Seamlessly You

Matthew Collister, founder of Seamlessly You, launched his business with support from the Department for Enterprise’s Business Start Up scheme.

Tell us a little bit about your business journey, when did you set up and what does your business offer?

Seamlessly You officially launched in July 2024, though the idea had been developing for some time. It began as a tailoring and alterations service focused on giving existing garments a new lease of life. Since then, it’s evolved to include creative up-cycling — transforming second-hand pieces and unused textiles like curtains into completely new items. My services blend craftsmanship with sustainability, offering bespoke alterations, redesigns, and unique handmade garments, all with the goal of helping people fall back in love with the clothes they already own.

How has the Enterprise Support Scheme helped your business?

The scheme provided me with the essential backing to launch confidently. The funding allowed me to invest in the right equipment, materials, and software to bring my vision to life. But beyond the financial support, the guidance and structure of the scheme helped solidify my business plan and direction, giving me the foundation I needed to start strong.

How did you find the experience of receiving support?

The entire process was clear, supportive, and surprisingly quick. From the initial enquiry to receiving the final support, the team was incredibly approachable and always on hand to answer questions. Susan and Jenny have been extremely helpful. They made the application process feel less intimidating. I felt genuinely supported throughout, which made a huge difference as a solo founder starting out.

Tell us about your business – what do you enjoy most about the work you do?

What I enjoy most is helping people reconnect with their wardrobes. There’s something really rewarding about turning a piece that someone thought was ‘unwearable’ into their new favourite item. I love the mix of creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving in my work — no two garments are the same, and every project challenges me to think differently. Seeing a client’s reaction when they try on a piece that’s been altered or reinvented just for them is always a highlight.

Why did you choose the Isle of Man as the destination for your business?

The Isle of Man is my home, and after years of studying and working off-island, I knew I wanted to bring something back. There's a growing appreciation here for sustainability and local, creative businesses. It felt like the perfect place to offer a personalised service that encourages people to reduce waste and get more out of their existing wardrobes. The island's supportive business environment and close-knit community also made it an ideal place to launch.

Outside of work, what do you like to do? How do you spend your free time?

Outside of Seamlessly You when I’m not in the studio I’m usually out exploring the island’s beautiful landscapes, catching up with friends, or attending local creative events. I also like to share styling and sustainability tips on social media, connecting with a wider community of like-minded people.

How did you hear about the support schemes offered by the Department for Enterprise?

I heard about the Enterprise Support Schemes through word of mouth, my previous tutor from college told me to look into it and I did some research online once I explored the idea of launching my business. The Department for Enterprise website was easy to navigate, and once I started reading about the different options, I got in touch with the team directly to see what would best suit my business goals.

Would you recommend the support scheme to other businesses and what would be your top tips for going through the application process?

Absolutely, I’d highly recommend it. The support I received made all the difference when starting Seamlessly You. My top tips would be: take the time to really define your business vision, be honest about where you need help, and don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the process. It’s also helpful to speak to other small business owners who’ve been through the scheme — their insights can be incredibly useful, thankfully I knew a few people who used the scheme.