'Recycled' clothing is the perfect fit for young entrepreneur
A FLEDGING entrepreneur has realised her ambition of becoming her own boss – despite still being a teenager.
Ashlee Davis, 18, has taken over the reins of Eco Clothing Agency in Ferensway, which sells everything from top-end designer labels and accessories to vintage and high street clothes.
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RECYCLED FAVOURITES: Entrepreneur Ashlee Davis, 18, has used her savings to buy the business and stock of Eco Clothing, Ferensway, Hull. Picture: Kate Woolhouse
The "recycled" clothes are sourced from auctions, secondhand shops, the internet and people clearing out their wardrobes.
In order to acquire the business and the stock, Ashlee didn't turn to the banks or her family's savings.
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She said: "I've always been a saver and good at putting away the money I earn.
"I've known from a young age that I wanted to run my own business.
"So, when I saw this up for sale I knew it was a big opportunity for me."
Before opening the shop, Ashlee was working at a care home, studying towards an NVQ in health and social care.
However, she has long been honing a working knowledge of fashion.
She said: "When I was at school I wanted to be a physiotherapist and was really into sports and going to the gym.
"But then I started modelling. I really enjoyed fashion shows and would volunteer to help others, until it got to the point where I was organising my own shows for charity.
"I've raised thousands of pounds and have put a lot of my time in for other people.
"I loved it but it made me realise that, on top of that, I wanted to do something for myself."
Ashlee, who at the time of our visit was busy customising a range of denim cut-off shorts, sells everything from cocktail dresses and accessories to shoes and shirts.
But she said it is the high street fashions that are currently flying off the shelves.
"We do have designer outfits but I'm finding the high street items are currently selling really well," she said.
"I am looking to stock even more high street clothing.
"Some people assume the clothes are expensive, so I want to get the message across that we do not just do designer.
"Customers can come here and get a complete outfit, including shoes, for £40."
Continuing with her charitable efforts, Ashlee is the main sponsor of a ladies-only charity night at the KC Stadium on Saturday, June 16, from 7.30pm.
The event has been organised to raise money for the city's neonatal unit and new equipment for a west Hull nursery and will include drag queens, topless waiters, a fashion show and raffles.
Tickets are available from Eco Clothing.
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