From Social Media to a Physical Store
Karissa Hughes, a mum of three from Madeley, Telford, has opened her first permanent shop, the Bouji Store, on Crown Street in Wellington. She originally launched her business in 2017, using TikTok to sell products and grow her brand.
Despite running a few pop-up stores previously, Karissa had not considered a permanent unit until a friend suggested applying for the Pride in Our High Street start-up grant from Telford and Wrekin Council.
Grant Supports Local Business Growth
The council confirmed that Karissa’s grant is one of several available to help small businesses in the area. Council leader Lee Carter said the initiative encourages footfall and benefits the wider Wellington economy. He added, “We wish Karissa all the best and look forward to seeing the business grow further.”
Excited to Connect With Customers
Karissa said she had always dreamed of opening a shop, but only acted when she saw the empty pink unit. After researching and contacting the estate agent, she quickly viewed the space and immediately started planning.
Receiving the grant gave her the confidence to invest in a permanent location. She expressed excitement about engaging directly with customers. “I didn’t want to just sell online. I wanted that face-to-face interaction,” she said. Karissa also praised Wellington’s high street, calling it edgy in a good way and the ideal location for her first shop.
