Iona Barker

Before she could read or write, Iona Barker could sew.

It was a hobby which soothed her as a child, and one which she carried into her adult life to become a skilled costume designer and a trailblazing advocate for creative therapy.

Although Iona had always imagined herself attending art school, her parents encouraged her to take the academic route – a decision which paid off in the long run.

Iona decided to enrol at Glasgow Caledonian University and study BA (Hons) Fashion Business to pursue a career in costume design with a qualification behind her, with dreams of becoming a fashion designer.

Despite her initial reservations, the perks of University life and the fashion industry knowledge offered at GCU won her over. “The prospect of studying and living in Glasgow was very attractive to me, as I came from a rural part of Scotland and Glasgow seemed like my kind of place.”

“GCU is a place where you can always find like-minded people from all walks of life, and the place to grow”.

After graduating in 2007, Iona moved down to London to look for work, but an absence of paid opportunities soon forced her to move back up North.

“The irony is that it took me years to get a job in my field and I ended up starting my own business because by the time I graduated, there were very few opportunities to work in fashion in Scotland. I moved to London in 2009, two years after I graduated, and had to move back to Glasgow because the only jobs available to me were unpaid internships.

“I experienced burn-out and mental health challenges. I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism a few years ago, so I took time off. During that time in late 2009, I did some counselling training and set up a creative therapy business. I did that for 10 years, as well as working as the local seamstress for the Hydro and major music venues across Scotland until 2023.”

The much-needed rest allowed Iona to transform her love for needlework into a powerful tool for mental well-being.

As the founder of Say It Ain't Sew, she revitalised hand-sewing across Scotland from 2010-2019, offering free workshops that fostered creativity, social connection, and cognitive improvement.

Yet it's in her role as a seasoned life coach that Iona now shines.

Iona works as an independent counsellor and coach, and with over a decade of experience, she offers one-on-one sessions guiding clients to discover self-confidence, manage chronic stress, and understand what it means to be neurodivergent.

Reflecting on her whirlwind career journey, she has advice to offer to students who are interested in costume design:

“I was often told that I wouldn't be accepted in the costume/wardrobe industry because I studied fashion. So I set up on my own and did it anyway. You can always find a way even if you don't know how you're going to do it. The fun is in the learning and the trying.

“When you make mistakes and fail, take time out to look after yourself, have fun, and remember why you're doing it. Give yourself patience, time, compassion, and lots of breaks. The world doesn't work the same way as it used to.

“You CAN do things at your own pace. Especially in the fashion industry. Everyone deserves respect and kindness no matter what.”

Iona’s book “Upgrade Your Self Confidence”, which she launched in March 2024, is available to buy.