Fashion entrepreneur Vanessa Tetteh-Squire is appearing as a contestant on the 20th series of The Apprentice

An Enfield woman is competing on BBC reality show The Apprentice as a contestant for the latest series.

Vanessa Tetteh-Squire, a former University of Hertfordshire marketing and fashion student, is putting her entrepreneurial skills to the ultimate test by competing for a £250,000 investment from business mogul Lord Alan Sugar.

Vanessa is the founder of specialist contemporary swimwear and resort wear brand Ayorkoh, which is designed for women with fuller busts.

She is one of 20 new candidates on the 20th series of The Apprentice. The first episode aired last night (Thursday 5th). The show pits business people against each other in a series of challenges, as Lord Sugar gradually eliminates them each week with his catchphrase “You’re Fired!”.

Vanessa said: “I was a fan of the show when I was younger, but I applied on a whim. This was my first time applying and my main reason was simple: I had nothing to lose!

“I will always take a chance on myself!”

After leaving University of Hertfordshire in 2020, Vanessa launched a brand called Vanessence – the first iteration of her swimwear product.

“Vanessence performed well initially,” she explains. “I had intended to scale the business that year by travelling to China to work directly with my manufacturers, but the impact of Covid-19 and our inability to travel meant my sales declined so I could not expand as planned.

“Now I am confident I can make a big success of my new venture.”

Vanessa is also trying to give something back as she progresses. “I’m developing Bisa Academy, a social enterprise helping young people discover a world of entrepreneurial skills and real-world opportunities. I love connecting with people around delivery, product, and entrepreneurship.”

She says some of her characteristics will help her both in business and on The Apprentice.

 “I firmly believe that progress comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing risks. I like to seize the day. I’m known for being resilient, trustworthy and a true jack of all trades. I’m the person who gets things done no matter the challenge.

“I am also a part of the very community I am building this business and space for, having undergone breast reduction surgery but natural changes in my body have restored a fuller bust so that has brought me full circle.”

Initially studying pharmacy, Vanessa changed course after one year to study marketing and fashion after realising she wanted to start a business.

“My passion for travel made me aware I was struggling to find swimwear that truly met my needs – and looked good – and that became the catalyst for starting my own business.”

Now Vanessa is keen to spread that same positivity to future student entrepreneurs.

“My advice to others would be: what is stopping you? Nothing is ever too big and if something doesn’t work – just try something else!”

Professor Damian Ward, dean of Hertfordshire Business School, said: “Our enterprise team helped almost 50 student start-ups last year alone, and it is inspiring to hear how one of our resourceful alumni is demonstrating the real-world skills and aptitudes we try to impart to our graduates.

“We wish Vanessa every success with her appearance on The Apprentice and look forward to hearing more about the progress of her innovative product.”

Season 20 of The Apprentice is on every Thursday at 9pm on BBC 1. 

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