At Front Lounge, creativity meets opportunity through Kindred Clothing, a fashion course at SCQF level 5.
This innovative program helps learners develop essential fashion skills, from sketching and pattern making to sewing garments and capturing them with professional fashion photography.
By combining practical learning with creative storytelling, learners build portfolios that showcase their talent and ambition, opening doors to creative careers in fashion and textiles.
Delivered by industry professionals from the Clothes Making Learning Partnership, Kindred Clothing offers hands-on experience and real-world knowledge, giving learners the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the fashion industry.
Celebrating learners’ achievements and impact
Over the years, Kindred Clothing, based in Dundee, has supported learners to overcome personal, emotional and practical challenges while achieving remarkable outcomes. With a completion rate of 91%, 71 learners have completed the program, ranging in age from 12 to 64. The course also engages young people who struggle to attend school regularly.
Since launching in 2020, Kindred Clothing has expanded beyond Dundee. In Orkney, learners have completed the course both remotely and in-person, with 12 learners projected for 2026.
Inspiring stories from Kindred Clothing
Learners have experienced life-changing transformations:
Ellie Fraser was referred to Kindred Clothing at 13 due to anxiety and school challenges. She quickly excelled, demonstrating leadership and earning The Courier Gold Star Award. She said:
The way you are appreciated at Front Lounge, it’s unreal. You get encouragement. It feels good to know that I can actually do something. I’ve got a vision for the future now. I’d like to have my own clothing brand, and I have some ideas for it.
Ellie graduated in August 2023.
Rhianne Grieve, a young mum of two, took four attempts to complete the course. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
The hardest part in my journey has been learning to deal with my mental health. It took me years, but Front Lounge never gave up on me; they picked me up when I was down and pushed me on when I was stuck.
Finally graduating in 2024, she added:
My message for anyone who would like to take part in Kindred Clothing is ABSOLUTELY go for it! I’ve never felt more welcome, never felt so seen and never felt so heard in all my life. I have met many new people and have a lot of amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. Go for it!
Kindred Clothing has even created intergenerational learning opportunities. Kerry-Lee Lavery, one of three parent-child duos to complete the course, reflected:
I didn’t just learn a new skill and gain a qualification, it helped with my confidence, my health, gave me routine and structure. For the first time in a long time, I was thinking about the future. My son Jay was so proud of me when I graduated, he asked to do the course too. It helped him build confidence, routine and motivation. He’s now attending college, and thinking more about his future.
Jay graduated in September 2025.
Expanding learning opportunities and career pathways
These success stories demonstrate the power of practical learning in a safe, supportive environment. In response to growing demand, Front Lounge became an SQA-approved learning centre in October 2025.
The centre now offers workplace core skills, including numeracy, literacy, ICT, working together, and problem solving -alongside Kindred Clothing. Embedding these core skills enables learners to earn six qualifications from the flagship sewing course, rather than just one.
On October 31, 2025, Front Lounge began delivering the National Certificate in Creative Industries (Fashion and Textiles) at SCQF level 6, providing a progression route for Kindred Clothing graduates. Delivered by industry professionals, the course focuses on producing garments to a saleable standard, equipping learners with the skills to pursue careers in fashion and textiles.
Becky Rawlins, a HNC Fashion Business student at Dundee and Angus College, joined the inaugural HNC cohort. She said:
I’m excited… because I want to develop my technical skills and creative abilities to a professional level. Sewing has always been a passion of mine and I really enjoy making clothes and working with different types of fabrics, and I can’t wait to expand my knowledge of industrial sewing machines.
Front Lounge will also soon deliver Personal Development Awards (SCQF levels 3 to 6), enabling community projects to act as learning platforms in their own right.
For more information about Kindred Clothing, email learn@frontlounge.org, call 01382 220330, or visit www.frontlounge.org.
To see where Front Lounge’s qualifications sit on the SCQF, visit our interactive framework.
