes and apply it, the impact is real.
Words of wisdom for other students wanting to start a venture
Use the NTU Enterprise Award as a resource, not a chore. The LinkedIn Learning content is genuinely helpful - and if you’ve got an idea already, definitely book a 1:1 with the team. The workshops are amazing for refining your thinking.
Balancing studies with entrepreneurship
As a full-time student, Phoebe acknowledges the challenges of juggling academic and entrepreneurial work...
Commit to one thing at a time. I overcommitted in my final year and ended up stretched too thin. Focus is key - choose wisely and go all in.
What’s next?
Phoebe’s goal for the coming year is simple but powerful...
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to bring my idea to life in a sustainable way. I can refine later. There’s never a perfect time - so the goal is to make it real first. My energy is on learning, connecting, and staying open to opportunities.