AN AMBITIOUS teenager has realised his dream of running his own business.
Seventeen-year-old Tom Wilson opened Lilliz Boutique at Princes Quay shopping centre at the end of last month.
The entrepreneurial student started his first small business at the age of 13, selling pens when he was a pupil at Sirius Academy.
He said: "Every day, students would forget their pens, so I found a supplier online where I could source them cheaply and I made a lot of money that way."
Tom quickly realised that he wanted to build a career for himself in business and came up with a plan for Lilliz Boutique.
He said: "At first, I wanted to open a menswear shop, but after I did my research I realised that men don't really buy anything, but women will buy a new dress maybe every weekend.
"It became apparent that ladies' wear was the way forward."
Tom got a thirst for making money at an early age. Both his parents now own their own businesses and he helped out on their market stall when he was still at school.
His father, John Wilson, who owns Bagzboutique at Princes Quay shopping centre and Cheeky Smokes in Prospect Street, is proud of what his son has achieved but thinks there should be more support for young people who want to go into business.
John said: "There should be a third way for young people who are leaving school.
"Some parents will encourage their children to go to college or to go into work, but if Tom had waited till he was 20 or 25 to set up his own business, then it would be much harder. I think he's doing the right thing."
Tom and John have praised the help they received from Princes Quay in supporting both businesses.
Princes Quay centre manager Claire Suggitt agrees that it is exciting to see young entrepreneurs getting involved in retail.
She said: "We're delighted to welcome Lilliz Boutique to the Quay – the range of clothing and accessories is something that will certainly attract customers to the store.
"It's great to see such an ambitious manager in Tom move into retail and take on the challenge of running his own store at such a young age and we wish him all the best."
