Local Stories: Feras Al-Moubayed

Feras Al-Moubayed talks to us about his business raising awareness for injustices deaf people face.

How would you describe your business in one sentence?

My business aims to remove barriers and making the world more inclusive by building a bridge between the deaf and hearing communities.

When did you launch and who is behind it?

I launched the business in 2019, many business acquaintances, as well as friends encouraged me to set up Deaf Accessibility, as every day I see the injustices that deaf people face.

When did your lightbulb moment happen?

I cannot say there was a lightbulb moment as such, it was more something that had always been simmering away but finally reached boiling point having realised access and inclusivity for deaf people had made little to no progress.

What did you do prior to starting your business?

I was a successful fashion designer for over twenty years, working for big companies such as Giorgio Armani, Harrods, Jaeger, DKNY and Saville Row.

What would you say were the most challenging aspects of setting up the business?

Difficulties in contacting schools, often met with a lack of interest or knowledge concerning the benefits of Deaf Awareness and BSL. Mainstream schools not having the budget for extracurricular subjects
No interpreters if I needed to go to bank or talk to Companies House
Personal budget to expand my business, every penny I earn goes back into the business

The smartest career decision you made…

Attending a course at City Lit London, to gain qualification to deliver British Sign Language (BSL). Also, realising that state schools do not have the budget for extra curriculum, I focussed on private schools which has opened doors.

The most difficult lesson you learnt

I cannot rely on others but at the same time I am aware that I cannot do everything myself. It is hard to learn that some people are just not willing to make any small adjustments for the deaf community.

The best career advice you received…

My parents always said that if I face any barriers then find another way. This has stuck with me.

What type of support have you received since starting your business?

I received a lot of support from my local MP Sarah Olney. Also, various staff from schools such as Sutton High School GDST, Knightsbridge School, Falcons schools for Girls and Hilden Grange. My regular interpreters who have got to know my business well, they support with phone calls and correspondence and advice on the best way to communicate with potential clients.

What type of support (if any) have you received from the Council in relation to your business?

Recently, I was fortunate enough to have contact with Helen Roberts from Zenith Enterprise Programme and I hope support from this community will make a difference, so thank you!

What do you think residents can do to support their local businesses?

Eat, shop, and invest locally.

If you had the opportunity to do it all again, what would you do differently?

Find out a specific contact, in my case it has been useful to have a referral or a name of Head Teachers. In the beginning I wasted many hours emailing schools or academies with no response.

Top three tips you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs/launching a business

Don’t give up and be patient, know the right people to reach out to
Do your homework first
Don’t be afraid to go back and study if you need to

Finish this sentence: I like being based in Richmond because…

It has the perfect transport links so I can travel around London and other parts of the UK.

How can people find you?

Any local business needing Deaf Awareness training please contact me.