A Kendal businesswoman who survived lockdown and almost being shut down by the council has been praised for its work and resilience.

Amanda Slattery, owner of Maya Maya Ltd which is based out of the Dockray Hall Estate, has been trading for 16 years.

She received an order for closure from the council in December 2020; however, after a swarm of local support the decision was overturned.

The Westmorland Gazette: SURVIVED: Maya Maya Ltd saw the decision made to close the business reserved after local support SURVIVED: Maya Maya Ltd saw the decision made to close the business reserved after local support

The order was set to shut down the business on February 1, 2021.

Amanda and her team at the independent fashion business have been praised for their resilience and strength in the face of lockdown and its near closure.

The nominator, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “She’s been put through hell, but she fought through it. The community is so proud of her.

“She’s such a lovely person and nothing seems to be able to stop her.

“What she’s doing, keep doing it Amanda.”

The Westmorland Gazette: NOMINATED: Amanda Slattery faced lockdown and closure of her business, and kept goingNOMINATED: Amanda Slattery faced lockdown and closure of her business, and kept going

Amanda said: “I’m really humbled that someone has taken the time to recognise us like this and I’d like to say a huge thank you. 2020 was a really awful year, all the way through, but the last few months were particularly difficult for us.

“I can only reiterate how grateful we were for the support we received from our customers and the local community; it was truly heartwarming.

“Thank goodness the issue was resolved and we were allowed to continue to trade; it was an experience I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

The Westmorland Gazette: TRADING: Maya Maya Ltd sells out of KendalTRADING: Maya Maya Ltd sells out of Kendal

“So, lockdown three, we are ploughing on and doing what we can to keep in touch with everyone via social media and email. We are, like many businesses, relying on our online shop and trying to help lift people’s spirits by offering some light entertainment via our Facebook live events.

“Personally, I’m using this time to try to further improve my social media skills and learn about new technology to make sure we can offer the best possible shopping experience both online and in-store.

“Our business relies very much on forward order, so we are also trying to plan for the remainder of the year; not an easy task when everything is so volatile still.

The Westmorland Gazette: SELLING: Amanda Slattery has been trading for 16 years SELLING: Amanda Slattery has been trading for 16 years

“However, we have vaccines now, we all have to try to look forward and imagine the sunnier, happier days to come when we can hopefully welcome our customers back with open arms and a big hug.”

Maya Maya Ltd was originally located in Wainwrights Yard but moved to the Dockray Hall Estate in 2020.

For more information, visit mayamaya.co.uk