Kenzie’s story: “Youth workers really valued and took an interest in me”

Kenzie has dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and starting a clothing business. With lots of ideas, but not knowing where to start, Kenzie enlisted the help of Legacy’s Employability and Enterprise programmes. Find out more about Kenzie’s journey at Legacy.

“I heard lots about Legacy when it was being developed, and I was lucky enough to attend just before it opened as part of a local charity football game. I was drawn by the number of sports facilities on offer. I instantly knew this was a place I’d be coming. I was just finishing my exams, so thought it’d be a good thing to get into – so I came once it had officially opened.

The vibe I got from youth workers and members was positive and inspiring. I was kind of nervous it was quite busy but once I introduce myself to other members, I found that we shared similar interests and ended up getting along. Next thing I knew I was here every day.

Sports was what drew me to Legacy – imagine going to the gym or using a climbing wall and only paying 50p for unlimited access that session! But, I soon realised it was more than just a sports or music facility, the youth workers really valued me and took an interest in what I wanted to do with my life.

I was approached by a staff member who introduced me to the employability programme ‘Empowered’, which offers a 6-week workshop providing the skills/tools needed to find work or access further education. Around this time, I was looking for a job, so I felt like this opportunity came at the right time.

Over six weeks, the Empowered team helped me with my CV, punctuality at the workplace, support in employment searches, my work experience, and so much more. I am pleased to say that I now have a job in retail – which I think it a good first step in the industry where I’ll soon be starting my fashion business in. One of my main changes is that it taught me to step outside my comfort zone which led to improving my confidence.

As part of my career, I plan on setting up my own clothing brand. This is a goal I had before attending Legacy but really came to life since attending.

Without the help of Christine Legacy’s Enterprise Youth Lead, I don’t think my brand would be where it is right now in terms of design, materials, setting up my website and much more. She really sped up the process from zero to a hundred in the space of 2-3 months.

I was given the opportunity to showcase my brand’s identity and mission at Legacy’s annual Senior Showcase in front of hundreds of members. This was a great chance to present the new and improved brand that I worked on. Following that event, I was invited to Legacy’s Supporters Dinner. I got to introduce myself and my brand to community businesses and investors (Legacy’s Founder Patrons). That evening I learnt so much about how to conduct myself on a professional level and how communication is key if you want your business to be recognised because you really don’t know who you’re going to meet. It was a great night!

The biggest cherry on the cake was meeting John Boyega, who visited Legacy just before Christmas (2022), as part of an Amazon takeover. I plucked up the courage to pitch my business to him and tell him about my clothing business. He even held up my t-shirt and did a shout out on social media – I’ll never forget this. For anyone who is unsure or feel like they have hit a barrier in their dream job or life goals, give Legacy a try… you’ll never know what opportunities might come your way.”