A MUM of two has turned her passion into her profession by opening a shabby chic furniture shop in the town centre.

Samantha Gower, from Great Sankey, is now the proud owner of Paint Me Pretty - a new shop on Winwick Road, which sells her own shabby chic creations.

The first-time business owner, aged 29, transforms lifeless and pre-loved items of furniture into one-off eye-catching creations.

Mum to Nicole Mahoney, aged seven, and George Gower, aged three, Samantha has spent the last three years looking after her children, giving up her job at Asda Westbrook to become a full-time mother.

Samantha said: “My husband, David, worked full time while I looked after the kids. Now they’re getting older I’ve got more time on my hands.”

“I can’t believe how it has all come together and that it’s actually happening. I’ve always been an independent woman and always worked hard. It’s all very exciting.”

For more information call Samantha on 07541 728976.