Meet the Glasgow graduates with thriving businesses
September is the start of a new life chapter for many. I spoke with some pioneering recent graduates to find out how they had leveraged their studies to create exciting career opportunities. By Elena Taggart.
A Style Do-Over
I spoke with Malcolm Weir, who founded Generation Mulligan in his second year of a geography degree at Glasgow University. Malcolm chose to study in Glasgow for a number of reasons, but he felt there was a ‘cultural pull from Glasgow. It felt like there were cooler things going on and it was more culturally activated in the streetwear and skatewear.’
His successful online store specialises in vintage golf apparel, but why golf? Although not a fashion student, Malcolm had always had a keen eye for fashion and style.
‘I played golf since I was a kid but I always had this massive barrier, despite loving the sport I didn’t want to go out in golf clothes. I remember vividly my grandad and parents getting me into golf, there’d always be an argument before we went out to play because I didn’t want to wear the trousers and polo shirt. That aversion has stuck with me.’
Malcolm felt the common perception was that golf was an ‘old man’s sport’ and that the golfing fashion really compounded that. ‘The “brand” of golf was just so detrimental to the sport. When I really got into vintage fashion at university, I realised there was a huge opportunity to take this into golf.
‘The vintage market fits well to students, it’s affordable and the recirculation of styles from 20 years ago is a huge thing for young adults. People trying to find their own style. I felt there was a real disconnect between vintage shops selling whatever had popped in with the donations and calling it vintage, versus the kind of curated vintage collection I wanted.’ Which led Malcolm to resort to searching for coveted collectable pieces or ‘diamonds in the rough’ as he called them, online.
Like many successful entrepreneurs Malcolm’s idea started organically. He picked up vintage pieces for himself that his new golf buddies at uni would admire. ‘I realised I could start selling vintage to them. From there I was excited to create a brand around it.’ And so Generation Mulligan was born. The brand name draws on a golfing phrase where a player is allowed a friendly ‘do-over’. This reflects the brand’s mission of giving new life to vintage pieces.
Having started Generation Mulligan, Malcolm felt he was out of his depth pretty quickly. ‘I realised I didn’t have any knowledge of basic bookkeeping or accounting, I knew how I wanted to market and sell the clothes but there were lots of technical elements I didn’t understand.’ So he went to the university Student Enterprise Team for support. ‘I’d really like to get the name out there about them and what they’re up to. I didn’t realise it was there until I looked for it and they were a great support.’
The success and promise of his start up was recognised when Malcolm won Champion Student Startup at Glasgow University’s prestigious ‘People and Excellence: Celebrating Achievements in Knowledge Exchange and Innovation 2026 Awards’.
‘Since winning the award people have started to reach out, it has brought me awareness which is great. It has really helped me develop my personal network and get my name out there. Ultimately it is all about who you are connected with. I would encourage others to try a side hustle while at uni, rather than the traditional student job in a bar or coffee shop. I liked not having to be tied down by the structure of a job, so I would get the message out there that this is really something anyone can do.’
Costumes for the Commonwealth
I spoke with Adelle Clarke who studied costume design for stage and screen at Glasgow Kelvin College. Adelle and her classmates loved the course so much they petitioned the college to extend it from one to two years to HND level. ‘The course was incredibly full on, so demanding and challenging, but also so much fun. There is so much work in researching, designing and creating concepts for costumes, the most rewarding part was seeing my designs come to life.’
Leveraging her skills Adelle was thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Bafta winning costume designer Carol Miller, designing and creating costumes for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
‘Going from college straight into costume designing for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games was just incredible. It has been fantastic for my network and career.’
Adelle worked on costumes for dancers and unicorns to dazzle in the opening ceremony. ‘It was such long hours making sure everything was ready to schedule, alterations, changes, more alterations. But the experience was worth it. Seeing costumes I had worked on being used in a worldwide event.’ Adelle is working on landing new projects over the coming months and is looking forward to leveraging her on screen connections.
Bags of Style
As a vintage luxury fan, I was incredibly excited to talk with Jessie Lloyd. Jessie founded her brand ELViVi. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Jessie has always been interested in both fashion and art. So she combined her passion into a business, curating collections of luxury vintage bags and also as an authentication and valuation expert.
‘I grew up travelling around the UK with my dad, selling antiques at fairs, so I was surrounded by art, antiques and interesting objects from a really young age. Our house was full of antiques and collectables, and I think that’s where my appreciation for craftsmanship and design began. I’ve always been drawn to the unique, anything with a story or something that catches my eye.’
Fashion was always central to the whole family, Jessie’s dad collects vintage clothing, in particular vintage flying jackets so she attributes this to her love of pieces that have real history and character. ‘Fashion has always been another form of art, one that people can wear, collect and enjoy every day.’
Why study in Glasgow? ‘I’d never been to Scotland before, but I came up for my GSA interview and completely fell in love. I love things that are a little different and have a story, and Glasgow just clicked with me. Moving to a new city and meeting people from so many different backgrounds was probably my favourite part of uni life. I loved the creativity of Glasgow. It’s charming grit, the vintage shops, galleries, pubs and food scene and, of course, far too much beer. It didn’t take long before it felt like home.’
Jessie credits her degree with giving her the confidence to believe she could start her own brand. ‘My degree made me think more critically and creatively, but more than anything, it helped me trust myself. So much of what I learned has naturally found its way into my business. The way I curate collections and direct photoshoots which tells the story of each piece. I don’t think I’d have had the confidence or skills to found ELViVi if I hadn’t studied at GSA.’
After university Jessie built her career in auction houses, specialising in contemporary art, valuations, cataloguing and authenticating luxury goods.
‘My experience in auction houses was essential, and I honestly don’t think I could do what I do today without it. Working for established businesses gave me specialist knowledge, confidence and industry connections. If entrepreneurship is something you’re passionate about, I’d absolutely encourage it, but don’t underestimate the value of learning from others first. Every job teaches you something you’ll take into your own business one day.’
Working in auction houses led Jessie into authentication. ‘I loved learning how to identify genuine pieces and understanding the details that make them special. It’s a bit like detective work. Every stitch, hallmark, serial number and material tells part of the story, and I still find that process just as fascinating today.’ Jessie knew she always wanted to work in a creative industry but she never imagined she would end up specialising in luxury handbags.
I asked Jessie, what advice would you give an undergraduate today who has a business idea? ‘Don’t wait until everything feels perfect because it never will. This is something I still struggle with. Start small, learn as you go and don’t be afraid to ask questions.’
Looking back, Jessie thinks she had the entrepreneur streak. ‘I’ve always been quite independent in the way I think and work, so it makes sense I would start my own business. I knew I didn’t want to work for someone else forever. I wanted to create my own world and build something that reflected my interests and values. ELViVi has given me the opportunity to combine everything I love, from luxury to history. One of my favourite parts of the business is hosting events and masterclasses. I genuinely love bringing people together, building relationships and sharing my knowledge.’
Why ELViVi? ‘ELViVi is actually named after my Maltese Nanna, Elvira, who everyone calls Vivi. I wanted the name to feel personal and meaningful. Because the business is such an extension of me and my own story.’
I asked Jessie, if she had a favourite brand of the ones she is an expert in? ‘That’s a difficult question because I love so many different pieces. The first designer bag I bought for myself was a Fendi Spy Bag from an auction, so vintage Fendi will always be special to me. Louis Vuitton Monogram is probably my go to. It’s the brand I’ve specialised in for years, and I love the history and craftsmanship behind the classic pieces. Vintage Chanel is always a favourite.’ I have to admit the latter is my favourite too!
