Aspiring young Padiham jewellery designer launches her own business... at the age of 13

Bored in lockdown, art and design lover Amelie Bolton came up with the idea of making earrings and necklaces.

So the resourceful teen ordered some 'gummy bear' and butterfly charms off the internet, along with chains and backs, and taught herself how to make jewellery

A student at Padiham s Shuttleworth College, Amelie then launched her business, Amelie's Crystals, on Etsy, a website that offers a showcase for people to sell vintage and hand-made crafts including jewellery, bags, clothing and home decor.

Amelie, who lives in Padiham with her mum, Emma Lingard and stepdad Jamie, said: "You have to sort out all the finance side on Etsy with your bank account details and then list all your products with photographs too."

Creative Amelie used the ipad her dad, Anthony, bought her for Christmas to set up the business and she even designed her own logo .

So far Amelie has made around 50 pieces and sold almost half of those, and her five star review, which indicates you love the product, came from a purchaser in Scotland.

Proud Emma said: "Amelie has done this all on her own without any help from us, we are so proud of her, she is amazing.

"She has thought of everything and even sorts out all the packaging and postage herself."

And Amelie is even branching out with her business as she has started to produce keyrings and custom made necklaces with charms.

She said: "The customer can choose their own charm and a little inspirational quote to go with its so it is unique to them.

"i just thought it would be nice to try and spread some positivity."

To give her business that extra edge Amelie uses brightly coloured packaging decorated with little butterfly and 'thank you' stickers when she sends her products out. She even includes little free gifts, including nail files and mascara brushes.

Amelie's grandparents, Don and Catherine Bennett, have thrown their support behind her. Don has made a selection of decorative stained glass 'sun catchers' for Amelie to sell and Catherine bought her a special box to keep all her equipment safely stored.

Amelie's stepmum, Claire Whittaker, is also acting as unofficial promoter for her on social media!