A WOMAN who always wanted to launch her own florist shop is still going strong after an up-and-down 14 years in Earlestown.
After working in various florist shops, Pam Lewis decided that the time was right to open her own business once a unit became available in Earlestown back in 2010.
And while Pam has become a friendly face at 'Funky Bunch' on Market Street, she admitted that businesses has been difficult as several traders have left the town centre and footfall has declined in recent years.
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"Wilko closing down has massively changed the town centre here, and retail parks have had a massive impact on our business over the last 14 years", Pam said.
"There used to be a lot more shops and a variety of businesses along the high street, which would bring more people into Earlestown."
Despite the challenges facing businesses in Earlestown, Pam has built a respected reputation by selling a wide variety of flowers and catering for various weddings, birthdays, and celebrations.
Pam, from Prescot, said that she loves to put a "personal touch" on every sale at Funky Bunch, and although owning her own business has been stressful, it can be flexible and "very rewarding" as she helps to bring joy to her customers on special occasions.
Highlighting her respect in the community, a Funky Bunch customer explained that Pam is a "grafter" as she has invested thousands of pounds to renovate the shop and always works to meet every customer's request despite the challenges she has faced.
As the pandemic and cost of living crisis have had a particularly damaging impact on Earlestown, St Helens Council has submitted £28m plans in the hope of providing a lifeline to the town's high street and market square.
The plans include a wholesale transformation of the market square, a revamp of the town hall, and improvements to the town's railway station.
Pam believes that the project will be "fantastic" for the town and its businesses and traders if it comes off, but she will carry on going the extra mile for customers and growing her business' reputation regardless.
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