As part of Creative Careers Week 2025, we’re celebrating learners who are turning their creativity into successful careers through qualifications featured on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
We spoke to salon owner Marie Hall, who completed the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma with Glasgow Clyde College at SCQF level 9 – a qualification that recognises the artistry, science, and professionalism at the heart of modern hairdressing.
Marie’s story is a powerful example of how lifelong learning and determination can open new doors — proving that creative careers can be both rewarding and respected.
Finding a new path through creativity
“My dream had always been to become a police officer and work with either horses or dogs,” Marie recalls, “but while waiting until I was old enough to apply, I decided to study hairdressing. I’ve always been a creative person, and staying on in sixth form wasn’t the right path for me.”
At just 17, Marie was diagnosed with epilepsy, which made her dream of joining the police impossible. She pursued her hairdressing studies, but then suffered another setback. She explained: “I didn’t immediately enter the profession after a negative experience during my work placement and Saturday job. Having already faced bullying at school, it was disheartening to encounter similar treatment in the salon environment.”
But Marie refused to give up. After working in a charity shop for three months, she realised how much she missed hairdressing and returned to the industry while completing another qualification. She said: “I worked in three different salons. In each position, I was promised ongoing training that never materialised, yet I was often left to manage the business from a young age.”
At 22, she took a leap of faith and opened her own salon – MH Hair – laying the foundation for what would become a long career in the industry.
Lifelong learning through SCQF-recognised qualifications
Education and upskilling have always been central to Marie’s success. After opening her own salon, she completed the Wella Colour Expert programme and advanced Sassoon training, before going on to gain her Assessor’s Award and Education and Training qualification.
When she discovered the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma, recognised on the SCQF at level 9 – the same level as a degree – it felt like the perfect next step.
“I’ve always believed that learning should never stop, especially in an industry that’s constantly evolving,” Marie said. “This qualification was a game-changer, giving me a unique edge within the profession.
“This qualification demonstrates to clients that you’re trained to the highest professional standard.”
Raising the profile of the hairdressing industry
Marie believes that having degree-level recognition for hairdressing is a vital step forward for the profession.
“For too long, hairdressers have been undervalued,” she said, “but this qualification empowers future stylists to charge what their skills are truly worth. It’s about time this level of recognition was brought to the industry.”
Marie believes the qualification pushed her beyond her limits and gave her a renewed sense of purpose, adding: “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready for the challenge and eager to take on the next chapter in my journey. This qualification pushed me beyond my limits and truly stretched my mind.”
A proud moment of recognition
Graduating as part of the very first Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma cohort was a defining moment for Marie.
“Having my family there to watch me graduate was magical,” she says. “Standing beside my fellow students, knowing we were making history together, is something I’ll cherish forever.”
Not long after, Marie received an unexpected and “deeply meaningful” letter from her local MP – sent from the House of Commons – congratulating her on her achievement.
Marie said: “It was a wonderful surprise and a reminder that our work can be both respected and valued, even in ways we don’t always anticipate.”
Inspiring the next generation of creative professionals
Completing the SCQF level 9 diploma has also inspired Marie to share her knowledge and mentor others.
She explained: “As more salons move toward the chair-rental business model, I’ve decided to start an education school to help train and inspire the next generation of hair professionals.”
Words of wisdom for aspiring creatives
Marie lives by a piece of advice she once heard from chef Gordon Ramsay on the High Performance podcast. He was asked about the three non-negotiable behaviours people should adopt, and his response really resonated with Marie.
The first one is you need to be a sponge; the best listening device is you, the second one is to take it professionally, not personally, it’s good to get told off, and the third one is to have a thick skin, you are not going to please everyone in the room.
Gordon Ramsay
Marie said: “If more of us followed this advice, perhaps we would all achieve our own personal goals. Never give up, I’m still achieving because I’m not finished and not where I want to be.”
Looking ahead
After celebrating 25 years in business, Marie continues to learn, grow, and give back.
She explained: “This experience has reinforced something I’ve always believed: hairdressing is so much more than just hair; it’s a skill, a science, creativity, and education all coming together to make a real impact.”
Useful links
See how the level 9 diploma compares to other qualifications on the SCQF interactive framework