Fran Lee is the founder of The Flourish Group, a not-for-profit organisation that designs for social good transforming community and public spaces. Promoting creativity through hosting creative workshops and distributing free art and craft supplies Flourish’s mission is to build creative legacy in the communities they work in.
A multi-disciplinary creative, Fran has worked across fashion, events, editorial, TV and creative direction, delivering projects of all sizes, from community activations to live broadcasts. In 2022, she was a quarter finalist on Season 3 of the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, and in 2023, she assisted Matthew Williamson in reimagining the Design Kitchen at The Design Museum.
We were delighted to catch up with Fran as part of our ‘March Meets’ series. Fran shared her biggest career challenges, her advice for other female entrepreneurs, and her proudest professional achievement.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome it?
My area of weakness in business in general is my lack of financial understanding and business acumen. By this I mean areas like tax, anything to do with HMRC or Companies House. I find this whole area intimidating, so setting up a business was challenging.
In order to overcome it, I had amazing advice from a business mentor in the local community who offered free support and literally walked me through the process. I also found myself an amazing patient and understanding bookkeeper to keep me on track.
"Don’t fear failing – it’s a part of the process."
What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur starting in the creative space?
Trust your instincts, share your passion and where you have gaps, find the right people to help you – or learn yourself. There are lots of free online tutorials and courses as well as many in-person workshops and initiatives that can be found from a quick Google search or scouring Eventbrite.
Attend everything you can find, accept every invitation, talk to everyone. Don’t be afraid to share your fears and weaknesses because most people will have experienced something similar and will either provide you with a solution or peace of mind that you’re not the only one! Don’t fear failing – it’s a part of the process.
How would you like to see the world of work change for women in the future?
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
"Community spaces should have meaning and be designed with the community, not at them."
I’m really proud of the interior ‘refresh’ that I designed for the café at The Design Museum. Their budget was limited so we needed to make an impact with imagination and care. The install was completed in one evening by my trusted supplier, Coloursonic. By the time we left, the space was transformed.
It goes without saying that I’m also incredibly proud of the work we do at Flourish Group, transforming unloved, utilitarian spaces into colourful hubs that embody the passion and creativity of the communities at the heart of them.
