A teenage entrepreneur is hoping to make her fortune after opening her own fashion store.

Becki Caden, 18, put all her savings and even sold her car to enable her to buy exclusive clothing designs for her new shop Mint, in Ilkley.

Based at the Railway Road arcade, Mint is geared towards the young fashion market, although Becki says her designs work for both young and old.

It opened in December and has so far been a hit with youngsters throughout Ilkley.

She said: "It was always my ambition to do something with fashion.

"I originally wanted to study fashion design but this is even better.

"Now I get to choose all the stock I want and help people to put together outfits - it has been a real challenge but it is great fun."

Mint sells a range of fashion wear from dresses and blouses to jackets, bags, jewellery and scarves.

The cost ranges from £50 for a dress to around £120 for a leather jacket.

Most of the designers targeted by Becki are London-based, although she does sell items from Leeds-based designers Blonde and Wise.

The store also houses labels from Spain, Denmark and Italy.

Becki, who is from Scalebor Park, Burley-in-Wharfedale, said: "There was a lot of hard work in the lead up to opening but our first day was a huge success.

"We had seven staff working and we really needed more.

"Since then it has been steadily busy and I am pleased with the way things are going.

"In a couple of years I am hoping to expand and open a similar shop in Harrogate, if all goes well.

"I know I am young to be doing this but I am also young enough to know what fashions young people are looking for - it's a great help."

Becki, a former Ilkley Grammar School pupil, originally trained as a beautician.

She later worked for her parents Lynne and Keith - also an entrepreneur - before deciding to open her own shop.

Lynne said: "Becki has done very well and we are very proud of her.

"She has designed everything in the shop right down to the logo and is determined to make a success of it."

The store will have its first fashion show on Tuesday, January 23.

e-mail: newsdesk@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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