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

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

The former Ramsey Academy student 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 women’s clothes shop – Bobby Bobs Boutique.

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

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

Bobby-Jean Gillam, 23

Bobby-Jean Gillam, 23

Bobby says she was inspired to open the shop by her recent weight loss. During lockdown, she managed to lose three stones in a year.

She said: “I had realised there is nowhere that offers plus-size clothing at a reasonable price.

“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 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.”

Bobby said she realised the opening for a women’s clothes shop from her own experience.

“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.”