Mum quits science job to launch her own lingerie business
October 17, 2014 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
A RUNCORN mum started selling lingerie from her living room to raise cash whilst she was on maternity leave.
Single mum-of-two Karen Purnell, aged 34, has now launched her own online business.
She has customers as far afield as Russia, France, Norway and Estonia.
Karen, who has a five-year-old daughter, Abigail, and son, Ian, aged four, wanted to spend more time with her children.
She quit her job as a pharmaceutical microbiologist and started her own family firm, Abbi’s Secrets, named after her daughter.
Karen, of Sextant Close, Murdishaw, said: “I started selling a little bit because you don’t get paid for the last part of your maternity leave.
“I was feeling less confident about my own figure have two children close together.
“I found shapewear and lingerie on the high street rather expensive.
“I realised there was a gap in the market.”
After extensive research, she discovered a selection of high quality fashionable products at affordable prices.
Karen, who studied for a degree at Open University, said: “Shapewear has come a long way from constricting corsets and waist cinchers that would pull you in but cause problems elsewhere.
“With breathable knitted fabrics, shapewear offers a comfortable everyday option.
“I know they all work because I wear them myself.”
Karen enjoys being her own boss and hopes to open a shop and create jobs.
Karen added: “I love the flexibility, choosing my own hours. I can do the school run and be here for the children.
“I can be a mum and be employed. It’s the best of both worlds.
“The fact that I’m a woman selling to women gives it the personal touch.
“I can relate to my customers.
“My five year plan is to have a shop.
“I am excited about the future.”
