I am Andrina Peggy Brookes grand daughter of the late Clive & Peggy Brookes who were long time residents of Newton Aycliffe. I am a passionate writer, artist, illustrator, surface pattern designer and I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I have been painting, drawing and writing ideas for childrens’ books, making jewellery, exploring fabric types and sewing occasional wear from a very young age.
When I was young,I was actually colour blind but that did not stop me from art. I was born in London and spent my early years in the outskirts of London Essex. It has not been easy and I did suffer bullying around year one and two, perhaps due to my ethnic minority background. Because of these issues my parents put me into home schooling.
Recently we moved to Newton Aycliffe I had another go to attend school. The experience wasn’t great; I still got bullied and got called ugly names like “greasy Ox” which in the year 2018 my parents could not believe! I did however make a couple of very good friends at school whom I’m still in contact with. I know I am different, but unique, kind and strong.
www.beyourselfgirls.com is a blogging site I just launched where I will share all my life experiences, my art, fashion and beauty tips which I think it will encourage girls to do what they love and accept themselves as who there are. Also, if there are any other girls in the North East who have had similar experiences to mine they are most welcome to say Hi at my site and share ideas.
I am a believer, life should be fun, caring and sharing, unique is all about showing your true colours through you. My parents have given me amazing support and my dad bought my sewing machine when I was 8 years old. One good thing I found in newton Aycliffe was a very kind and ex-professional of all things textiles and sewing. She is currently supporting me and has given me knowledge, skills, confidence and that has encouraged me to launch my fashion business.
My aim is to bring art and colours to life with designs that merge luxury and contemporary African and western designs together. The brand is for anyone that believes in small business, social development, ethical and fair trade. My mum is a Ghanaian and my Dad is British. My art work are all drawn by hand before scanning and editing, there is a lot of care and love that goes into every piece I have made. All my products are made to order, it makes your shopping experience authentic, also telling a story of who you are, buy APB with pride
Shop products at www.apbboutique.com
Visit my blog site www.beyourselfgirls.com
Visit my Art portfolio site andrinapeggybrookes.co.uk
