Geordie Shore's Chantelle Connelly backs new North East fashion store

Two North East mums have launched a new fashion store which aims to empower young women.

Queens at Heart, which is based in Newcastle, is aimed at 16 – 35 year olds and is backed by a team of North East models and influencers, including ex-Geordie Shore star Chantelle Connelly.

Entrepreneurs Sharree Thompson and Ellie James expect a turnover of £1.5m over the next three years and hope to expand Queens at Heart’s team over the coming 12 months to meet ‘growing’ demand for its clothing ranges.

Sharree and Ellie plan to recruit from the local community, with the intention of employing apprentices and linking up with schools and colleges before growing administration, design, packaging and distribution teams.

Sharree Thompson, co-founder and director, said: “We would like to recruit from within the area that the company has been founded. This is a deprived area and we would like to give back to the community.”

Sharree’s experience in the fashion industry includes working as a model and travelling the country to manage fashion shows. She said: “Some of our range is inspired by high street fashion but much of it is inspired by international styles making it a brand with an identity of its own.”

She continued: “In the future, we are looking to expand our range for plus size women, tall and petite. We hope we can also work with designers so we can stock our own range and brand of clothing.”

Chantelle Connelly, ex-Geordie Shore star and Queens at Heart model, said: “They’ve created an online store that empowers women with cutting-edge designs and complimentary styles. I’m looking forward to seeing their brand grow and I can’t wait to work with them again.”