Empowering Neurodiversity Through Pro Bono Support
Self Agency – Neurodiversity Consultants
Empowering Neurodiversity Through Pro Bono Support.
Devon Lowndes proudly relaunched Self Agency, a trailblazing provider of neurodiversity training and consultancy services. Based in Bristol, Self Agency's mission is to shift societal perspectives by transforming labels into lives and helping organisations build cultures where everyone belongs and all differences are celebrated. This remarkable initiative was supported through a comprehensive pro bono project as a prize for winning a prestigious competition by Istoria Group.
Pro Bono Support Included:
Brand Refresh: Revamping the visual identity and brand messaging to resonate with the target audience, designed by Phoenix Wharf.
Web Redesign: Creating an engaging and user-friendly website to enhance online presence, designed by Tiny Spark.
Business Plan: Developing a strategic roadmap to guide the company's growth and operations.
Marketing, PR & Finance Mentoring: Providing expert advice to strengthen marketing strategies, public relations, and financial management.
Free Office Space: Offering a professional workspace for six months at Istoria Group's Bristol Paintworks HQ to support the company’s early development.
This extensive support has equipped Self Agency with the tools and resources necessary to thrive, promoting a world where neurodiversity is celebrated and embraced.
| Client Name | Self Agency |
| Industry | Diversity & Inclusion |
| Territories | Bristol, UK |
| Lead Agency | Istoria Group, Phoenix Wharf Tiny Spark |
| Design Deliverables | Brand Identity Web Design Graphic Design Mentoring |
Background:
Self Agency was able to move to the next level after Devon Lowndes won a competition created by Istoria Group. This initiative, supported by individuals from Babbasa, Black South West Network, and Bristol University who also served on the judging panel, aimed to identify and support a regional, women-led micro business during its formative stages. Istoria Group, a certified B Corporation dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the local economy, houses and mentors nascent enterprises through its Incubator Hub initiative, guiding them through the initial phase of their development journey.
Impact and Vision:
Devon Lowndes, who has ADHD and is dyslexic, started Self Agency with her mother, Hazel, with a clear mission to help organisations embrace neurodiversity. Self Agency offers a range of services including neurodiversity organisational learning and development, creation of neurodiverse and EDI policies, and delivering talks at events and conferences. Commenting on the launch, Devon said, “This experience has taken my business from being an ‘under-the-bunkbed-business’ to having a proper home. It has taken what were passions and ideas into something tangible. As a businesswoman and this being my first venture into entrepreneurship, the journey has been invaluable.”
Devon added, “Next on our to-do list is to take the building blocks we have in place now and further our vision, which is to make Bristol the neurodivergent capital of the UK. Longer term, the ambition is to take our message to the rest of the nation – that every individual brain is an asset. By utilising different environments, we can utilise these assets and make every individual feel like they truly belong.”
Conclusion:
Istoria Group CEO, Sam Rowe, commented, “We have been privileged to support Devon and Self Agency through what can be a fledgling business’s most challenging period. Their drive and passion are infectious, and it is true to say that we have been inspired throughout the process. This is the greatest thing about the Incubator Hub programme – it gives us an amazing opportunity to meet and learn from extremely talented people with fresh ideas that can benefit our region.”
Through the extensive support provided by Istoria Group and its partners, Self Agency is well-positioned to continue its mission of promoting neurodiversity and fostering inclusive cultures in organisations.
For more information, visit Self Agency.
