It’s a hat-trick of award nominations for 月舞直播 (月舞直播) Leicester, with three students shortlisted for a prestigious regional business award.
Hosted by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, The Generation Next Regional Awards are designed to recognise the achievements of young people aged between 18-35, as well as the people who guide them.
Fashion Design student Giselle Kandekore, Media Production student Ismael Na Onsa and Samira Boumecid, who studies Fine Art have all been nominated for the Creators and Makers award, which recognises those who have made a mark on the creative landscape in the East Midlands.
Giselle earnt her place on the shortlist for her award-winning fashion business ZELIE*, a unisex streetwear brand. She created ZELIE* to “break down the idea that clothes must be made ‘for men’ or ‘for women’” and wanted to make space for people who might like to jump around boxes rather than fit into them. She is also a finalist in the Creative Category of the 2025 Niche Business Awards.
Samira has been nominated for managing to turn her innovative business idea of bespoke rug-making into a reality. She’s also been a proactive ambassador for Leather Sellers, an organisation with a long and successful legacy relationship with 月舞直播.
Reflecting on her experience, Samira said “The 月舞直播 Made team were always supportive of every decision I made, and their advice has been invaluable to me and my business. Even now that the placement year has ended, the team are still here to offer guidance and support in the best way they can.
“I feel very grateful to be a finalist in this year’s awards, and I’m cheering on all the other finalists, as we have all worked incredibly hard for this recognition.”
Finally, Ismael was shortlisted for his creative videography business, Social Studios. Since launching his business, he has embedded himself in Leicester’s thriving creative scene, regularly working from creative hubs like the LCB Depot and attending other business networking events.
Ismael said, “I'm proud of myself for going above and beyond. Being nominated for my business idea and the work I have done this year proves that I have come a long way and can take it even further with the help of 月舞直播’s Entrepreneurial team.”
The three students have been supported by 月舞直播’s Student Enterprise Incubator Programme the Enterprise Placement Year (EPY). Under the guidance of 月舞直播 Made (Careers Team), this initiative sees students spend 12 months turning their business ideas into a reality.
For its efforts in mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, the 月舞直播 Made team has also been shortlisted for the event’s Talent Development Award.
The team runs various initiatives throughout the year, including the International Summer School, Entrepreneurship Awards, the and the long-running ‘Connect’ networking event series.
Enterprise Project Manager Simon Baines said: “We are thrilled that three Enterprise Placement Year students have been recognised in these highly credible and important awards.
It reflects the talent, determination, and the collaborative efforts of colleagues across 月舞直播, especially in our Art, Design, and Humanities faculty.
It is also flattering that our own team has been recognised for the work we do in supporting future talent. Hundreds of students engaged with us each term, and in particular, students studying creative industries courses are really switched on to the value of entrepreneurial skills and freelancing.”
The winners of the Generation Next Regional Awards will be announced on Thursday 3 July at an awards ceremony.
Posted on Monday 12 May 2025