A RETAIL worker who opened her own store after the death of her dad and has overcome the impact of the pandemic is preparing to celebrate an anniversary.

Nikki Hepworth, 55, from Colchester, welcomed shoppers into the Wildflower Style Boutique, in Sir Isaacs Walk, Colchester, for the first time in 2019.

The quaint clothing outlet specialises in “premium clothing and accessories for women who love to break the rules” and also boasts a healthy online customer base.

Nikki launched the business three years ago after growing frustrated with the lack of suitable fashion options on offer for women over 40-years-old.

She said: “I have always loved fashion and experimenting with style but as I got older I found it harder and harder to find anything I liked.

Gazette:

“Mainstream clothing is cheap but it does nothing for women who want a perfect capsule wardrobe that oozes style and quality.”

Nikki was also inspired to pursue her dream following the death of her dad in 2018, which she says she took extremely hard.

“I had a total meltdown about my life in general but then used my inheritance to open the shop,” she added.

“It is something he always wanted me to do because I’ve always worked in retail and always been passionate about styling women to look their best and feel confident.”

Since opening, due the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Nikki has been unable to properly commemorate her successes.

She is now looking to celebrate the shop’s third anniversary, quite literally, in style.

She said: “It is the first time I’ve felt like I can celebrate because it’s been challenging to say the least.

“The pandemic was totally unforeseen and economically damaging but it also changed people’s priorities and lives completely.

“Then Brexit happened, and I had underestimated how much that would cost and change the way I traded with suppliers in Europe.

“This year I felt the need to celebrate my achievements and thank my customers for their support.

“To be a successful retailer in light of everything in these times is nothing short of a miracle.”