ImagesMagUK_October_2021

IS DECORATOR PROFILE www.images-magazine.com 38 images OCTOBER 2021 A side from a bit of cross- stitching, Kathryn Mator had no experience of embroidery and printing before she and her husband Kenan set up Nazar Design in Hull. However, in two-and a-half years, they have built up a thriving garment decorating business in spite of Covid-19 restrictions. “It has all been through word of mouth really,” she says. “For me, it’s all about quality. We sample everything until it’s right because I’m really picky. I’d rather make sure it’s right as then they’ll come back. People keep coming back for more and more.” Before they set up Nazar Design in March 2019, Kathryn worked as an English teacher while Kenan was a translator for Hull’s large Turkish community. He is originally from Denizli, a hub for the textile industry in south-western Turkey, so knew about garment decoration. Having decided to start their business they set up in their back room at home with a single-head Brother embroidery machine and a vinyl cutter. They tapped into support and training via Leeds-based Brother distributor Stocks. “They are always at the other end of the phone if we have An eye for detail Kenan and Kathryn Mator tell Mark Ludmon how they have gone about building up their print and embroidery business, Nazar Design features branding in blue because it symbolises positive energy and warding off evil in Turkish culture. This also explains the company’s name: ‘nazar’ is a blue-and-white eye-shaped amulet that protects against the evil eye, which can be seen peering from the company’s logo. “We looked at moving to an industrial estate but want it to be friendly and a go-to so it’s a big thing for us to be on the main road,” Kenan adds. “We haven’t had to advertise since we moved here.” Specialising in workwear, Nazar Design initially got orders through Kenan’s contacts as a translator, and it continues to supply many Turkish- run restaurants, takeaways and cafes. Now it also supplies gyms, builders, electricians, plumbers, gardeners and other trades as well as sports clubs in the Hull and East Yorkshire district. Nazar Design’s frontage with its distinctive logo a question,” Kathryn says. “But YouTube has been my big go-to when I’m stuck on something.” After initial training and practice, Kathryn was keen to get started. “I told Kenan that, if I’m going to learn, I’m going to need an order, something simple and straightforward to work on. He came back with seven orders.” Within six months the couple took on their current premises in Hull city centre. The prominent signage Nazar Design’s shop and showroom is in Hull city centre Kathryn Mator, Leman San and Kenan Mator

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