Notts Nurtures new creative talent

Helia Sacra is the latest business venture of Kata Kiss, an NTU graduate who has been active in the Nottingham creative scene for several years now. From folky prints to jewel adorned accessories, Kiss can turn her hand to the most dexterous of crafts. We spoke to Kata about establishing her brand, the best inspiration Nottingham has to offer, and how a little help from a friend goes a long way

Her inspiration comes from many sources, most prominent her upbringing in the Eastern Hungarian countryside in Békés county near the Romanian border, and the creativity that runs through generations of her family. Kata says, “as a child I was surrounded by art,” continuing, “my grandma loved to cross stitch, she even made a massive tapestry… featured in a local newspaper.” It is even this flare for creativity that is responsible for bringing Kata’s parents together: her mother in a Hungarian dance troupe, and her father a skilled player of the citera – a Hungarian style of zither. It’s no surprise that being nurtured in an environment brimming with art, Kiss developed not just an interest but an undisputed creative talent.

Religion also plays an important role in the symbolism of Kiss’ work, the mix of Catholicism and Orthodoxy in the region informing her worldview. She remembers going into the Nagyváradi Basilica in Romania, “I immediately started crying because of how beautiful it was.”

It was North Kent college where Kiss first explored her creativity in the UK, before becoming a student at NTU in 2018 to study Costume Design and Making. It was during her studies here that Kiss’ love for her nation’s textiles was rekindled, realising, “it was a part of me that I missed dearly.” While working as a bridal seamstress Kata discovered her love for beadwork, the mother of a bride gifting her the leftover crystals from a bodice, which you can now find on the occasional Helia Sacra piece too! During this period Kata tried other side-hustles to support her studies, but it was always textiles and embroidery that offered the most success.

The real push for Kata came in 2025 when asked by a friend to join her at a market, and it was this that accelerated her enterprising streak, developing a range of lino-cut prints and beaded accessories.

Lily’s invitation to join a market didn’t just help bring Helia Sacra to life, but also helped drive the business partnership they both share now, Velvet and Steel. The pair share a space in Hopkinson’s next to Nottingham train station alongside other small businesses and creators.

Hungary continues to inspire Kiss’ work, symbols from ethnographic decorations can be found in the printed designs; with folklore, a much loved inspiration since childhood, informing embroideries and other designs. The inspiration seems natural to Kiss, who says, “We learn a lot through story telling after all!”

The story for Kata is just beginning, who shares the long term vision for the pair, saying, “We dream of one day having our own shop,” with her training and foundations in fashion coming to play a more prominent part in the near-future. Sustainability is Kiss’ priority for the new ‘REVIVAL” range, offering affordable up-cycled clothing in a range of sizes for all body types. It’s also a tribute to the people Kiss has met in Nottingham, especially the gig scene that has offered community throughout her years here. The collection is for those that, “want to wear more than just a band T-shirt to their weekly socials,” and with a Helia Sacra original you’re bound to be the star of the night.

You can find the Helia Sacra online store here

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