Ashington entrepreneur awarded OBE
Kate Dawson has been awarded an OBE for services to business, and is hoping her success will encourage young people to follow their hearts.
Kate, a qualified nursery nurse, started The All-in-One Company because she could not find onesies to fit her three-year-old daughter Lilly to keep her warm at night.
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Hide AdThe company was launched in Ashington in 2008 with some support but amid much scepticism.
However, adults began buying onesies in large numbers for themselves – not their children.
Kate said: “It was all about creating a garment that’s unique to you.
“The success was down to a combination of new technology in the shape of our website – which allowed each customer to design and create their very own bespoke onesie – and the quality of the product.”
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Hide AdEach onesie is hand-made and no customer is turned away, with all sizes catered for – from 0-3 months to 8XL and maternity.
Kate has won awards and her onesies appearing on TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother, The X Factor, Dancing on Ice and Hollyoaks.
Away from the spotlight Kate was able to support causes and people close to her heart, with offcuts given to schools, care homes and hobbyists.
She has also created a Sensory Onesie for children on the autism spectrum, provided blankets for Newcastle’s rough sleepers, sent onesies to Baby Banks around the UK and supported Comic Relief, Macmillan Cancer Support and Oxfam.
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Hide AdDuring the pandemic Kate helped form a Scrub Hub working with other local businesses and Age UK Northumberland to create a group of more than 120 professional and amateur machinists to make desperately needed protective clothing for health workers.
Speaking of her honour, Kate said: “I’m so proud, but still can’t believe it.
“So much has happened in the last 12 years and I’ve had the support of so many wonderful people.
"I started The All-in-One Company to solve a simple problem and I never imagined it would open the door to all of these fantastic experiences and opportunities.
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Hide Ad"Hopefully my story will encourage young people to pursue their dreams as well and to follow their hearts.”
Lilly now works for The All-in-One Company. She has completed her Level 3 apprenticeship in digital marketing and is currently studying towards her Level 4.
For more information about The All-in-One Company visit its website www.the-all-in-one-company.co.uk