Caitlin Powell is one determined woman.

Graduating from Arts University Bournemouth with a 1.1 BA (Hons) in Creative Events Management, she applied without success for more than 200 jobs.

But was she going to admit defeat?

No way.

So, in her own words: “I thought that if nobody’s going to give me a job, I’ll make one for myself.”

And the job just happens to also fulfil a dream for Caitlin, pictured left.

She’s now running a newly opened shop in Wimborne bringing together a group of local artists and makers.

Shop Local Collective at 8, Quarterjack Mews in East Street combines 12 different crafts with a contemporary range of handmade gifts including jewellery, homeware, prints and more.

The idea is the result of a passion for maker culture and months of hard work which involved organising virtual makers’ markets over lockdown.

Caitlin, 23, said: “This has been a dream of mine for a while but I did not expect for it to happen so soon.

“I’m over the moon.”

Caitlin, who creates handmade resin jewellery and other gifts, said an unexpected outcome of the pandemic is that the demand for handmade crafts has skyrocketed.

She added: “People are becoming more wary of the effects of fast fashion and also recognise the benefits of shopping local.

“Research has shown that 63p of every pound spent in small businesses stays within the local economy.

“All the makers involved with the new project are eager for this opportunity to give their businesses a boost after what has been a really challenging time.

“We think Wimborne is the ideal place to open our shop as there is a strong sense of community in the area, coupled with the gorgeous surroundings this little town has to offer.

“The support from the other independent businesses along East Street has been second to none and we will continue celebrating the wonderful shops, bars and cafés  of this beautiful street.”

Shop Local Collective is open every Wednesday to Saturday.

You can also shop online at www.shoplocalcollective.com or follow @shop_local_collective on Instagram for more information.