Samantha Sloan (Dolly's Daydreams)
Nominee Profile
Location: Cheshire West and Chester
"Fierce Fashion with Diversity and Equality in Mind"
I was an anxious child who felt deep sadness and empathy whenever I heard about social injustice. Society saw a girl who often daydreamed, stared out the window, and was labeled ditsy, over-sensitive, and useless. "Dolly Daydream" was just one of the many nicknames.
At 15, I ran away from an abusive home, often finding shelter on a sofa or, on bad nights, a bench at the train station. I still showed up to my GCSEs, determined to succeed. I left with nothing but the clothes on my back, and everything I have today, I built through sheer determination.
Later, as a mother of three, I began to understand myself better when my children were diagnosed as neurodivergent. I was also diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. But navigating life has been hard, especially since society has little understanding of neurodivergence. Our son, with complex needs, went without education for years as we fought to meet his needs. This journey has inspired me to campaign for children with SEND, both locally and nationally.
I live with several chronic illnesses, including Fibromyalgia, FND, and C-PTSD, and rely on mobility aids. I’m lucky to have a supportive husband and a fantastic team of neurodivergent staff at Dolly's Daydreams.
The name Dolly's Daydreams felt like the perfect fit—a way to reclaim a phrase that once held me back and turn it into something powerful. Now, it represents the vibrant mind of a neurodivergent person, full of creativity and possibility.
I create Sensory friendly clothing that seeks to raise awareness, break stigmas, spark conversations and brings joy to those wearing them and seeing them. I want to create a community where people feel a sense of belonging.
Diversity is at the heart of everything I do, with a focus on neurodiversity, chronic illness, mental health, LGBTQIA+ Pride, and social justice.
You'll find me at my happiest when l'm trading at Pride Festivals, Neurodiversity events, Alternative markets.
I was an anxious child who felt deep sadness and empathy whenever I heard about social injustice. Society saw a girl who often daydreamed, stared out the window, and was labeled ditsy, over-sensitive, and useless. "Dolly Daydream" was just one of the many nicknames.
At 15, I ran away from an abusive home, often finding shelter on a sofa or, on bad nights, a bench at the train station. I still showed up to my GCSEs, determined to succeed. I left with nothing but the clothes on my back, and everything I have today, I built through sheer determination.
Later, as a mother of three, I began to understand myself better when my children were diagnosed as neurodivergent. I was also diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. But navigating life has been hard, especially since society has little understanding of neurodivergence. Our son, with complex needs, went without education for years as we fought to meet his needs. This journey has inspired me to campaign for children with SEND, both locally and nationally.
I live with several chronic illnesses, including Fibromyalgia, FND, and C-PTSD, and rely on mobility aids. I’m lucky to have a supportive husband and a fantastic team of neurodivergent staff at Dolly's Daydreams.
The name Dolly's Daydreams felt like the perfect fit—a way to reclaim a phrase that once held me back and turn it into something powerful. Now, it represents the vibrant mind of a neurodivergent person, full of creativity and possibility.
I create Sensory friendly clothing that seeks to raise awareness, break stigmas, spark conversations and brings joy to those wearing them and seeing them. I want to create a community where people feel a sense of belonging.
Diversity is at the heart of everything I do, with a focus on neurodiversity, chronic illness, mental health, LGBTQIA+ Pride, and social justice.
You'll find me at my happiest when l'm trading at Pride Festivals, Neurodiversity events, Alternative markets.