Nine-year-old soap entrepreneur cleans up for her pony fund

A nine-year-old soap entrepreneur from Skegness has cleaned up at her first sale to raise money for her pony fund.
Belle at her table sale to raise funds for a pony.Belle at her table sale to raise funds for a pony.
Belle at her table sale to raise funds for a pony.

Belle Nicholls discovered a new hobby during this year's first lockdown while helping out at Equiclass EC Friskney.

Now dreaming of having her own pony, the Richmond School pupil has spent the recent lockdown making soap and candles for a table sale.

She set up outside her home in Buckthorn Avenue on Sunday with her own brand Belle Soaps and candles which were snapped up by family and friends who had seen her post about the sale on social media.

Belle riding a pony at Equiclass EC Friskney.Belle riding a pony at Equiclass EC Friskney.
Belle riding a pony at Equiclass EC Friskney.

As well as the soap and candles, she also sold her old books to raise funds for the Donkey Sanctuary at Huttoft.

Customers were able to visit socially distanced and enjoy a mince pie as well as snapping up some great stocking fillers.

Altogether she raised £40 - and was able to adopt a donkey to help the charity.

Some youngsters might be relying on Santa for a pony now, but a delighted Belle said she is already ordering more ingredients to hold more sales.

Belle making soap for her sale.Belle making soap for her sale.
Belle making soap for her sale.

"It was fun and I sold everythingl," she said. "I really enjoy making the soap and made 50 in lavender, wild orange, tea tree and lemon flavours.

"I ordered the packaging online and had Belle's Soap labels printed and was really pleased with the way they looked.

"The candles were popular too and I made about 10 of those.

"The money I raised will go into my pony fund but was really exciting adopting a donkey too, so I really appreciate everyone who supported me.

Belle's soaps and candles were a huge hit.Belle's soaps and candles were a huge hit.
Belle's soaps and candles were a huge hit.

"I started getting interested in horses during lockdown and went along to Equiclass EC to help with the horses and cleaning out.

"Now I'm having riding lessons and would love my own pony. I'm planning to make more soap and two shops in Drummond Road - Peekaboo boutique and Ida Lilley - have been in touch and offered to sell it in store."

Belle's dad Pete Nicholls said he proud of the way his daughter had raised money to continue her hobby.

"It used to be all about being a cheerleader but lockdown stopped all that.

"Belle has really taken to riding and loves helping at the stable and this is something we can all do safely outside.

"She's worked hard for her sale and we are really pleased it was a success."