A WOMAN living near St Bees has converted a lockdown hobby into her own business in Whitehaven Market Place.

Paw Prints 3D specialises in bespoke pet ornaments which includes 3D printed, hand-painted models of customers' pets, digital portraits and other pet-themed gifts.

"It all began when I purchased my first 3D printer during lockdown", said Cheryl Lall, 32, originally from Newcastle.

Her dad encouraged her to paint dogs for others, and despite her initial uncertainty, her first advertisement was followed by an immediate order.

Whitehaven News: Seeing double! One of Cheryl's recent musesSeeing double! One of Cheryl's recent muses (Image: Cheryl Lall)

She described her business as growing from 'strength to strength' each year, with several months seeing her fully booked with online orders.

Cheryl teamed up with Jenny Brumby from TEG, the Entrepeneur Group, who invited her to join their markets two years ago, something which Cheryl said 'really catapulted' her business.

Moreover, she said she enjoyed the opportunity to interact with customers in person through the markets.

Cheryl said: "Eventually, after a successful month in a pop up shop, and with the help and support from my family, and the guidance from Jenny and the team at TEG, I was able to open my own gift shop in Whitehaven!"

The pop up shop was open from June until July, but was officially a permanent shop from August 1.

Whitehaven News: Inside Paw Prints 3D in Whitehaven's Market PlaceInside Paw Prints 3D in Whitehaven's Market Place (Image: Cheryl Lall)

Cheryl said: "My focus at the moment is building up my products so I can offer a wide range of various, pet themed gifts, accessories, and art to my customers.

"I love hearing people’s suggestions, and taking on special requests and it’s lovely to be able to offer something completely unique and different to Whitehaven."

Paw Prints 3D is located at 8 Market Place, Whitehaven.