A BEWSEY mum who was made to feel like the ‘thickest girl in the class’ and told that she would never get a good job now runs a successful cleaning business.

Other children used to laugh at Kelly Etheridge as she couldn’t read very well and one teacher even called her ‘dense’ which she says still sticks with her today.

But despite these hurtful comments, Kelly, who found out she had dyslexia after her school days, now runs a cleaning business in the town which makes her feel appreciated.

She previously worked as a hairdresser but started cleaning alongside this for her nan’s friend who had Parkinson’s as she was struggling with day-to-day activities.

After a few weeks, Kelly, 35, was asked to clean by someone else.

“I felt like I was doing good for people who needed the help and who appreciated the work,” Kelly said.

“It made me feel good about myself.”

Kelly then put up an advertisement in Yell where she gained a few more clients.

This is when she decided she enjoyed cleaning more than hairdressing so decided to change careers and launched her own business, Bizzy Bee Kelly.

Kelly added: “With the little money I had, I got a full cleaning kit and took more cleaners on.

“After a year, I got a phone call to clean three bars in Warrington. It has not been easy but it has been rewarding.

“Being a single mum with dyslexia and not being able to spell or read, it was hard to get a well-paid job.

“Let’s face it, I couldn’t be a lawyer or solicitor but I just wanted my family and my girls to be proud of what I had achieved.”

When Covid hit, Kelly lost a lot of clients but she didn’t give up.

She started out again cleaning houses and also helping the council with deep cleaning.

Kelly has future plans for her business such as getting a van with her business logo on and she also plans to employ more people.

“I am proud of myself and I take pity on the people who told me I wasn’t good enough,” she said.

“I am glad I have a good family base who have always supported me no matter what – especially my mum and dad.

“Whatever GSCSEs you have, you can always follow your gut and just go for it!”