The owner and sole staff member at a new interior design shop says she hopes more people follow her example.

Alex Wilkinson, 29, opened Queens Interiors in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, after becoming tired of a daily commute to London.

Keen to follow a long-held dream, Ms Wilkinson opened her new shop on February 27, selling furniture, home decor, lighting and soft furnishings in what she claims is a “bling” environment.

Queens Interiors stocks a number of Epping Forest products, including locally-sourced cowhides, and Ms Wilkinson hopes others follow her example and reinvigorate areas with growing numbers of empty properties.

She said: “There are some shops [in Queens Road] which are vacant still, so it would be nice to have a little bit more life coming in.

“It is not good for anyone, because those empty shops look ugly.

“It would be nice if the street was used more often.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

Alex Wilkinson says Queens Interiors offers a "bling" experience

Ms Wilkinson added that although she is the only member of staff so far, she will be hiring to others to lighten the load during a difficult economic time for independent businesses.

She said: “I will be hiring more staff because I have realised how difficult it is.

“I hope I will be open this time next year!”