A FORMER St Helens College student returned to her old stamping ground to help inspire students about the importance of an ethical lifestyle after setting up her own business.

Amy-Le Owens, 20, who left the college two years ago after completing an Art & Design B-Tech and subsidiary diploma, created Phoenix Apparel UK alongside her mother, Ann-Marie. The pair design and promote ethical clothing.

After publishing her label’s photo shoots on Facebook, Amy-Le was invited back to the college to speak to students where the photography department did a special shoot.

She stressed the importance of being environmentally and ethically conscious, covering issues such as exploitation of the underpaid, cruelly treated animals, and the effects on our planet.

“The photo shoot went brilliantly, the students were so enthusiastic, both models and photographers, and we got some great shots,” said Amy-Le.

“The talk also had a great response from the students and they were eager to know more, which is always really encouraging and a number of them have already made purchases.

“As vegans, we love to be as ethical as possible, but we found it very difficult to find fashionable, ethical clothes at affordable prices.”