A NEW boutique is opening in Middlewich.

Pretty Perfect is a dream come true for stylist Stuart Leeman.

The 29-year-old will be opening a ladies fashion shop in Wheelock Street on Saturday, September 12 when he had hoped to be on his honeymoon.

"Me and my partner Kareem Kara had planned our wedding on 9 September but we've had to postpone it until next year because of Covid. We'll be using that week to get the shop ready."

Belfast born Stuart is a former stylist and personal shopper for the House of Fraser, has worked as a manager for high fashion shoe retailer Dune London and is an experienced ladies and gents hair stylist.

"I've been in fashion, hair and beauty my whole life," said Stuart, who currently works as a barber at Menz Mane in Townfields Road, Winsford.

"But this is something I've wanted to do for a long time but never had the opportunity to do so. I've managed boutiques for other people, now is the time to do something for myself.

"This is an amazing opportunity. I'm extremely nervous and excited."

Stuart plans to stock quality items and cater for everyone.

"I will have something for all ages, all shapes and sizes from six to 28 plus," said Stuart. "I'm planning handbags, purses, shoes, scarves as well as clothing. They're going to be designer inspired pieces with more affordable prices."

Preparing to launch a new business during lockdown, he says, has been difficult, but has also given him plenty of time to research, plan and select stock.

"I think Middlewich is a cute little town but it is missing something," he said. "There is a lot of footfall in this area, I want to make it into a hub. I was wracking my brains trying to come up with something catchy for the name of the business. Pretty Perfect is an expression a lot of people use. With 24 hours of announcing it I had 390 likes. Everyone seems to love it."

Stuart will be offering a 20 per cent discount as an opening offer and is looking forward to helping women dress with confidence.

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"I can't wait," said Stuart. "I do like to take people out of their comfort zone but I'm not pushy. I'm a very talkative and bubbly person. I want people to feel relaxed. I'm putting a sofa and a coffee machine in. People are welcome to come in for a chat and say hello. They don't have to buy something. That's absolutely fine with me."

To begin with, Stuart will be running the boutique on his own.

"I'm leaving full time employment and have a mortgage to pay," said Stuart. "It will just be me until the business gets going but there will be job opportunities."