A WIRRAL student with a passion for fashion is proving that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Tom Gilding, from Heswall, set up clothing brand Zeus Apparel UK earlier this year and hopes his story will inspire more young people to strive towards their goals.

Wirral Globe:
Tom Gilding with some of the Zeus Apparel UK products. Picture by Geoff Davies.

Founded in June, Zeus has come a long way from its beginnings in a workshop with a dream of success.

When 16-year-old Tom first started out, his passion for fashion drove him to carry out intense research into the market and gave him the impetus to turn hard work and inspiration into a booming online store.

Tom, who attends Birkenhead School and will start his A-level studies in September, said: “I am sports mad and love to wear unique clothing, knowing that I am one of a few people on the Wirral to have this item.

“I wanted to create clothing like this but with a focus on quality. Zeus will help me with my ICT and business studies A-levels and eventually my business management degree.”

Zeus - with it's tagline "Unleash your inner God" - offers a wide range of clothing including polo shirts, jackets, backpacks and more. 

Tom said: “We now serve customers all over the UK, Europe and America and are thrilled to be part of the lifestyle and sports wing of the fashion industry.”

Products are finished at Sportsville in Greasby, where Tom has spent much of his summer holidays.

He added: “I see Zeus as much more of a hobby because I work in Pizza Express. However, Zeus will take off and then I hope to bring new products to the market.”

Wirral Globe:
Tom Gilding wearing one of the Zeus Apparel UK t-shirts. Picture by Geoff Davies.

Tom’s success story is one that is sure to inspire others who are looking to achieve something extraordinary.

Asked what his advice to other ambitious youngsters, Tom said: “Nothing is impossible, if you really put your mind to it and work hard then you can do whatever you desire.

“If you have a dream but are unsure whether or not to pursue them, make a plan, set little goals such as, ‘This week I will sell one product’ and then build it up from that.

“Zeus had its hurdles to jump over – the name was one. Finding a name that was catchy and could be used to create a brand was key.

“We went with Zeus Apparel because the name was unique and could spark a conversation.

“The website is another key part of the business, it had to be easy to use and also safe for payments. I would say our website is one of our best assets.”

Tom added: “The company has been a great success since its beginnings in June and we hope by the end of the year we are making sales daily.”

  • Visit zeusapparel.co.uk to see Tom’s clothing.
     
  • Enter “WGLOBE” at the checkout to receive 30% off your order.