A WOMAN who was seriously injured in an accident has over - come her disability to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming self-employed.

Maxine English, 37, was devastated when, after injuring her back, she was told she was unemployable in 2012.

But rather than give up because of her disability, Maxine soldiered on, seeing this as an opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream to work for herself doing something that she loves.

Her business, Party Crown Direct Ltd, is now up and running and she has a shop in Lampits Hill, Corringham.

She said: “Sometimes things need to develop slowly, and I have always been someone who likes to get things done immediately.

“Whilst the journey from idea to opening the business was a long and hard one, and sometimes frustrating, working for myself makes it all worthwhile.”

Maxine’s business, Party Crown Direct Ltd, is a unique all-in-one special occasions shop, which provides party, wedding and christening supplies, with over 3,000 lines in stock.

Maxine added: “Customer service is top on my list!

“The main high point for me is being able to fulfil my ambition, and having the opportunity to help my customers through a tailored customer service experience.

“The satisfaction I get from doing what I am doing is immense.”

Maxine received help from Nwes, a leading enterprise agency providing support to entrepreneurs across the East of England.

Visit her website at partycrowndirect.co.uk.