The Big Issue Shop goes to the royal wedding with Studio 306

Pamela Anomneze initially thought her invite to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a prank.

“When I got the call and the letter I thought it was a joke!” explained the 52-year-old.

Pamela has been with Studio 306, a Big Issue Shop supplier, since its humble beginnings in 2009. A project manager, she considers herself to be the “scaffolding” of the community interest company, which specialises in designing high quality ceramics, jewellery, sewing craft and screen printed products.

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Its studio in Haringey, North London, empowers disadvantaged local individuals by offering a creative space for those who are recovering from mental illness. Here they can rediscover forgotten skills, develop new ones and boost their confidence within a working environment.

As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny made from the sale of its products goes back into supporting the project. And it was Pamela’s tireless work with Studio 306 and the local community that saw her nominated by the regional Lord Lieutenant offices to attend the Royals’ May 19 nuptials alongside other community heroes, with the usual roll call of political leaders and high profile pals seemingly snubbed in favour of inspiring Brits instead.

Pamela, originally from Nigeria, said she was very excited for the wedding, and she has enlisted help from her Studio 306 colleagues in choosing the perfect outfit for the big occasion: “I’m representing so many people there, the studio’s collective, social enterprises everywhere, Haringey, The Big Issue Shop. So I need a little help picking something to wear, but I definitely think I’ll be sporting some 306 accessories – it’ll be shining off me on the day.”

When it came to inviting a guest, Pamela’s son Jude, 15, jumped at the chance to “catch a glimpse of the newly-weds.”

Her colleagues and makers at the collective were more than delighted to hear of Pamela’s invitation. “It was a big surprise and it’s a great thing we’re all doing here, so it really is brilliant,” said Elizabeth, one of the makers at the collective.

And we’re equally excited at both The Big Issue and The Big Issue Shop.

Charmaine Crisp, brand development manager for The Big Issue Shop, said: “We’re thrilled that Pamela has been chosen to represent Studio 306 at the Royal Wedding. The collective is an excellent example of the strength and power of social enterprise and the difference they can make.”

Shop the Studio 306 collection at The Big Issue Shop