WISBECH: Odelle's dream becomes a reality

A DREAM has come true for the owner of a new Wisbech shop, thanks to The Prince s Trust. Thirty-year-old Odelle Walsh had always wanted to own a business and control her own destiny, and after receiving backing from The Prince s Trust, she is trading as D

A DREAM has come true for the owner of a new Wisbech shop, thanks to The Prince's Trust.

Thirty-year-old Odelle Walsh had always wanted to own a business and control her own destiny, and after receiving backing from The Prince's Trust, she is trading as Dress to Impress in Hill Street.

Her business provides formal wear for women and men, mostly to hire but also to buy, and she hires and sells wedding dresses.

"I have always wanted to own my own business, but did not know where to start, until my boyfriend's friend was in the paper for winning an award for small business of the year with The Prince's Trust," said Odelle.

"I did not think I met the criteria because of my age, but I asked for an application form, did my research and submitted a plan."

After going before a panel of judges with the charity that supports young people in business, Odelle was told she had been successful.

"I could not believe my dream was coming true, and I can now control my own destiny," said Odelle, whose shop was opened by the Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Jonathan Farmer.

Odelle has a business advisor and a business mentor provided by the scheme, and she opens her shop four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday.