Inspiring Abi awarded wildcard entry into national market final
Abi Proctor, 25, is rubbing shoulders with the best young market traders in the country this bank holiday weekend - and her journey started at our Newcastle-under-Lyme Markets.
A 25-year-old entrepreneur is proudly representing Newcastle-under-Lyme in the final of a national market competition this bank holiday weekend.
Abi Proctor is trading at a special market at the magnificent Waterside in Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday, 26 and Saturday, 27 August after being selected as a wildcard entry in the regional heat of the annual Young Traders Market which took place in Wolverhampton earlier this month.
Abi, owner of Abi Through the Ears, won the first round at Newcastle-under-Lyme’s historic market – known as The Stones – after impressing judges with her contemporary, well considered, well branded and popular stall selling hand-made items like headbands, hair scrunchies and tote bags.
The popular annual competition, run by the National Market Traders Federation, aims to attract new blood into the retail markets industry by encouraging 16 to 30-year-olds to use markets as a platform to start or grow their business.
Abi’s story is particularly inspiring as she started her successful business when turning to sewing – using her mum’s old and faulty Brother machine – as the Coronavirus pandemic hit in a bid to help keep positive and help her mental health.
Abi also sells her products at her new shop at Middleport Pottery, online and at local artisan markets. She said: “The market in Newcastle was fab – it was great to trade alongside so many great young traders. I was heartbroken when I didn’t get through the regionals but then I had the best phone call from the organisers to say that I’d been invited to the final. They said they were really impressed with my stall at the Wolverhampton market; how lovely it looked and the teamwork between me and my mum.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am. I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone, from the bottom of my heart, who has gone through this journey with me. I’m really looking forward to representing Newcastle-under-Lyme and I’m hoping to smash it."
As well as receiving a trophy and the prestigious title of “National Young Trader of the Year”, the overall winner will receive £500 cash and a mobile credit card terminal from sponsors Multipay.
Cllr. Stephen Sweeney, Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, added: “The Council is delighted to support the Young Traders Market once again. Not only has it given talented young people the chance to try market trading, it offers something different to our growing number of market visitors in Newcastle-under-Lyme as we continue its rejuvenation. It’s also provided amazing opportunities for Abi who deserves every success. I congratulate her on this fantastic achievement and wish her the very best of luck in Stratford-upon-Avon this weekend.”
More information about Abi’s work is available on her website and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.