A FASHION graduate who launched her own business during lockdown hopes to give women more confidence when they start socialising again.

Anna McCartney used her time to create an affordable women's retail venture online during the second national shutdown after being made redundant from her job.

The 24-year-old, from York, set up MCRTNY in December 2020, having completed a degree in International Fashion Promotion, with ambitions to create her own clothing business.

“I have dreamed of working in fashion since I was a little girl," said Anna, who attended All Saints School in York before Manchester Metropolitan University.

York Press:

One of the outfits from MCRTNY online collection.

"I want to reach out to young women and give them the confidence to look and feel beautiful when they start stepping out again.

"My philosophy is simple - if you look good, you feel good. I want my customers to embrace that idea.”

Anna said she wanted MCRTNY to cater for a wide target audience.

"I have had customers from the ages of 16 to 50 years old so I think there is something for everyone.

"The prices range from £5 to £35 so it is definitely affordable.

"My long-term goals with MCRTNY are to build and grow, and eventually launch menswear in the future."

York Press:

MCRTNY's first collection featured figure-flattering loungewear sets and cosy knitwear in neutral and earthy tones

In the early stages of research, Anna said she was encouraged to start out as an online trader and release collections exclusively through her website after hearing about the growth of online ventures.

With lockdown restrictions in place, Anna made the best use of her local surroundings for photoshoots to launch her collections.

Anna also chose a team from the local area to help, from the models to a York-based photographer and web designer.

Anna has since been growing her customer base through word of mouth and on social media, and is a member of the Facebook Support Local Businesses in York.

The group was set up during 2020 to help small businesses hit hard by the impact of the pandemic and to enable York residents to support local, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

The group which has more than 4,000 members was such a success, it has continued as a platform for small, independent businesses.

Anna's brand is contemporary, timeless and on-trend pieces which are also comfortable. The first collection released featured figure-flattering loungewear sets and cosy knitwear in neutral and earthy tones.

To shop the full collection visit www.mcrtny.com