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Lori Del Genis, 40, set up eco-friendly bridal company Conscious Elegance just over a year ago and already has plans to expand

AFTER working as a specialist in hospitals in the US for 12 years, Lori Del Genis realised she wanted to indulge her first love as a career instead - sewing.

Mrs Del Genis had designed and made wedding dresses and ballgowns for friends since she was a teenager, and decided that was the career path she wanted to follow.

She set up her venture, Conscious Elegance, in Durham, in January last year, after moving to the UK with her husband in 2006.

Thirteen months later, she is looking to add further ranges to her core bridal collection.

She is also looking to take on staff.

"Starting and running a business is harder than I expected as I didn't know how much would be involved," she said. "I could hire in everything I need, but at the end of the day I need to make all the decisions. The work is so varied from setting up the website to designing that I never get bored.

"Everything is organic from root to leaf. I use eco-supportive hemp, hemp/silk blends and organic cotton fabrics.

"Even my stationery and business cards are recycled.

"We also recycle and reuse the bride's gowns as children's dresses as a service to our clients."

Mrs Del Genis said that, despite the fact that running a business can be an ardous task, she would encourage others to follow her lead.

"I love the excitement and variation I get," she said. "I love the fact that this is my baby."

9:25am Friday 2nd May 2008

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