A fashion salesman and buyer has fulfilled a lifetime ambition to have his own store after buying it from his former boss and previous owner.

Terry Lee Smith was taken on by the 9 2 5 Boutique in Court Street January and four months later he bought out his former manager and proprietor Keisha Clarke, and gave the shop a complete makeover and relaunched its as the Clara-Bows Boutique, in memory of his grandmother Clara May Smith.

The fashion boutique was officially opened by Deputy Premier Paula Cox, Mr. Smith's mother Rose Hart, his great aunt Cynthia Swan and her son Lionel Smith, and Nicole Young, Miss Photogenic of Miss Big and Beautiful Pageant 2009, on July 25

"It was a dream come true," said Mr. Smith.

"I was working for the young lady that owned this store after she took me on as a salesman and I ended up doing some buying for her.

"I never thought when I started out I would end up buying the business, but I had tremendous support from the community, which shows that I am doing something right and pleasing the customers, and for which I am very grateful."

The first thing Mr. Smith did was to totally transform the grey and spartan surrounds by re-designing and re-decorating the store in fresh and vibrant colours to give it a more feminine touch.

His store stocks everything for women aged 25 and over from all backgrounds, including a plus size section (18-26W) called 'Something Extra', which has already proved to be a big hit among some of Bermuda's larger ladies.

The clothing ranges from dresses, tops, shirts and T-shirts to evening gowns, jeans, skirts and shorts, catering for the businesswoman to the party-goer, to suit most budgets, as well as an array of ethnic wear, and he even sold a collection of red, gold and green outfits for the May 24 and Cup Match holidays.

Mr. Smith also merchandises a selection of accessories to go with the apparel, such as handbags, sunglasses, ear-rings, rings, belts, scarves and leggings, with everything sourced from New York City, having built up some exclusive relationships and deals with suppliers in the Big Apple.

"We are doing very well at the moment," he said.

"I find it extremely challenging and yet enjoyable to run my own business - it is very self-fulfilling and proud, but at the same time it is definitely hard work.

"I am very focused on this shop and it should be my nest egg or retirement plan - it is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to making the most of it."

A portrait of Ms May Smith adorns the wall and Mr. Smith said he decided to name the shop after her in memory of when they used to go shopping together during his younger years, while there are a number of nice touches around the store, including small mirrors on the ceiling and a bench in the middle for patient husbands and partners to sit on.

Mr. Smith's business is located in the Economic Empowerment Zone and he is hoping to take full advantage of the benefits on offer to entrepreneurs and small businesses in terms of financial assistance, advice and support as he expands his business in the future, with plans in the pipeline to firmly establish his 'Something Extra' line.

Mr. Smith, who first got into fashion as a model, before going on to produce fashion shows and working for a number of top retailers, such as 27th Century Boutique, as well as producing Miss Teen Bermuda and Miss Big and Beautiful Pageants.

"I have always been into fashion," he said.

"And I think when it comes to women, they love to shop and if you have what they want they are willing to make that sacrifice to have it - recession or no recession, the May 24 and Cup Match holidays are occasions when Bermudians go out and spend and enjoy themselves.

"I think the challenge is going to be between now and October when retailers will have to be creative about what incentives they give to make people want to go into their stores.

"The main thing is being able to adapt yourself to whatever situation presents itself if you want to ultimately be successful."

The Clara-Bows Boutique is open from Monday to Thursday between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information contact 296-8335 or email TLP@logic.bm