A YOUNG entrepreneur is ‘living the dream’ after opening her own shop.

Laura Green, aged 28, has proved you can be your own boss despite having a disability.

She has Down’s Syndrome but is determined not to let her condition hold her back.

Five years after setting up her own fashion accessory company, Serendipity, she has opened a retail outlet in Runcorn Shopping Centre.

And she is providing work experience for 12 young people with additional needs, to build their confidence.

Laura, from Norton, said: “There was no career planning for me at school. I was just killing time until I was moved onto the next step in the system.

“I didn’t want to work for Asda. I wanted to run my own business.

“I have a passion for fashion.”

Laura started her business with funding from the Prince’s Trust.

She studied business and retail at college and with support from Halton Speak Out, a self advocacy group, her venture took off.

Laura, who is already looking to expand intoWidnes, added: “It’s important for people with learning difficulties to have jobs.

“It’s always been my dream to have my own shop.

“I’m now offering other young people work placements.

“I’m living my dream.”

Wellbeing Enterprises CIC is supporting her venture with Lead The Change funding.

Keily Hampson from Halton Speak Out, said: “The whole idea is to change the perception of the public so that they see young people with additional needs in employment.

“They are far more capable than most people think.”

A BBC interview with Laura attracted media coverage as far afield as Australia, Sweden and New York.

Keily added: “Laura is an inspiration to all young people.

“She leads a very active life. She is always speaking at national events and filming documentaries.

“She is doing what most people would never dream of.

"We are very proud of her.”

Serendipity is a community interest company so Laura makes no personal profit. All the money goes back into the community.