Belle Amore bridal boutique fulfils Lucy’s dreams

July 30th 2013

Happily, married Lucy Mallam was a hard working teacher and mother who dreamt of opening her own bridal boutique

With a strong idea of the type of boutique she wanted, one specialising in pre-loved designer gowns at affordable prices, Lucy researched local Enterprise Agencies and contacted Five Lamps for advice and guidance to turn her dream into reality.

Lucy, 28 believed that the economic downturn and popularity of the vintage clothing trend removed the stigma of buying second hand clothing, particularly those that carry a designer label. Preferring the phrase pre-loved to second hand Lucy carried out extensive market research in the local area and found that popular opinion agreed with her. Lucy’s research also revealed strong demand for Prom dresses and Wedding Accessories.

Brimming with confidence that her idea would work Lucy attended business workshops and planning meetings with her Five Lamps advisor Deborah Shanley. Armed with enough knowledge on starting and running a successful business and with Deborah’s help Lucy was able to write a business plan strong enough to secure funding for her start-up costs from the Government Start-Up Loan Fund.

Lucy says

“Without help from Five Lamps and the Start Up Loan funding I could never have started Belle Amore” and she loves spending her time “helping people make their special day perfect”.

If you or anyone you know are planning your own special day why not visit Lucy and Belle Amore at 51 Station Road, Billingham, TS23 1AF, 07747513147 or visit the website www.belleamoredresses.co.uk.

Five Lamps is the local delivery partner for Start-Up Loans, a Government backed national initiative aimed at ambitious 18–30 year olds who want to start up their own businesses. For more information visit www.startuploans.co.uk/