A young Wishaw entrepreneur is hopeful of bringing some glamour back to the town centre with the opening of her new fashion boutique.
Kirsty McAlinden, 24, started her online clothes business during lockdown and has now opened her first store on Stewarton Street.
Mademoiselle Boutique and Beauty puts Kirsty’s passion for fashion and her qualifications as a makeup artist and nail technician to good work.
She told Lanarkshire Live: “For years now I have always had to travel or go online to purchase fashionable clothing. Growing up I always planned to change this by opening my own shop as I saw a real market for it.
“I started the business in March last year but my main priority was always to open a shop right in the heart of Wishaw.
“Since I launched Mademoiselle Boutique and Beauty at Wishaw Cross I have been overwhelmed with how busy it has been.
“I wanted my boutique to stand out and not just to be for clothes. I did make-up and nails in various salons for four years, so I wanted to make it a one-stop shop where people can come in, have their make-up and nails done, as well as having the facility to choose an outfit.
“Last week, I had a mum and daughter in and it was a nice day for them.”
The boutique had only been opened a matter of weeks when Kirsty spotted another gap in the market. And she quickly set about making sure that all ages were catered for.
Kirsty explained: “I quickly realised that it wasn’t just younger customers coming into the store, there were also more mature customers.
“So, I opened an area at the rear of the store called Madame Boutique which now accommodates this and has been a great success.
“The feedback I’ve had from people who have bought and even just browsed is phenomenal and proves that Wishaw really needed somewhere like this.
“My mum, dad and partner have been amazing, they have helped me so much and I’m lucky to have them.”
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!