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Sophia Walcott of Year 11 has just won the annual Wild Fig Young Entrepreneur Support (YES) Program competition with a unique business idea to upcycle denim jackets into custom one-of-a-kind pieces with personality. Sophia won $1,000 and the chance to pitch her ideas to a local business audience.

Faced with the dilemma of nothing to wear one day, Sophia decided to recycle her old clothes to create something new.

“I spent time looking online at beautiful custom clothing and experimented with using paint to create a brand new look,” said Sophia. “I have a love and passion for drawing and I’ve found this unique medium works well with denim. It's attracted lots of attention out in public.”

The Wild Fig YES Program is open to Central Coast Year 11 business studies students with entrepreneurial flair to test their dreams and business potential. The program was launched as part of Wild Fig Service Alliance's commitment to support local youth and business on the Central Coast.

Sophia was required to develop a business plan and prepare a presentation for the Wild Fig Youth Entrepreneur Support Group.

“My presentation included my business plan, my vision, the legal structure and prospects for the future,” said Sophia. “Out of five of the students that presented, three finalists were selected and I won based on my unique and original idea and the future business potential.”

Sophia plans on spending the prize money on growing and investing in her business.

“In addition to creating custom designed jackets, I’m also looking to mass produce popular designs on to T-shirts. I'd also like to launch my own website.”

Congratulations also to Economic teacher, Ms Bernadette Henry, who received an Award for Excellence from the Wild Fig organisation.