A pipe dream of owning your own business has become a reality for a 21-year-old Carmarthen man.
Matthew Kilgariff from Bronwydd has recently opened up Dandy Lion, a vintage shop in Carmarthen market.
The former QE High pupil said: “I’ve been dreaming of doing this for a while and once this unit came up in the market my dream became a reality.
“What attracted me to the market is that it has a nice community feel. A lot of traders have come over to help us out when we were setting up. Everyone has been really friendly.”
Dandy Lion, which is located in one of the outdoor units, sells clothing, shoes, accessories and some furniture items.
“Vintage has become a big fashion style and something I personally am into,” said Matthew.
“I want the shop to be homely, a little quirky and different to what you would find in high street shops.”
Matthew said his mother and sister had been very supportive in his enterprise. “We were discussing names and couldn’t decide. My sister came up with the name Dandelion, but I thought it was a little too feminine but really liked the play on words and we all agreed on Dandy Lion.”
After undertaking an Enterprise course with the Prince’s Trust, Matthew opened his new business the day after completing his course. “This is the first business I’ve set up. I hope, in future, to branch out and expand to trading at festivals also,” said Matthew.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for the markets, Cllr David Jenkins, said: “I would like to wish Matthew all the best in the future for his new business in Carmarthen market.
“The market is a great place for young entrepreneurs such as Matthew to set up and start their businesses.”
Dandy Lion is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and you can also find them on their Facebook page.
To keep up to date with the latest news and events at Carmarthenshire markets please visit www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk.
