A COLCHESTER clothing store is celebrating strong and entrepreneurial women to mark its first anniversary in the town centre and International Women's Day.

Independent retailer Wildflower Style is using the fashion outlet's birthday as an excuse to celebrate women across the town and beyond.

Owner Nikki Hepworth, 53, said the firm will use its social media platforms to celebrate a different woman who has inspired or supported the business each day.

She said: "This will be musicians, designers, agents other women running their own businesses. It’s a celebration of women supporting women.

"There's been a lot in the press recently about the negative pressure women are under to be someone or something.

"We want to show our love an appreciation for all women out there whether they be successful or struggling and show we are all the same and support goes such a long way we hope to show they can reach out and not feel alone."

March marks International Women's Day and Mother's Day as well as the firm's first anniversary in the town centre on March 21.

Mrs Hepworth had always dreamt of opening her own fashion boutique and invested her inheritance and took a leap of faith to do so in 2019.

She said: "Every thing I sell is hand picked by myself.

"I have sourced unique quality brands from Europe and beyond with an emphasis on buying better but buying less. Not just for sustainability but because I believe a core capsule wardrobe that’s simple and stylish can be embellished and refreshed each season rather than wasting money on impulsive purchases every week.

"Customer service is key and both myself and my colleague Amy Rose are qualified experienced stylists. We do one to one appointments for ladies who want to update their image or have lost their style confidence."

Visit wildflower.style or facebook.com/WildflowerStyleBoutique.