Lockdown career change sees Mum launch sweet shop business

An entrepreneurial mum is enjoying the taste of success after opening a sweet shop during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Sophie Brownson

Published 25th Sep 2020, 07:00 BST

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Kirstie White, from Thornley, decided to take the plunge and launch her own business after her idea of making up sweet parcels to raise spirits during lockdown went down a storm with residents.

The former teaching assistant put out a call on Facebook to see if anyone would like a hamper of sweets delivered to loved ones they were unable to see during lockdown.

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'Kirsties Creations' owner Kirstie White started the new business during lockdown.

'Kirsties Creations' owner Kirstie White started the new business during lockdown.

Before long the 32-year-old found her house overrun with hampers and sweets as orders poured in.

Such was its success, that the mum-of-two decided to make it into a full time business called ‘Kirsties Creations’ – opening her own shop on September 12.

Based at 13A The Villas, Thornley, the shop specialises in American and traditional sweets, along with personalised balloons, cards and gifts.

Kirstie, who is mum to Frankie Bownas, 12, and Joel Bownas, eight, also has the help of her own mum, Pam White, in running the shop.

'Kirsties Creations' owner Kirstie White specialises in personalised balloons and sweet hampers featuring American sweets.

'Kirsties Creations' owner Kirstie White specialises in personalised balloons and sweet hampers featuring American sweets.

Kirstie said: "I have worked in care all of my life so this is completely new to me.

“It’s great to be able to put my family first and be my own boss.

"The support I have received has been unreal. I am just over the moon.

“It’s just nice to have something positive [to share] during the pandemic.”

'Kirsties Creations' owner Kirstie White has been delighted by the support she has received for her new business.

'Kirsties Creations' owner Kirstie White has been delighted by the support she has received for her new business.

Kirstie is backing the village’s Halloween Trail 2020 event, asking youngsters to send in spooky pictures for the chance to win a sweet hamper.

The shop is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm.

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