Case Study

Shadi’s colourful new life

13 Feb. 2026

Fine artist Shadi Shokoohi wants her paintings to speak beyond words. The emotive, swirling compositions offer a glimpse into the huge life upheavals she has faced, arriving in the UK from Iran in 2022 with no family or friends, limited English, and her possessions in a single suitcase. Yet far from being downcast, her vibrant paintings reflect the positivity and resilience Shadi has shown, working with Ingeus and partner Momentic, to restart her fine arts career from scratch.

Shadi, originally from Tehran, is a graduate of the prestigious Accademia delle Belle Arti di Firenze in Italy, where she lived for eight years before establishing her own teaching gallery back in Iran. She shared her knowledge and lifelong love of painting as an art instructor for 15 years before political unrest forced a drastic change. Speaking only Farsi and Italian, Shadi arrived in the UK four years ago, eventually settling in Coventry. She attended college for a year to learn English, undertook vocational courses, and attended Erdington Jobcentre to find work. Her subsequent referral to the Restart Scheme, delivered by Ingeus on behalf of Serco in the Central West Midlands, proved to be a turning point.

“My Restart Advisor Shamone is such a lovely lady, she helped me so much,” says Shadi, who is 46 and now speaks almost fluent English. “I was still learning the language, no one knew me as an artist here, and I had none of my art collections. She gave me the confidence and practical help to start again.”

The Restart Scheme supports unemployed jobseekers to find work – including self-employment. Recognising Shadi’s undisputed artistic talent, Shamone arranged for her to be provided with a laptop, website domain name, email address, and funding for a social media course. Shadi wasted no time building her website and online followers – now approaching 30,000. Shamone also arranged for self-employment specialist Tim, from Momentic, to tutor Shadi in the essential steps of setting up a business correctly.

Shadi joined the Momentic programme in February 2025, developing her costed business plan and successfully applying for a start-up loan to buy art equipment and professionally exhibit her work. Tim also ensured all registration and taxation regulations were adhered to. 

“I am so grateful for all the help I received from Shamone and Tim,” adds Shadi, who now sells her artwork online and through prestigious UK and US galleries. “Starting from nothing, I have been able to build up new art collections here. The UK is a beautiful country; it has inspired me greatly.”

“Despite the difficulties I have faced, my art is a celebration of life – the nature and beauty that surrounds us. Once I am established, I want to set up an art charity to help people with mental health issues. I want to teach again and give something back to the place that has helped me so much.”

Experience Shadi’s colourful world of art.