is in her blood - her dad David and uncle Christoper ran the north west chain of Sweetens bookshops which had branches in Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn and Bolton and her mum June used to run the Preston Fishergate branch.Her parents live in France so she is a frequent visitor to the country.
She added: “They are chic – just a little bit different than what you’d find in the shops. People are travelling quite a distance to come and see me at home.” Ruth welcomes customers to her home boutique, but also does Zoom consultations for clients further afield and can take out clothes as a pop-up shop to customers’ homes for individual consultations or clothes parties.She said:"It’s exciting and exhilarating. I’m just excited to get out there and meet my customers and new customers and show off the new collections. We know there’s more demand out there...We need to make it work. We’ve to get out there and get the business.
Ruth, who attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and studied French at Manchester University, previously worked in TV as a researcher, assistant producer and writer. She also worked in the music industry and as a translator for businesses.
Ruth Sweeten-Dewhurst pictured with clothes from a recent Captain Tortue collection Photo: Kelvin Stuttard