A popular Carlisle shop is celebrating after reaching the finals of the UK small business awards.
Luna Amatores, on Castle Street, has proven to be hugely popular since officially opening in January 2023, and the hard work of owner Korin Thomson has clearly paid off, after she was nominated in the Female Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 category of the awards.
Korin started the business online more than 10 years ago, and has reaped the rewards after establishing a significant following, as the shop continues to be 'very busy' on a daily basis.
And now, she is excited to travel to Birmingham later this month, where she is hoping to add another award to her name.
Speaking to the News & Star, she said: "I was quite surprised. It's a more niche award than some of the other awards I've won, so I was quite shocked that I've been named as a finalist."
Korin paid tribute not only to the incredible support she has received from the people of Carlisle, but also to the other shops in the area, who work together to ensure that independent businesses can continue to thrive in difficult financial times.
She said: "There's excellent support from other businesses. A lot of shops in Carlisle work together, we send them to other places if they have something we don't stock. It's lovely that it works that way."
Korin takes pride in the many items on sale, ranging from crystal jewellery, hair dyes, skin care, homeware, and key rings.
Luna Amatores has already claimed a number of awards, including Best Crystal Jewellery & Homewares Company 2023, Unique Jewellery Business of the Year for 2024 and Best Handcrafted Crystal Jewellery & Homeware Shop 2024.
On Facebook, she added: "This past year has been the craziest year yet for this magical little business, and that’s saying something because it’s been on the go for a decade now.
"Absolutely love you guys for allowing this passion for sparkly things and jewellery to be my full time job."
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