Ryedale firm is talking Italian (fashion, that is) (From Gazette & Herald)

Ryedale firm is talking Italian (fashion, that is)

THE CHANCE purchase of a vest in an Italian market triggered what has become a £1m business for a Ryedale entrepreneur.

Susie Johnson's enterprise earned her a £2,500 grant from The Prince's Trust to start her exotically-named company Bella di Notte - Beautiful by Night - and now, six years on, she has seen it grow from a humble beginning in a bedroom to premises in Helmsley's Sawmill Lane, where she has 14 staff.

Brought up on her parents' farm at Fadmoor, it was there that she felt the

cold and the need to wear a vest.

It was while she was teaching in Italy - and still suffering from the cold - that she bought the vest on a market stall.

"It was fashionable and feminine - and lovely and warm," said Susie.

It gave her the idea of starting her own business selling glamorous underwear and nightwear.

She started by selling her goods at coffee mornings from the farmhouse but it has gradually developed into a highly successful mail order venture.

She has designed long-johns and other items, and has now ventured into

outdoor clothing.

Her hard work and vision has resulted in a great deal of repeated business for the garments, many of which are made at factories near Milan.

The business has recently moved from her home, where she and her husband Chris Morley live, to the new premises at Helmley.

Susie attributes much of her business skills to her family who played a key part in helping to build it up in the early days at Fadmoor.

She has kept her maiden name out of respect for her father Peter's guidance.

Now, she and Chris, a director of the farm machinery company Russells, are expecting their first baby in April.

"If I hadn't always felt the cold, I would probably never have got into the

business!" she says.

Bella di Notte's website is www.belladinotte.com

Updated: 12:54 Wednesday, January 26, 2005