Ursula goes from classroom dream to fashion label

Now, at just 18, she’s studying for a Bachelor of Fashion at university while running her handmade fashion label, Lady Lili, creating glamorous, custom pieces inspired by Old Hollywood.

Her head start in the industry came through TAFE Queensland’s TAFE at School program, where she built practical industry skills while in high school.

Ursula’s fashion journey began in Grade 7 with a 10-week project to design and sew a laptop case.

“Sewing was a niche elective at my school, and there weren’t enough students in my year to run a class,” Ursula explained.

Refusing to let that stall her ambitions, she joined fashion excursions with older students and sought hands-on experience before graduation.

"I wanted to pursue fashion studies, but I did not want to wait three years to graduate high school to be able to gain experience. Luckily, I could still join fashion excursions with other year levels."

In Grade 10, Ursula enrolled in TAFE Queensland’s TAFE at School program, studying the Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology (MST20722) at TAFE Queensland’s Mooloolaba campus.

She then progressed to the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology (MST31022) at TAFE Queensland South Bank.

The biggest advantage of the TAFE at School program, she said, was the hands-on approach in an adult learning environment.

"I loved the TAFE at School focus on hands-on learning, teaching students the practical skills behind the designs, which are crucial for a career in fashion design."

During her TAFE at School studies, Ursula's teachers introduced her to a new side of fashion: millinery.

"I learnt to make a range of hats and headpieces, which I enjoyed because I was building new skills within a different side of fashion that I could use in my university graduation collection."

Her training also built strong skills in garment construction, pattern making and fabric selection - knowledge she uses in every Lady Lili design.

"Every time I design something new, I use the knowledge, skills and confidence that TAFE Queensland’s practical training taught me."

Her Certificate III went beyond technical skills, showing her how to turn her designs into viable products.

For her final assessment, Ursula designed and made pieces to sell in a pop-up shop. This project taught her about targeting customers, pricing, supply and demand, and the commercial realities of bringing products to market.

"The pop-up shop experience gave me real-world insights into more than just fashion design but business as well – and that proved invaluable.”

So, when she launched Lady Lili at 18, Ursula already had the skills, knowledge, confidence, designs, materials and a clear understanding of her customers.

"The entirety of my studies, and in particular the pop-up shop assessment, gave me a great foundation and a good starting point, as I was able to use the same materials and my best-selling designs to launch my brand, Lady Lili."

Inspired by vintage glamour and Old Hollywood sophistication, Lady Lili is designed to make people feel extraordinary.

Featuring handmade custom pieces for different shapes and sizes, the designs help customers feel elegant and luxurious.

Key to the unique garments is Ursula’s design process, which complements her technical knowledge and fashion skills.

"My brain never stops, and with most of my designs coming to me in my sleep, I literally bring my dreams to reality," she said.

When inspiration strikes, she sketches quickly, then moves on to patternmaking and sample creation, making and refining the first sample in her own size before adapting the finished design for customers.

After completing her TAFE Queensland studies, Ursula progressed to university, where her practical fashion skills gave her an immediate advantage as students began designing and making garments independently.

"Having prior knowledge of sewing and construction definitely made the process less stressful and my designs more effective."

Together, TAFE Queensland’s practical training and university study have built a strong foundation for Ursula’s career - but balancing full-time study with a growing label is demanding.

"I think I have definitely grown to appreciate time to myself. When you own a business and study full-time, there is not a lot of time you get to relax."

Even so, Ursula feels fortunate to have found a career she loves that doesn’t feel like work and brings joy to her customers.

"Hearing the positive words from my customers while seeing how my designs make them feel has always been so rewarding."

Training for her career from a young age, she believes, is also one of her greatest advantages.

"Being young and knowing what I wanted has been so valuable. With TAFE’s training, I’ve been able to spend more time learning and pursuing something I love,” she said.

Ursula’s ambitions for Lady Lili extend far beyond its current collection, and her love for runway shows has led her to plan to pursue more opportunities to showcase her work.

Her goal is to make Lady Lili a recognised label across Australia - and, one day, the world, with dreams of also opening a store on the horizon.

For school students considering a creative TAFE at School qualification, Ursula’s message is clear: practical skills matter.

"TAFE teaches practical, hands-on, lifelong skills that you might not learn at a theory-based university.”

“Fashion designers also need to understand the logistics behind how something is made, just as they need to know how to sketch a garment."

If Ursula could return to her first day of study at TAFE Queensland, she’d give her younger self simple advice:

“No dream is too big when you’re willing to work hard, stay committed and surround yourself with the right teachers and environment,” Ursula concluded.