An artist and business owner from Machynlleth, who moved into Laura Ashley’s first shop is celebrating a year since moving in.

Elin Angharad, a designer who works in Machynlleth, first moved into  her own shop in the Powys town in June 2023. She opened her business at 37 Heol Maengwyn, the location of famed fashion designer Laura Ashley’s first shop.

One year later, she said that her time in the historic Machynlleth high street premises has “flown by” and she’s looking ahead to the future.

Writing on social media, she said: “The shop is one year old.

“The last year has flown by, and I can’t wait to share with you what’s to come next.

“Thank you all so much for your support over the past year, opening a shop has exceeded my expectations. It’s lovely to be a part of Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth.”

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Specialising in leathercraft, Elin has a long history with the iconic fashion designer, as her mother worked for the Laura Ashley company for ten years.

In August 2023 she was approached to contribute to the Machynlleth Museum of Modern Art’s ‘For the Love of Laura Ashley’ exhibit, creating a vintage style handbag that would be featured as a piece to showcase the famed mid Wales fashion designer’s lasting influence.

At the time she said: “It was so fitting as I had just moved into the shop.

“I’ve heard many stories from family and friends that worked for the company, allowing me to get an idea of the scale and energy that Laura Ashley brought to the area. I was introduced to Laura Ashley fabrics and furnishings from a young age, as my mother worked for the company for ten years.

“When the opportunity arose to open my very own shop in Machynlleth I jumped at the chance, especially after learning the address 37 Heol Maengwyn - Laura Ashley’s first shop.

“The shop has so many original features that haven't changed since Laura Ashley occupied the premises, like the flagstone floors and the beamed ceilings.

“The beautiful front window and awning above, gorgeous front door and the bay window are some of my favourite things about the shop.

"I was honoured to be asked to be a part of the exhibition, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of this at my little shop.”