A HARWOOD mother has used her frustration with what she considers poor children’s fancy dress outfits as inspiration for her new business.

Ayshea Elliott launched Time to Dress Up from her home and now has close to 1,000 Facebook likes, and she is struggling to satisfy the demand for her niche outfits.

Mrs Elliott, aged 36, says there appears to be growing market for children’s fancy dress parties.

She said: “I am trying to offer something a bit different than what is available in the High Street stores for children’s fancy dress parties.”

Offering a wide range of costumes for different occasions, she hopes to encourage creative play without the limitations of gender specific marketing.

Instead of plastic clothing that can easily be damaged, she says her customers can expect “a high-quality finish and a costume that will last and last”.

Mrs Elliot, who grew up in Bury, attending Broadoak High School and then Holy Cross College, said: “I want to offer something of a higher quality and a bit more niche.

“Rather than the superheroes, I want children to use their imagination in a different way and try not to fall into the trap of gender stereotyping.

“I know from experience that what is on offer is often plastic and not very comfortable for children to wear.”

The concept of gender neutrality across children’s toys and games has been a hot topic in the media over the past year.

Stocking a range of costumes with unique designs, including owls, fairies, bunnies and dinosaurs, the business offers outfits for children up to seven years old.

She added: “Children’s parties are getting bigger and bigger and more and more competitive.

“The place I am having the most impact at the moment is on Facebook. I have gained nearly 1,000 likes in three weeks, which is way beyond my original expectations.

“I may start to branch out into older children and handmade costumes.”