Whilst managing her small business, Rosie supports schools and promotes the importance of community giving.
Rosie is the founder of Grounds for Good, which she set up in 2020. The company uses waste coffee grounds to produce items such as candles and gin. She met with Michele Govier, a business engagement adviser, to explore supporting schools.
Michele said: “It was clear from our first meeting that Rosie wanted to support schools and raise awareness of the importance of recycling and giving back to your community.”
An inspiring art project
Rosie and Michele, they planned an art and design project for Rosie to support St Cenydd Community school with. The Wallich also supported the project. The school’s art teacher was keen to work with employers to promote art and design. Pupils taking the GCSE subject were unsure of the career pathway they could follow.
Year 9 and 10 students were given a brief by Rosie and Mike from the Wallich around designing a logo. They were asked to represent “what home means to you”. The employers discussed with students how a design brief is implemented, what’s required and time constraints of designing a logo. This information was focused around the GCSE art syllabus.
Over the six weeks, Rosie and Mike dipped into the art lessons. They also attended the school to judge the final logo designs. Students were asked to present their logos and give a rationale as to why they had chosen their design.
The winner had their design printed onto a tote bag. The bags would be sold at the St Cenydd Christmas fayre where students were tasked with raising funds for The Wallich.
Michele said; “This project enabled students to develop a number of skills to complete the task.
“They really benefited from working with the employers, the experience highlighted the real world of work and developed their skills. As well as their art skills, the pupils also developed time management, working to a brief, supporting health and wellbeing and benefiting the local community.
Further activities
Rosie has gone on to support other activities in schools and has encouraged her wider circle of colleagues to work with us too.
These have included assembly talks, supporting wellbeing sessions (with The Wallich) and judging at a Dragon’s Den event.
Michele said: “Being a sole trader it is difficult to allocate time to a school as well as running your own business. We are extremely lucky to have Rosie on board with us and supporting our schools with innovative ideas.”
Award winner
Careers Wales presented Grounds for Good with a Valued Partner Award in January 2025. They won Most Supportive Small Business.
This award means so much to our small business because it genuinely acknowledges and recognizes our input and accomplishments.
“The event itself has only motivated me more to share my passion, with our future generations, for entrepreneurialism, innovation, sustainability, social good, and above all kindness in business. Diolch Careers Wales and all the students and teachers that have collaborated with us.”
Founder of Grounds for Good, Dr Rosie Oretti
Explore
Supported by Careers Wales you could make a real difference to the lives of young people, whilst benefiting your business.
Find out how we can support you to work with schools to benefit learners and your organisation.
The Valued Partner Awards is a way for Careers Wales to recognise and thank the businesses that have worked with us and been instrumental in supporting schools and young people to engage with the world of work.