TWO Weston mothers have taken their passion for vintage clothing and artwork and created an Aladdin’s cave of unique treasures – allowing budding artists to display their own work in store.

Single mums Louise Graham and Claire Palmer have been running So Retro in High Street for just over a month and said they are both thrilled to finally achieve their goal of opening their own store.

Louise, aged 30, who has two sons and one daughter, said: “Vintage artwork has been our passion for a long time. We knew there was a niche market for this type of thing in Weston and this is something we have always wanted to do.

“We just walked past the store, saw it was empty and said ‘let’s go for it’.”

The store comprises of a myriad of jewels, necklaces, clothes and a fascinating selection of artwork. The couple also have nail artwork on offer.

The dynamic duo started off with a market stall in St James Street before selling their pieces in Loves Caf�. Louise said they then noticed the store was available and have also taken a Prince’s Trust business enterprise course to help them stay on top of their game.

Louise said: “It has been a challenge but we have done this with a lot of determination.”

So Retro is also displaying work by 18-year-old Weston College student Georgie Stuart who is currently studying for a diploma in art and design.

In her spare time she has created a range of jewellery, which she has named Wanderlust, and was thrilled to hear Louise and Claire would be selling her stock.

Georgie, of Manor Road in Weston, said: “I was first inspired to create the jewellery range when I was designing items for an exhibition in the Sovereign Shopping Centre.

“I started using sugar skulls and decided to sell a range of jewellery there. I became more and more interested and the items have evolved from there.

“When Louise and Claire said yes it really motivated and inspired me to create a lot more jewellery and come up with new ideas as it’s such a great opportunity.”