Pontnewynydd mums kick-start business in Pontypool Market (From South Wales Argus)

Pontnewynydd mums kick-start business in Pontypool Market

4:20pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

TWO young entrepreneurs have kick-started their first business in Pontypool Market.

Sarah Hillier, 26, moved back to Pontnewynydd at the end of last year after a brief spell in Essex.

She said: “I moved away with my partner, and I took work as a cleaner, but after he was made redundant, we moved back and my dad suggested getting a business grant.

“In December The Prince’s Trust called to say they would give me a £250 grant.”

She was going to start a food van but noticed there were already some in the area.

She said: “My daughter Michaela gave me the business idea. She loves Build- A-Bear, but was disappointed that there wasn’t one in Pontypool.”

She found a company in the USA who could supply her.

At Ms Hillier’s stall children can choose their bear before bringing it to life by inserting a heart.

She said: “I aimed to only stay in the market one week to sell my initial stock, but it was so successful I decided to stay.”

Single mum Scarlett- Louise Lane, 26, also started her stall in the run-up to Christmas, after attending a coffee morning where she was inspired by a lady who created bracelets.

She created her own and approached Pontypool Market.

Miss Lane, from Trevethin, originally made 300 bracelets, but after selling out in her first few weeks, she restocked, as well as branching out into making other things.