A WEST Kilbride woman has shared her delight after her business marked one year in operation.

For 25 years, Lesley Elliott worked as a member of long haul cabin crew with British Airways before taking her redundancy during the Covid pandemic.

Thereafter, she worked in a couple of different roles, before deciding to launch her very own business.

Though currently living in West Kilbride, Lesley is originally from Beith and it was there that she opted to set up "Curiosity" almost exactly one year ago.

(Image: Submitted)

The business, on the surface, is a cafe - though Lesley prides herself in offering much more than that to anyone who pays a visit.

She explained: "I'm really passionate about bringing quality speciality coffee to the Garnock Valley and have done training with the Speciality Coffee Association along with many hours at the coffee machine perfecting my skills.

"It's only me in the shop although I do have a lovely friend Aileen Kennedy who often pops in to give me a wee bit of support.

"As well as coffee and cake I sell vintage bits and we have the one sharing table for anyone who wants to sit with their coffee.

"It's lovely to see complete strangers all chatting and making friendships - it's become quite the little community."

(Image: Submitted)

Lesley officially made it one year in the town on August 9, and though many in business refer to the first year as the hardest she says it has been an absolute pleasure at Curiosity.

She commented: "I don't really think there have been lows...things just have seemed to get better month by month and I am genuinely blown away by the support from the community of Beith!

"Moving forward I think I'm looking forward to more of the same - being part of the community - not just a shop.

"Hopefully I will be helping encourage people into the Garnock Valley for coffee and to explore the history that is in abundance here."

(Image: Submitted)