A Carlisle teacher has turned to the world of business to realise her dream, having launched her own boutique children’s clothing company.

Just two weeks ago, Jessica Renucci-Gowling launched her own company, Little Dolly House.

Jessica, who lives in Dalston with husband Scott and their two-year-old daughter Gabriella, said the launch of her new online-only business was the realisation of a long-held dream.

An English teacher at Newman secondary school in Carlisle for seven years before Gabriella’s birth, after a further year supply teaching Jessica felt now was the time to realise her business ambition.

“Teaching is a completely different world to the world of business,” Jessica said.

“But it’s equally enjoyable. I loved teaching.

“This is more of a personal dream for me that I want to make a reality.

“Over the last two years, since I became a mum, the thought of starting my own business is something I’ve become very passionate about.”

Jessica summed up Little Dolly House as providing “good quality at a good price”, and explained that she hoped to be able to provide parents with outfits for their youngsters that could be treasured as keepsakes for the memories they hold.

“My mum always used to look back on photos, and recall the outfits I wore, and I never quite understood it until I had my own child,” Jessica said.

“You look at the clothes and remember the day trips you’ve had, or the first steps they took, all those milestones that come through thick and fast from the ages of zero and two.

“It means a lot to be able to look back and remember.”

Little Dolly House is Jessica’s first full foray into the world of business, though having had a hand in helping husband Scott set up GC Engineering, his own firm, nearly two years ago, Jessica was familiar with the process of bringing a business to life.

Jessica has also launched Little Dolly House with Gabriella firmly by her side, as the Covid-19 lockdown meant her grandparents or nursery could not share in the childcare.

However juggling the twin world of motherhood and business is something Jessica has enjoyed.

“It hasn’t been too much of a stretch,” she said.

She said lockdown has in some ways opened up new opportunities for her, given the renewed focus people have paid to online retail.

“At the moment, I’m delivering a lot of clothing to new mothers.

“It’s a difficult time to go and visit a newborn. A lot of people are shielding and they can’t go and visit, so a gift bought online is something that they are turning to.”

Jessica described the process of launching her own business as “massively exciting”.

“I can’t quite believe when I look at the website that it’s all happening,” she said.

“And the support from the customers in Carlisle has been absolutely brilliant.

“It’s a lovely city to have a little business in.

“There is always a support from the people of Carlisle for local businesses. I’ve definitely felt that support.”

Jessica is keen at present on keeping the business focused on serving the Carlisle area, though she is hoping to explore expanding the age range she caters to.

“At this moment in time i like the idea of it being a small local business,” she said.

“Right now I’m focused on younger children’s clothing. I’d like to expand into older children’s clothes, perhaps up to early teens.”