A MUM-OF-THREE is opening her very first shop, three years after launching her preloved clothing business online.
Town mayor Gavin Grant will officially open the brand-new Second Snuggle shop in Market Cross, Malmesbury at 10am on Saturday, April 13.
Ruby Blaken first launched the sustainable clothing business online in 2021 and it has been operating from her home ever since.
However, the former childcare worker has always dreamt about opening her very own shop.
This dream became a reality when Wiltshire Council set up the Vibrant Wiltshire Vacant Unit Scheme, which puts empty commercial properties back into use by supporting new businesses with grants up to £10,000.
When Caerbladon moved out of a unit in Market Cross into a larger premises on the high street, Ruby applied for a grant and successful secured the former gallery space.
The shop will specialise in preloved and sustainable clothing, catering to new-borns up until 16-year-olds and will also be offering some maternity items.
During the opening day, shoppers will be able to enter a giveaway and snap up some gorgeous garments for a discounted price.
The entrepreneur hopes it will become a welcoming space where people can come and nurse their babies, change a nappy and have a chat as well as shop.
It will be open between 9.30am-2.30pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and between 11am-2pm on Saturdays.
Ruby said: "I’ve seen lots of local businesses recently leave the high street and it’s so sad.
"I’ve always dreamt of opening my own physical shop but always considered it out of my grasp, as start-up costs can be staggering.
"When I heard about the Vibrant Wiltshire grant, I thought this could be my opportunity.
"It will be really wonderful to be able to connect more with people in the shop - I want it to be a space where you can come to chat, change a nappy or to nurse.
"There will be a table for children to play with toys while you look around.
"We have created some wonderful edits which will be exclusive to the shop."
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