A BUDDING businesswoman has been offered the chance the kick-start her entrepreneurial career by using a new pop-up shop scheme in Kendal.

Lucy Bee, 20, from Ambleside, has got the chance to occupy a high street store and bring her online business to the town centre for just £50 a week.

The former Kendal College performing arts student currently runs the online business Scottie and Russell, selling products ranging from high-end baby gear to sensual scented candles.

She is being joined by Rachel Grant, of Poetiquette and Co, an online company specialising in personalised cards and poetry.

Lucy told the Gazette why she decided to take on the high-street challenge, thought-up by South Lakeland District Council as a way of promoting economic development in the region.

She said: "I want to get the name out there and get recognised a bit more in the local area. I want to meet the customer face to face as you don't get someone personally saying it's nice online. I want people to find things they've never seen before."

Business has been booming for Lucy, who occupies the shop at 28 Finkle Street between Monday, March 9 and March 23, but she already has her sights set on the future.

"I want to eventually expand on the brand so everything is under the Scottie and Russell name," said Lucy.

The pop-up shop initiative is the first of its kind in Kendal and Lucy feels it should set a precedent for the future.

She said: "It should be done more - 100%. To be honest, everywhere is so expensive but this is a great opportunity and not just for young people, any local person. When do you get the opportunity to try a shop? It's like trying before you buy!"

Lucy's exploits have attracted the attention of Tim Farron MP who said: "“It is wonderful to hear that Lucy is starting a businesses and is utilising the pop up shop on Finkle Street. This is exactly what I would like to see more of – young people given the help, support and opportunities to strike out on their own and set up an enterprise.”

The online businesses can be found here:

http://www.scottieandrussell.co.uk and http://www.poetiquette.co.uk/