A fashion designer who won the Apprentice in 2018 has launched her own loungewear - and it’s available in an Asda in Sutton.

Fashion designer, BBC star and businesswoman Sian Gabbidon originally began her fashion business creating swimwear.

It wasn’t until the national lockdown, when 29-year-old Sian decided to swerve the swimwear idea and replace it with stylish loungewear.

Her clothing line, Sian Marie, is on sale in all Asda stores across the UK – with one of the biggest outlets selling her styles in the Sutton Superstore.

Your Local Guardian:

Sian told Your Local Guardian: “I made it clear that I wanted to stay put in my hometown, Leeds, but I’m working with professionals across the UK.

“The foundations of the business have been huge, we opened up our clothing for wholesale and branched into retailers including Asda, ASOS, House of Fraser and more.

“More recently we’ve moved into the loungewear sector.”

Sian’s fashion brand is stocked with sustainable, chic loungewear styles- suitable for all ages with desires for customers to feel “confident and powerful”.

Sian added: “We offer cosy tracksuit sets, oversized hoodies, fleece jackets, gilets and much more all in everlasting autumnal colours.

“Our prices range from £22 - £40, with colours including blacks, nudes, sands and greys.

“The sizing starts from XS to XL - but many of our pieces have an oversized finish so can fit bigger sizes.”

Your Local Guardian:

Sian told Your Local Guardian that “the pandemic was very challenging” but due to her “hands on” work ethic, she was able to “plan and adapt”.

Sian explained: “COVID was our biggest challenge so far.

“Such an unexpected and scary situation as a small business owner to find myself in.

“But luckily because I’m very hands on and involved in the day to day running, I was able to plan and adapt.”

Sian’s business move from swimwear to loungewear was due to people being “stuck at home” through the pandemic.

She added: “During COVID, me and the business needed to adapt and change direction as it was a really tough time for swimwear.

“Everyone was stuck at home and needed cosy, chill outfits- so that’s what gave me the idea.”

In 2018, Sian starred in BBC’S show, The Apprentice, where she and 15 other candidates took part in competing for Lord Alan Sugar to invest in their business idea.

She went on to be crowned the winner of the show.

Sian said: “Being on the Apprentice was a lot harder than I had expected it to be.

“Early morning, late nights – it was very draining and tough but also so rewarding.

“You really learn a lot about yourself in the process too.”

Sian said she and Alan Sugar still keep in regular contact.

She added: “We still speak regularly on the phone or on zoom calls to discuss what’s going on in the business.”

Sian and her clothing business have “lots to look forward to” in the next year.

She explained: “We have lots coming up in the new year.

“Our SS22 range is in production, and we are now ready to shoot the range and work on the full marketing campaign around the launch next year.

“Whilst also being in conversation with numerous new retailers on stocking our brand.”

Sian’s clothing line is available to buy in Asda Sutton today- or at Sianmarie.com