Mothers see sparkling business opportunity

Oct 28 2008 The Journal

TWO South Tyneside mums have added a modern twist to the Tupperware party by setting up their own jewellery party business in time for Christmas. Joanne Usher decided to set up All Dressed in Love with business partner Faye Heron as a way of balancing her work and family life once her maternity leave at Sunderland insurance broker Citifinancial came to an end.

The East Boldon-based pair’s love of jewellery and a good time presented them with the perfect business opportunity, and now they have a number of parties booked around the festive period.

The parties provide a girl’s night in for shoppers, offering everything from handbags to scarves for people in their own homes. But unlike Tupperware or Ann Summers parties, customers are able to pick from a selection of products available on the night, rather than having to wait weeks to get their hands on them.

The pair were able to benefit from a wealth of advice from business support network Tyneside Economic Development Company (TEDCO) and South Tyneside Means Business, which also provided a Business Feasibility Grant which allowed them to carry out market research. They have already taken a number of corporate bookings over the festive period.