FASHION is proving a winner for Bolton businesswomen.

Two shops specialising in make-up and vintage dresses for women, including brides, have opened at the Last Drop Village in Bromley Cross.

They are the latest additions to the site, which includes other independent shops and the Last Drop Hotel, run by Mercure Hotels.

Debra Schofield has opened the Ruby Red Lips make-up salon.

The 39-year-old, from Bradshaw, said: “The Last Drop Village was part of my childhood and my family would regularly visit. I've always loved its quaint, cosy feel. I had seen how successful other recently-opened businesses were and felt this was the prefect place to start my own.

“I wanted somewhere with good parking in an out-of-town location, so customers would feel comfortable popping in for an appointment without having make-up on and with curlers in their hair.

“I’ve only been open a few weeks but it’s been busy. There is a loyal client base and I’m really excited about the future.”

Former Withins School pupil Mrs Schofield had worked as an air stewardess before her 10-year career in financial services recruitment.

She gained a VTCT level 3 qualification in fashion and photographic makeup, and was trained by a celebrity make-up artist at the Media Makeup School in Salford’s Media City.

VTCT is a Government-approved organisation offering vocational qualifications for the hair and beauty industry. She also worked for Bobbi Brown beauty brand.

Ms Schofield said: “I wanted a business where the sole focus is on make-up rather than just having a small focus on make-up within a large hair or beauty salon.

“I think this shop is the only one of its kind in Bolton. Opening it was a bit of a gamble but lots of hard work and support from friends and family has ensured it’s paid off. I haven’t gone to any organisations or banks for funding. I used my own savings.”

The other new business is Vintage Lane Bridal and Boutique.

Sybil Worsley Cundall and daughter Lauren Worsley have collected vintage wedding and party dresses for years in the hope they could eventually open a boutique.

Ms Worsley Cundall said: “We spotted a gap in the market for a vintage wedding dresses, especially one located in the kind of beautiful locations which other bridal shops often have.

“We thought the Last Drop Village was perfect. We visited the village for more than 20 years and have always loved it. When there was a vacant shop, we couldn’t wait to move in.”

They saved for more than three years to fund the business. They bought all the stock with their own savings.

Ms Worsley Cundall has a background in advertising. She also runs a business offering private vintage tea parties, called Once Upon a Teacup.

Her daughter is a qualified nail technician who has also worked in events at Salford University. Their wedding gowns and dresses range from the 1930s through to the 1980s.

They hand-pick and source items from all over the world.