A hairstylist from Barrow has overcome cancer to achieve a lifelong dream of opening her own clothes shop.

53-year-old Melanie Dawn Edmondson opened Mella Modelz on the corner of Harrison Street and Rawlinson Street in the summer after a long six year battle.

The shop sells high fashion clothing as well as vintage items, jewellery, accessories, shoes, bags, trainers, children's and babywear.

READ MORE: Fish and Rice Cakes guy stars in Tesco meal deal adverts

READ MORE: Admiral Sportswear film social media advert at Ambleside United FC

READ MORE: Millom business continues to grow with award nomination

Other items available include antiques, soaps and perfumes.

The mum-of-one and grandmother-of-one trained as a hairdresser with Kendal College in 1990s and acquired Dressing Up and Colour qualifications from Wella Studio as well as qualifications in barbering at Cheynes Salon Edinburgh.

Melanie is also a qualified hair stylist (Image: Mella Modelz) After previously working as head stylist in Kendal, setting up a modelling agency and working with photographers herself, Melanie's career was put on hold after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017.

Her 25-year-old son Steven Edmonson helped her through the tough time.

For more news on local businesses, subscribe to the Mail

"The cancer was really hard on me both mentally and physically," Melanie said. "It took all my energy.

"I had a radical hysterectomy for my cancer which means the lymph nodes out of my groin on both sides too.

(Image: Mella Modelz) "My son Steven nursed me all by himself and gave me the injections I had to have before having to have major surgery after.

"He's managed to get back working as an electrician now and has a beautiful ten-month-old baby girl called Lillie.

"He's an inspiration and deserves the best of everything.

(Image: Mella Modelz) "I'm very grateful to my friends who have helped me set up this shop too as it's always been a dream of mine to own my own clothing shop. 

"I've suffered with agoraphobia since I was 15 so this is a big step for me. I have my support dog here though to help me, my little Chihuahua Lexi.

"I'm just glad to finally be set up. I've trained in colour so I've put a lot of effort into co-ordinating the products and the window displays.

(Image: Mella Modelz) "I really don't think there's another shop quite like this in Barrow so me and Lexi look forward to welcoming people in."

Melanie is also utilising her hair and colour qualifications in the shop.

The building has two separate rooms at the back where she offers make-up, dry cuts, ups and nail services.

The mini Amore Mio Cafe located at the front of the shop serves packaged food and drinks.  

Mella Modelz has plans to expand into men's clothing with Melanie also planning to sell clothes on her TikTok channel, @melaniedawnedmond, soon, which has over 4,000 followers.