'I borrowed £300 off my mum...now my shop is dressing the whole of Glastonbury'

An Ormskirk woman who launched her business with only a few hundred pounds is now “dressing absolutely everyone at Glastonbury”.

- BY PAUL MACAULEY

Sophie Ackers started bohemian brand Secret Garden back in 2017 after borrowing £300 off her mum.

Initially, the 34-year-old’s company sold accessories only, but it quickly developed into an all-rounder to keep up with customer demand.

Over the last eight years, thanks to Sophie’s hard work and determination, the business has established itself as a go-to for many, particularly during festival season.

Secret Garden now sells everything from bags, scarves, co-ords, jumpsuits, and maxi dresses from its first store in Ormskirk.

Sophie, who also lives in the town, believes the story behind each stocked item separates her from the mainstream.

The brand's designs are all hand-made, even down to the stitching of individual sequins, meaning no two pieces are the same.

Suppliers and artisans come from Bali, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Thailand, and the methods used have been around for hundreds of years.

The entrepreneur told the Advertiser: “Secret Garden was born out of my love of travelling and learning about different cultures.

“I used to go to every market I could in every country I was in and pick up little trinkets and business cards.