Reporter KAREN DARLEY talks to the businesswoman hoping to give your celebrations that extra special touch.

A BRIDE who loved planning her own wedding so much has been inspired to set up her own business to help give other celebrations that special touch.

Emily Slingsby, who lives in Ampleforth, has started building up a collection of items to hire, ranging from a butcher’s bike to decorations and lanterns.

“I previously ran The Honey Pot Tea Room, in Nunnington, and then The Fairfax Arms, in Gilling East, alongside my husband Andy, but after five years of running a busy pub, we decided it was time for a change of career,” Emily said.

“Our experience in running events, coupled with a desire to put our new, exciting and sometimes crazy ideas into action gave us the inspiration to establish Fabulously Finished.”

Using her experience in the hospitality and events sector, Emily could see that there was a gap in the market in Ryedale for a hire firm that could provide those ever important finishing touches. Emily now offers a range of items to hire for special occasions from hanging decorations and lanterns to tablewear and vintage china. “I’ve always enjoyed being creative and love coming up with new ideas,” she said.

The 29-year-old said that setting up the new business had coincided with a time of change for her parents, Phil and Ann.

“When dad retired last September after 45 years running a plumbing business he thought he was in for an easier life,” she said.

“However, the day after his 65th birthday, I decided to launched the new business, so no sooner had he hung up his boiler suit, I turned up and asked for his help.”

Although her collection began with handmade bunting, a butcher’s bike and a tandem, what Emily really wanted was to be able to offer a giant illuminated love sign. After weeks of searching for a supplier, it became clear that such illuminated letters of that scale were not available to purchase, so the only way was to make them.

“That was when I turned to Dad to ask for help,” said Emily.

“I knew exactly what I wanted, but didn’t have a clue how to get there.”

So Phil was given the task of making the dream a reality. “It was difficult at first, but once we spent a bit of time trialling a few designs and ideas, we made a prototype letter ‘L’,” said Emily.

“That prototype turned out to be so good that it actually got used in the final ‘love’.”

The build began in October and was completed at the start of January and it took a lot of determination, patience and skill. Unfortunately for Phil, Emily thinks that they look so good that she’s already planning his next project, to include 21 and 30. “I’ve told him that he’s got until December for the 30 because that’s when I turn 30,” said Emily.

Fabulously Finished is based in Ampleforth. Visit fabulouslyfinished.co.uk for more information.