A MOTHER who suffers from panic attacks while outside on her own has used tackling her condition as a help on the road to becoming a successful jewellery shop owner.

Christina Reynolds, aged 38, of Waunarlwydd, Swansea, started having attacks after giving birth to her youngest child 12 years ago.

While she doesn't suffer from agoraphobia, she says she can't go outside without somebody being with her.

She said: "I can't even leave the shop and get something to eat or go and do some Christmas shopping. Even crossing the road to get into the shop I start to feel anxious.

"When I am in the shop I am fine, totally confident. I feel relaxed."

Despite her condition, she has always been determined to fulfil her dream of owning a busy shop.

She said: "My mother suggested I started a hobby, and I begun making jewellery.

"I then started meeting people at craft fairs and my confidence grew.

"I felt at ease when I was making jewellery."

As the years went on, Ms Reynolds set up her own business, called Arcadia Beads and Jewellery in 2004 at the Arcade in Swansea's High Street. Four months ago she moved into premises in College Street where the business is growing daily.

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She said: "The response I am receiving is unbelievable.

"I spent nearly six years in the High Street and now people are asking me if I am a new shop in the city. The difference is amazing.

"I did struggle at first in the Arcade, but I kept going as I really enjoyed what I did.

"The Arcade was a stepping stone for me and I can't thank everybody there enough.''

"I also think more needs to be done in the High Street to attract people to the area and make it a nicer place to shop.

"People used to pass the shop and not know what was in there. My next ambition would be to move closer into the city centre."

Ms Reynolds said since the Quadrant bus station closed for an 18-month refurbishment, she had noticed a lot more people visiting the High Street area.

She said: "People are getting off the buses at The Kingsway and are beginning to walk up to High Street. The Quadrant being closed has helped me 100 per cent.

"People are finding shops they did not know existed and are having a different shopping experience.

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk