A shoe trader who attracts customers from all over the world coveting the footloose lifestyle she is able to offer has had her achievements celebrated.
Despite launching her plus-size shoe stall, Amber and Jade at Old Spitalfields Market during the recession, Catherine Owen has enjoyed a roaring trade.
She came up with the idea to sell fashionable footwear in larger sizes after years of struggling to find shoes to fit her own size 10 feet.
Her shoes cater for sizes 8 to 12 and come in all shapes and styles from glamorous stilettos to practical winter boots.
Last year’s autumn collection sold out in just two months.
She said: “I’m getting customers travelling from as far away as Canada to buy our shoes, so we must be doing something right! Old Spitalfields Market is renowned for its fashion and this has really helped me to develop my business.”
She recently won Leader of the Year in the Specsavers everywoman in retail awards.
The entrepreneur is involved in each stage of the supply chain, from design through to production of her shoes.
She got her big break after winning a competition which offered her six-months free trading at the popular Sunday market.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here