Caroline turns dream into reality (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Caroline turns dream into reality

6:41am Monday 23rd July 2007 in

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Only four months ago Caroline Brown was part of the Enterprise Island showcase of innovative new business ideas.

Fast forward to today and Mrs Brown's idea has become a reality.

The House of Rose & Brown on Victoria Road, Saltaire, is now Mrs Brown's full-time occupation, having quit her job as an administrator for Creative Partnerships.

The store sells vintage furniture, clothing, jewellery and collectibles as well as contemporary art work and prints.

Mrs Brown, who grew up in Shipley, hopes to target the young professionals living in the area.

Among the things on her sale in her shop are frocks from the 1950s, wind-up gramophones and vintage tea trolleys.

She said: "Since being an Enterprise Island winner I have been able to progress my entrepreneurial ambitions fairly rapidly.

"Enterprise Island gave me the support and motivation to help me believe that anything was possible.

"And now is the perfect time to strike out and embrace the risks and rewards of being self-employed.

"I have such a passion for the work of other artists and makers and for all things vintage and I want to use this passion to create a successful business.

"When I decided to go for it I tried to get as much support and advice as possible for it.

"People like LEGI and Kickstart really helped me out. It is a dream come true for me."

Mrs Brown also said that the official launch of the business on Saturday, was the proudest moment of her life.

The shop itself will help support local artists and designers by stocking their work and stock will be constantly rotated to meet with demand.

Mrs Brown happened upon the site by accident when looking for venues for the Enterprise Island showcase in April.

After striking a deal with the landlord she soon found herself up and running.

As well as backing artists, the shop also sponsored the Saltaire Cricket Club's first XI in their weekend match against Hanging Heaton.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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