A new boutique in Bolton opened its doors to the public today as it celebrated its grand opening on Blackburn Road. GG’s Boutique Fashion store was previously operating from a basement under a hairdresser. The ladies' fashion store, which stocks “statement boutique wear, bags and home decor” is run by owner Gemma Walker, from Egerton , who wants to use her own experiences with mental health to empower other women by giving them the confidence to wear statement clothes.
(Image: Leah Collins) Although it’s her first time owning a clothing store, Gemma wants GG’s Boutique Fashion to become a “central hub” for women in the community, a place for other women to feel listened to and empowered. Gemma said: “Before I worked, I was a stay-at-home mum, then I moved on to work at Edgerton Primary School working with children. “I’ve battled on and off with depression for the past few years and there were times when I really struggled, I didn’t want to get out of bed or put on nice clothes, I couldn't wear skirts.
(Image: Leah Collins) “I really lost myself, I would shuffle to the school run in leggings and a dirty shirt, I’d just lost all my self-worth and didn’t know who I was. I didn’t feel like I fit in with the other parents.” Gemma, who has a child with a learning disability with her husband, Rob, noted how she had “zero confidence” and struggled with her self-image.
She said: “It was like Groundhog Day; I was living the same day repeatedly. “.