OUR MISSION
At S.H.A.C.E., we empower diverse and underrepresented creatives through hands-on, hybrid learning in costume design, fashion, digital art, marketing, creative direction, and carnival arts, equipping them with sustainable design skills, industry mentorship, and real-world opportunities to launch thriving, inclusive creative careers.​
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Melissa Simon-Hartman is a London-born artist, costume and fashion designer whose work reflects her proud Trinidadian and Ghanaian heritage. With over 15 years’ experience delivering specialised creative training, she leads masterclasses in sustainable costume design and innovative textile-manipulation techniques, guiding participants to transform scrap fabric and recycled waste into luxurious, high-end finishes.
As founder of S.H.A.C.E. (Simon-Hartman Academy of Creative Excellence) and resident artist at the UK Centre of Carnival Arts (UKCCA), Melissa delivers engaging private workshops, and vibrant community workshops for all ages, from schoolchildren to industry professionals. She’s also created bespoke carnival costume experiences for corporate and private events, offering an inclusive space for self-expression through art.
Her designs have featured on some of the world’s biggest stages: contributing to Beyoncé’s film, 'Black Is King' and 'Renaissance' visual albums; styling Doja Cat in the 'Woman' video; and crafting Afro-futuristic pieces for Ne-Yo’s character in Starz’s Step Up series. Her statement costumes appear in music videos by Little Mix, Stefflon Don, and WizKid ft. Burna Boy, and have been showcased in Harper’s Bazaar, The Cut, and GQ. During Carnival Season 2020, her work lit up Piccadilly Circus on a Samsung UK billboard.
Melissa’s theatrical credentials include her debut costume design for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2022 Much Ado About Nothing, the 2023 revival of Once on This Island at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and Legends of Them at Brixton House & the Royal Court Theatre.
She has delivered talks and workshops at schools and prestigious institutions, including:
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The Natural History Museum
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Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
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Reading College
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The YAA Centre
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UK Centre of Carnival Arts (UKCCA)
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Ferrars Academy
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Chancery Primary Academy
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Barnfield College
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New Carnival (Isle of Wight)
Born and raised in Kilburn, Melissa honed her craft in the Notting Hill Carnival mas camps before earning her degree in theatrical costume from London College of Fashion. In 2009 she launched Simon-Hartman London, first focusing on statement footwear and accessories, then shifting to high-end theatrical and carnival-inspired costumes.
Today, her focus is on expanding S.H.A.C.E, offering hybrid courses in fashion, digital art, marketing, creative direction, and Carnival arts, and creating pathways for emerging talents to participate in international commissions and commercial collaborations under the
Simon-Hartman London brand.
MEET THE TEAM
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MELISSA SIMON-HARTMAN
At the heart of S.H.A.C.E., Melissa shapes our curriculum with her signature blend of craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation.
As the driving force behind our Costume Design, Carnival Arts, AI-Driven Fashion Technology, and Fabric Manipulation courses, she brings real-world experience, from high-profile music videos to Shakespearean stages, into every lesson.
Melissa’s hands-on and online mentorship ensures each student learns sustainable techniques and advanced digital tools, preparing them to lead the next generation of creative excellence.
VAL JUMA
Val Juma is a Zimbabwe-born, London-based photographer and visual artist whose Nikon Z6ii has taken him across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, capturing striking Afrofuturist, tribal, and Afro-fantasy imagery.
He’s documented community initiatives in Senegal to raise awareness of critical issues and creates compelling self-portraits that explore identity. His work has appeared on theatre stages, in international publications, and across leading social platforms.
Val will also lead our Photoshoot Perfection: Live Creative Direction Masterclass, sharing his on-set expertise to help you achieve your best shots.
Stay tuned as we introduce more of our amazing mentors and course release dates!
REMEAISE IRISH-DOWNES
Remeaise Irish-Downes discovered her love for fashion at age three, inspired by her seamstress mother. By twelve, she was designing her own dresses, and later earned a Distinction-level A-Level City & Guilds qualification at London College of Fashion.
She launched her career at Courtaulds Apparel Design, creating samples for retailers like Marks & Spencer, and has since amassed over forty years’ expertise in manufacturing, pattern cutting, and textiles for both commercial and boutique clients.
In 2017, she founded the Eco Fashion Show project, teaching sewing and pattern-cutting skills to unemployed individuals while championing sustainable practices.
Our Core Values
Putting principles into practice
SUSTAINABILITY
We champion eco-friendly practices and upcycling, teaching creatives to transform waste into wearable art.
INCLUSIVITY
We foster a welcoming environment where diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are celebrated and supported.
EXCELLENCE
We uphold the highest standards in craftsmanship, innovation, and professional development.
CREATIVITY
We encourage bold experimentation and original thinking, pushing boundaries in fashion, costume, and digital art.
COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP
We build strong networks through hands-on learning and one-on-one guidance, ensuring every student has the support to thrive.