An award-winning mum and entrepreneur says she took a ‘leap of faith’ to open her first store in Blackburn.

Kat Zaman's new Luxury Partybox shop is based off Johnson Street, close to Mick’s Barbers.

The shop was launched in memory of Kat’s late parents who she says inspired her to always to share her ‘smile and goodwill’ with people.

Kat said: “I'm in the business of making smiles and I love it.

"I decided to steer away from stresses of the corporate world and delve into a world which delivers joy and happiness.

“Business is not easy in today's climate but my ethos is simple. My smile is my logo, my personality my business card. 

“I have lived by this ethos instilled into me by my late father and successful businessman Muhammad Zaman, and my late mother Mrs Zohra Begum who taught me the importance of love, kindness, integrity and gratitude.

“Life has been tough since they passed but every cloud has a silver lining.”

The store offers a range of branded balloons and customers can order any style and design they want.

She also offers prop rentals, 4ft LED numbers and personalised backdrops for customers who might want to make their special occasion ‘stand out from the crowd’.

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Kat is the brainchild behind ‘The Summer lunchbox’, which provided more than 20,000 free meals to children over the summer holiday and saw her win the Best Neighbour Award 2019. 

She said: “It is my vision to ultimately provide work opportunities to vulnerable women and work closely with children's charities already supporting families to bring some joy and happiness back into their lives.

“I also do my best to use locally sourced products. 

“Supporting other small businesses during this cost of living crisis is essential if we are to ride the storm successfully and emerge triumphant at the other side."

Kat's previous corporate and business ventures have all been pivotal in her ongoing vision for Luxury Partybox. 

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He future plans include online and wholesale offers and she has already secured international suppliers, and hopes to launch a franchise opportunity in the future offering balloon and event training to budding balloon artists. 

Her new Grab and Go service which she describes as ‘Just Eat but for balloons’ has proved popular.

She said "It is such a simple idea and it has kept me incredibly busy since opening. 

“I wanted to take the stress out of organising special events so I think I am the first  to offer a text service.”

Mya, Kat's daughter, helps out every Saturday and at the age of 12 already knows how to make garlands and personalised Orbz. 

Kat added: “I'm not here to compete with the big giant supermarkets.

“I'm a small business and they will always win on price but I win every time on offering a personalised service.”

Mick Passerini, who is based across the road, said: "She is passionate about everything and I know she will make it a success. 

“She's already so busy and a lot of my customers have become hers too!" 

Customer Shabana, who lives close by on Whitehead Street, said:  "I needed a last minute gift for a friend and I was just walking past and saw a lady painting the shop bright pink. 

“I went in and met Kat who put down her paint brush and created a beautiful balloon bouquet. 

“She wasn't open but came to my rescue.”