Q: Did school set you up for success?
A: Honestly, no. My school years were some of the hardest of my life. I struggled to fit in with peers, I had crippling anxiety that sometimes left me unable to get out of bed for days, and depression made learning feel impossible. At the time, focusing on lessons and grades was the last thing on my mind.
Q: Did not having GCSEs hold you back?
A: Not at all. I left school with very few GCSEs, and at the time it felt like the end of the world. I left secondary school in year 9 but was still in the system so I was homeschooled and sat my exams in my kitchen! But the truth is, my life didn’t even start until after secondary school. If anything, the struggles I faced gave me life skills and resilience that school never taught me.
Q: So what skills have helped you most in running Blush?
A: My memory is my superpower! I can remember every single dress name — and there are over 600 of them — plus every customer and which prom dress they chose. That’s not something school taught me, but it’s something that makes me good at what I do. When I am interested in something it becomes a passion and put my heart and soul into every detail to ensure my customers are happy.
Q: What about the things you find difficult?
A: I’m the first to admit that organisation and prioritising tasks are not my strengths. If I’m not interested in something, it can be really hard to focus and I zone out. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do it — I just do it differently. I use apps, tools, and most importantly, I have support. My mam is a massive help to me, and I’ve learned it’s okay to lean on others. Success isn’t about doing everything on your own. I have had a range of health issues over the past few years including surgery which has proven very difficult but ive learned to lean on family and my team. My sister oversees the daily operation of the shop floor and works really closely with me. We have even started a short dress clothing line together of our own brand Ellbells Designs. These are dresses for bestie brunches, day at the races and special occasions.
Q: How did you start in the prom industry?
A: Through my mam. She has worked in prom since 2013, and I spent so much of my time in her shop just to be with her. That’s where I learned the ropes — not from textbooks, but by watching, helping, and soaking it all in. I found myself falling in love with the dresses, the buzz of the prom season, and most of all, seeing customers leave happy and confident. When everything else in my life felt hopeless, being in the shop was a positive escape. Even now, Blush is still my happy place. Here I am in 2013 trying on a prom dress in my mams old shop!!
Q: What would you say to teens getting their GCSE results?
A: Your grades don’t define you. You might be academic, you might be creative, you might be brilliant at remembering details or connecting with people — whatever it is, those strengths matter. If school feels like the hardest time of your life, know this: it doesn’t last forever, and it doesn’t have to define your future. You can build something amazing, just like I did. Your dreams are still valid, and your life truly starts after school.
