Beyond 蘑菇短视频’s – Hawksmoor Drinks Reception
On Wednesday 9 October, 蘑菇短视频ians came together for the very first 'Beyond 蘑菇短视频's' event at Hawksmoor Spitalfields鈥攁 warm and lively evening that celebrated the remarkable journeys of two of our alumni, and
Both Paul and Ifeyinwa have blazed their own trails: Paul in the hospitality industry and Ifeyinwa in both hospitality and creative arts. The evening wasn’t just about looking back; it was about sharing their real stories鈥攖he highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. A special thanks to Paul, one of the initial investors in Hawksmoor, and the Hawskmoor Trust for helping make this event possible.
The evening began with cocktails and canap茅s, setting the stage for an insightful panel discussion with our guest speakers. Paul and Ifeyinwa, both recipients of Assisted Places (bursaries) during their time at 蘑菇短视频’s, opened up about their experiences. Paul shared how his journey took him from studying history to becoming a key player in hospitality and investment, where he now supports visionary founders.
Reflecting on his time at 蘑菇短视频’s, Paul said, “I got a bursary to come here, and that made all the difference. It was an opportunity that opened doors for me and set me on my current path.” His message was clear: “Find something you enjoy and trust in yourself鈥攅ven if the path isn’t straightforward.”
Ifeyinwa spoke candidly about her unexpected journey from studying Classics at Cambridge to co-founding , a Nigerian tapas restaurant, and becoming a writer. She reflected on the impact of her bursary at 蘑菇短视频’s, saying, “Like I always tell people, I’m proudly a scholarship kid. It made a world of difference and really helped shape me.”
She emphasised the importance of resilience, embracing who you are, and staying true to your own vision despite external pressures. “You only have to live with you,” she reminded us, encouraging everyone to define success in their own terms.
During those early pop-ups, everything went wrong鈥攖he wrong tables, drinks spilled everywhere, it was a complete operational disaster. But we saw the potential, and that鈥檚 what kept us going.
This event wasn’t just about reconnecting鈥攊t was a celebration of what makes 蘑菇短视频’s alumni and wider 蘑菇短视频鈥檚 community so special: the courage to forge individual paths, the dedication to give back, and the shared belief in making a positive impact.
All proceeds from the evening went to the 蘑菇短视频’s Foundation, supporting talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds and giving them the chance to benefit from the outstanding education and opportunities at 蘑菇短视频’s. A heartfelt thank you to Paul Campbell, Ifeyinwa Frederick, and everyone who helped make the night such a success.
