This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we heard from Jennie Plant, owner of Fit to Bust on Oxford Street in Harrogate.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We are a welcoming lingerie specialist shop focused on expert fitting, ensuring women feel comfortable, confident and heard.

What does it take to be successful in business?

You have to be passionate about what you do and confident in the products you're selling to your customers.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

It takes a lot for some women to come into this shop, so self-esteem is a big thing for us. We just love it when a woman comes in and we do a fitting, and she sees her true silhouette for the first time. It's a joy and a privilege to do what we do.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

Adapting to running the business on my own after my wonderful colleague of 17 years, Margaret, retired in October 2024. Everything we did, we did together, and 90% of the time we agreed with each other. It was very strange for the first six months, and even now it's weird.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Baltzersen's, here on Oxford Street. With two cafés and a bakery, what Paul [Rawlinson, the owner] has achieved is quite fabulous. I get my coffee there most days.

Also, Julie Fitzmaurice on Parliament Street. I love how long they've been there – since the 1930s – and that they have an understanding that the foundation garment needs to be right, so they send their customers here.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Jennifer (she didn't want me to use her surname) of Smalls for All. It's a charity that donates bras and pants to ladies here in the UK and in Africa who can't afford or access things like that. It allows them more confidence, freedom, and ultimately opportunities.

I did a little bit of work with them last year and we're going to try to do more together this year.

What could be done locally to boost business?

It's a bit of a boring subject, really, but parking. Over the last couple of months, we've had a number of ladies come into the shop saying they've got to be quick because their parking's about to run out.

We need to revert to a system where you could just get a ticket and pay when you get back to your car.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The worst thing? I honestly can't think of one – apart from the parking issue.

The best thing is that Harrogate is a beautiful spa town, so it attracts a lot of visitors. I'd say our client base is made up of about 60% local and 40% visitors, so they do play a massive part.

We have regular customers who come about three times a year from as far afield as Newcastle, Suffolk and Cornwall. One lady comes over from the States once a year and always comes in when she's over.

What are your business plans for the future?

To build on what is already a great business. When Margaret and I had the shop, we weren't very good at promoting ourselves, so now I've got a lovely lady who is helping me to reach out to new customers and younger demographics.

We don't have a website. It would cause problems, because people would order three sizes to see which fits best and then send the other two back.

The beauty of this shop is that it's very personal. We don't use tape measures – we fit by eye – and we know which things to take into the dressing room to try on, even when the customer doesn't. They're often surprised by how good something looks, even though they hadn't considered it before.

We've had people in tears, saying 'this has stopped me getting a breast reduction'.

I can only liken it to being a hairdresser or a therapist. It's an honour that people trust us, and I love coming into work every day.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I like dining out and socialising with friends, going for walks with my spaniel Margot, and heading to the beach at Saltburn.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

Stuzzi does fabulous little plates of Italian delights, and they also do a great Sunday roast.

I love Illam, the South Indian restaurant on King's Road. I just love spicy food, and they have a different way of cooking it. It's a great addition to Harrogate.

I also love Manchega in Ripon. The food is amazing, and it always has a buzzy atmosphere whenever I go in. I've never known it not to have a good vibe.