An entrepreneur running her business out of a kitchen looks set to be the toast of the catwalk, after being nominated for a major business achievement award.
Helen Priestly, owner of Shirley-based Artimis Models and Promotions, has been nominated for an Everywoman Business Award.
A former model, Ms Priestly had experienced first hand the challenges facing any budding Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell when dealing with agencies.
After turning her back on life as a model, Ms Priestly took a job at British Gas, before leaving to work at a local model agency in an administrative capacity. It was from this point that she saw the business opportunity of setting up her own agency, with the support of NatWest Business Banking.
"Being nominated for an Everywoman award is really exciting and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in making Artimis Models and Promotions a success," Ms Priestly said.
"Without the help and support that I have received this just wouldn't have been possible."
Ms Priestly wanted to set up Artimis as a world class agency that not only looked after clients, but also cared for models.
It was also essential for her that she worked from home, in an office at the back of her kitchen, so that she was able to balance her role as an entrepreneur with being a mother.
With thousands of models now on her books, Helen's ambitions and aspirations have not only brought her some world class business clients such as Tesco, ASDA, Gossard and Volvo Truck & Bus, but she has also been nominated for an Everywoman business award.
Ms Priestly, said: "Since setting up the Artimis Models and Promotions a few years ago I have never been happier.
"I am growing a very successful agency and still able to make my children the number one priority.
"I have an amazing work life balance."
