The former manager of an upmarket women’s clothes store is branching out on her own.

And Kristen Carreiro is set to hold the grand opening of her own venture, Modblu, on Reid Street, Hamilton on Friday.

Ms Carreiro, who formerly managed Atelerie, also on Reid Street, said: “It’s a mid- to high-end women’s accessories and clothing store.

“It will have everything from solid gold jewellery to costume and women’s fashions.”

Ms Carreiro, 30, added: “It’s a clean, more focused, smaller boutique, which is needed. People need more options and I’m pleased to bring another option for them.”

She said she decided to set up shop on her own after her contract at Atelerie was not renewed.

She worked at the store for a total of six years, three years part-time and three years full-time rising to the post of store manager.

Ms Carreiro said: “I decided it was time to do my own thing.

“I had quite a following from my previous role and my feedback at the moment is everybody is excited about having another option.

“It’s been a really great response — knowing me from Atelerie, people are excited to see what I’m bringing forward.”

Ms Carreiro added: “There is a lot of administration owning a business, but I won’t be a stranger to the sales floor.”

Modblu is located on Reid Street, next to Rock Island Coffee, in premises formerly occupied by a tiling store.

Ms Carreiro said: “There is a lot of window space, which is good and it took two months to set up the way I wanted it.”

The store also features a “Bonus Room”, which features office space and extra rooms to be used as a private shopping area for clients who need a bit more attention.

The store will feature top names in women’s clothing and jewellery, like Cooper & Ella, Gigi New York and Misa.