A MUM of two from Menston has started a new business after being inspired and supported by other local businesswomen from the village.

It has enabled her to follow in the retail footsteps of her grandfather and bring to life an aspiration she’s had since she was five years old.

Olivia Jones, 33, born and bred in Menston launched The Happy Place Gift Company last week, to bring the village a ‘local gift shop’ - something residents have not had access to for many years. Whilst it is an online store, by offering a click and collect option, and a school run delivery, Olivia hopes to provide a ‘local’ service to her neighbours, particularly busy mums.

A key message of the business is around bringing colour and fun to people’s lives, and Olivia is highlighting this with her support of World Alzheimers Month throughout September, when 25 per cent of sales from all notebooks will be donated to the Alzheimer's Society charity.

Olivia said: “What we’re all about is bringing colour and fun into people’s lives and fun gifts to brighten your day. I’m a huge believer in the power of gifts, and the impact it can have on those receiving something, however small. Little gestures can mean a lot to someone so let’s spread a bit of joy!”

She added: “We all know someone affected by Alzheimer's and know that their lives are very much lacking in colour so I hope that in supporting this charity we can also make giving a gift even more significant and hope to make a difference in however small a way.”

Olivia, a member of The Hive, a Menston based women in business support group credits her peers for helping her to achieve her dream of becoming a retailer. She said: “When I’ve dreamt of this before it remained just a dream, but over the last few months I’ve thrived off being surrounded by such strong positive women who are all achieving great things on my doorstep, and it made me realise I can do this!

“I have always dreamt of owning a shop, I am the type of person who loves Christmas for the giving, making people smile with gifts makes me really happy, so being able to channel this in a business is amazing, and if I can also help others less fortunate along the way then I certainly will!”

Attracting the likes of popular brand Sass & Belle, who have stores in London and Brighton, Olivia is excited to bring a variety of giftware to Menston.

Olivia is supporting British companies including independent illustrator Jane Katherine Houghton Designs whom she discovered by The Great British Exchange in Harrogate.

Other brands include Old English Company who will be providing www.thehappyplacegiftco.co.uk with mugs, notebooks and cards and Alphabet Bags.

The Happy Place Gift Company will be running a number of other local initiatives over the coming months, working alongside other local businesses and charities. To follow their story visit facebook.com/thpgiftco and www.instagram.com/thpgiftco