Pamela Anomneze initially thought her invite to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a prank.
“When I got the call and the letter I thought it was a joke!” explained the 52-year-old.
Pamela has been with Studio 306, a Big Issue Shop supplier, since its humble beginnings in 2009. A project manager, she considers herself to be the “scaffolding” of the community interest company, which specialises in designing high quality ceramics, jewellery, sewing craft and screen printed products.
Its studio in Haringey, North London, empowers disadvantaged local individuals by offering a creative space for those who are recovering from mental illness. Here they can rediscover forgotten skills, develop new ones and boost their confidence within a working environment.
As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny made from the sale of its products goes back into supporting the project. And it was Pamela’s tireless work with Studio 306 and the local community that saw her nominated by the regional Lord Lieutenant offices to attend the Royals’ May 19 nuptials alongside other community heroes, with the usual roll call of political leaders and high profile pals seemingly snubbed in favour of inspiring Brits instead.