A BUSINESS owner is hoping to hit the ground running after opening her new shop as lockdown measures ease.

Bobby-Jean Gillam, 23, is the owner of the Bobby Bobs Salon in The Centre, off Halstead High Street.

The former Ramsey Academy pupil opened her salon five years ago and became the youngest salon owner in the town at the age of 18.

Now the more experienced business owner is expanding after launching her new ladies -wear shop – Bobby Bobs Boutique.

The new shop, which is located within the salon, officially opened on April 12 as the Government eased Covid restrictions.

The shop sells a range of women’s clothing with sizes ranging from six to 32.

Bobby says she was inspired to open the shop by her recent weight loss.

During lockdown, she managed to lose a whopping three stone in a year.

She said: “I had realised that there is nowhere that offers plus-size clothing at a reasonable price which I’m extremely passionate about.

“During lockdown I decided to invest in my boutique, offering a range of sizes from six to 32.

“This has been completed via social media with three live video events each week.

“The plus-sizes have been very successful there really is a call for it.

“The response has been amazing. I’ve been super busy in lockdown and kept my small business afloat in this pandemic.

“I was inspired by my weight loss really. I knew Halstead has been missing a ladies’ clothes shop that offers styles for the larger ladies.

“I’ve lost three stone in a year. I’ve just got to an age where my health is really important to me and I should look after myself more.

“I have neglected my body while working crazy hours over the years doing hairdressing, never ate, and then binged after work.

“So although I’ve lost weight I’m still really passionate about women feeling fashionable at a reasonable price whatever their size.

“I also feel so protective in my business at this time so I just went into survival mode of what I could do to keep earning money through lockdown.

“Me and my other half are saving for our house. All my customers know this which is so lovely – it’s a personal connection with them.

“They tell me they’ve brought me a brick for my home when they purchase something, which is so amazing.

“I’ve been doing three Facebook lives a week to show new stock and engage with new customers. Now I do a facebook live on my Bobby Bobs VIP group on Facebook every Wednesday at 8pm.”

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