A WOMAN has returned to employment by becoming her own boss after giving up work to look after her disabled daughter.

Katie Richards capitalised on her experience of working with animals to set up pet grooming salon Stanhope Proud Hounds.

The business, based in Stanhope, County Durham, has been operating for a few weeks but is already booked up until the end of the month.

The 30-year-old entrepreneur and single mother said she is enjoying being back in work after leaving to look after her two-year-old.

She said: “My daughter is registered disabled so ever since she was born I have been her full-time carer.

“Prior to my daughter being born I worked with animals and I have always had dogs. I am a fullyqualified dog groomer and have NVQ level one and two in small animal care.

“I have worked at catteries, kennels, veterinary surgeries and groomers.”

Stanhope Proud Hounds, which is based within Barking Mad Pet Supplies, offers all varieties of grooming services for dogs, and was helped to start up by Be Enterprising.

Douglas Palarm, Ms Richards’ Be Enterprising coach, said: “We worked with Katie to develop a detailed business plan and were also able to award her a grant that helped pay for essential equipment to get her business up and running.

“With Katie’s experience and dedication I am sure that her business venture will be a success.”