TikTok seller uses grant to open first shop

A mum of three who previously sold goods via social media has opened her first permanent shop after receiving a council grant.

Karissa Hughes from Madeley, Telford, started the Bouji Store in 2017, using TikTok to help grow the business.

The 31-year-old said receiving a Pride in Our High Street start-up grant was the perfect push she needed to help open the unit on Crown Street in Wellington.

Ms Hughes said, despite having a few pop-up stores in the past, she hadn't considered taking on a shop until a friend suggested the Telford and Wrekin Council grant.

The authority said the grant given to Ms Hughes is one of a number available to businesses through the programme.

Council leader Lee Carter said the council was pleased to be able to support the business so Ms Hughes could establish herself in Wellington.

"Drawing in more customers from different age groups can definitely benefit the wider Wellington economy by bringing increased footfall to the high street.

"We wish Karissa all the best in her new unit and look forward to seeing the business grow further."

Wellington's newest shopkeeper said she'd always wanted to open her own shop but that she hadn't considered it until the empty pink unit caught her eye.

"I did a little bit of research, rang the estate agents and within an hour I was in the shop looking round."

When she found out she'd received the grant, Karissa says she was ready to get stuck in straight away and that she was excited to get see customers in person.

"I didn't want to just be online, I wanted to have that customer interaction... Wellington I feel like is quite edgy, in a good way, and I think of the high streets around, this is definitely the best one."

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