A SINGLE mum from Rhoslan, Criccieth, is proof that you should never give up on yourself, or your dreams.

Rebecca Hughes, 32, had son Tristan when she was 19.

Taking time out to raise her son, who is 14 now, put Rebecca’s studies, and her career, on hold.

But, determined to give herself and Tristan the best future possible, Rebecca has continued to work hard and now runs her own business.

Looking back, Rebecca told the Cambrian News: “I had previously been to college but, of course, things don’t work out as the planned and I fell pregnant.

“When my son was a little older, I decided to go back to college and redo my beauty therapy course, which I did.

“I then got a job in Portmeirion as a beauty therapist on the condition that I had massage therapy; I used my Christmas club money to pay for a week’s intense massage and hot stone course.

“After a year of being a therapist, I was promoted to manager at Portmeirion spa and was there for four years.

“During that time, I completed management and hairdressing courses.

“I then decided to do a PGCE teachers training to teach beauty therapy in a college.

“I completed a year and, of course, Covid struck.”

Resourceful Rebecca worked didn’t let that stop her from working hard.

“During the pandemic I went to work in Tesco and was marshal at the door, counting people in, sanitising handles, pushing and cleaning trollies.

“During that period, I got a job on customer services. After a while I felt as though I was wasting time, however, my friend sent me a photo of a post about a room going for rent in Lolfa Lois, Pwllheli, so I grabbed the opportunity.

“I’ve been there for 10 months and decided to go for it an open my own shop/salon which I’m in the middle of renovating and hoping to open in February, at 7, Lower Cardiff Road, Pwllheli.

“I love my job and I love making people feel better and love to see the difference in people after a massage.

“I find it interesting how many people have suffered mentally after and during the pandemic, and I personally have had a spurt of depression and know mental health and self-care is important.

“My vent is running and hiking, and this is also how I lost five stone.

“I hope my story will inspire others and make people realise that life’s too short and if you have a dream to follow it.

“And just because life throws obstacles in our way we may take the wrong turning in life from time to time, we always end up back on the road to success if you really work hard and stay focused.”