OPENING her own boutique was supposed to be the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for Debra Mursell – until a global pandemic hit just weeks later and businesses ground to a halt.

In February 2020, Debra took on “Paris Boutique”, on Prestatyn’s High Street, which provides a personal shopping facility, caters for all sizes, and offers unique choices not found among big-name retailers.

Really, though, she says, her story is about survival, having navigated her way through the first lockdown, and re-opening with a bang.

She said: “It was a scary time, but with the help of customers that were already buying from Paris Boutique and their loyalty, we’ve been trading ever since we re-opened.

“Even through all of that, I never regretted buying it. It was something I’d always wanted to do, and I felt blessed to at least be able to have the opportunity to buy it.

“Each day, when I go into the shop, I’m very thankful - I say good morning and goodbye to the shop, and thank the shop for the day’s business!”

North Wales Pioneer: The shop window of Paris Boutique.The shop window of Paris Boutique. (Image: Debra Mursell)

Debra had never ran her own business prior to this venture, but loved the experience of working part-time in a boutique in Chester.

She then worked sporadically in Paris Boutique for its previous owners, before taking the plunge herself – and has been ably assisted by her sister, Karen.

For Debra, Paris Boutique is as much about the people buying her stock as it is the clothes she sells.

Debra added: “The shop has been referred to as a ‘portal for wellbeing’, in that people come in and get chatting about all kinds of things.

“It’s wonderful having Karen working for me, as and when I need her. She’s very popular with the customers; some come in especially to see her.

“It’s not just me giving support to the customers, it’s the customers giving it back to me, as well. I’m on first-name terms with a lot of them.

“I do personal shopping, so each time I go buying, I have a list of things that various customers want me to try and find for them. I do try and deliver their requests; I find that very important.

“We’re not expensive. Our prices start from about £10, and the most expensive thing I’ve got in the shop is £125. I cater for all sizes, too.

“We offer good, honest service, with a heap of care, love and laughter.”

Paris Boutique, 104 High Street, Prestatyn, LL19 9BH.