Pensioner launches portraits and gift business

Sep 3 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A PENSIONER is proving she has an eye for business after launching her portraits and gift business.

Vera Boulton, 65, set up VIP Personalised Portraits and Gifts in June, after returning home to Sunderland from Florida, where she had lived for eight years.

The company specialises in personalised gifts, including photographic prints – applying her clients’ favourite pictures on a range of materials from canvas to metal, wood and glass.

Vera said: “I have always liked photography, and when I returned to Sunderland, I had the idea of setting up my own company, selling prints and personalised gifts.

“I attended some trade shows and events to learn a little bit more about the market, and decided it was something I wanted to progress with.”

She got the company off to a successful start after receiving help with business planning from adviser Chris Craig at Just the Job, a city-wide support initiative from Sunderland City Council, designed to help people get back into work or to set up their own business.

Vera has already attended trade shows to sell her products, and has launched a website www.yourvipgifts.co.uk, where her pictures and gifts can be bought.

Chris said: “Vera is a genuine entrepreneur, who had a strong business idea, and the passion and ability to make it work. It was a pleasure to support her with her business plan .”