An interest free loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery added up to a dream come true for fashion graduate Gemma Aspland.
The £5,000 loan meant she could open her new vintage clothing and accessories shop, With Love Betty, and build a new future for herself.
Gemma, aged 26, could only borrow half the amount she needed through a graduate loan from her bank, but just when everything seemed to be going wrong, she met the business team at Isle of Wight Lottery.
Gemma said: “They were amazingly helpful, supportive and encouraging. The process was quick, and I got such good feedback on my business plan that it gave me real confidence. I would definitely recommend anyone thinking of starting up to get in touch with them.”
Gemma opened her doors at her Watchbell Lane shop for the first time on 1 September.
“I always wanted my own shop, but I did a lot of research before deciding it would work,” she said. “I talked to lots of people and did surveys, and realised I could fill a niche for vintage fashion. People love it because it makes you feel unique, and I have pitched my prices lower than most chain stores.”
