A 19-YEAR-old Whitchurch store owner and his sister received recognition at a national award scooping the Highly Commended Independent of the Year 2023.

Jonjo and Maddie Ashbrook, owners of JB and BOOM, were recognised at the Boutique Style Awards UK, which took place in London at the Mayfair Hotel.

Jonjo has only been trading in the New Arcade on the High Street in Whitchurch for a year.

He said: “I was already pleased with being shortlisted for the award – but going home with the award is something I wasn’t expecting.

“I am super thrilled with that, and the networking was amazing.”

Maddie, 23, started her business, Moo and Boom, in Green End, in 2021 after losing her job, and she was Jonjo’s inspiration to open his own shop down the road.

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“I take care of JB and Boom and Maddie is with Moo and Boom, we both own the two businesses, but I take care of everything in my shop with her and our mother’s help”, the young owner added, “The best part about it is working with my sister.”

“I never thought I’d own a business, having just finished college, but I am super happy with it”, Jonjo continued.

Maddie won the Independent of the Year in 2022 for Moo and Boom, and was also a finalist for the Outstanding Business UK with her shop this year.

Whitchurch Herald: Maddie and Jonjo Ashbrook at the Boutique Style Awards UK in London.Maddie and Jonjo Ashbrook at the Boutique Style Awards UK in London. (Image: Maddie Ashbrook)

She is extremely proud of her brother and is excited to see what comes next in their journey.

Maddie continued: “It was a really lovely evening at the awards.

“Jonjo was always helping with Moo and Boom and he thought that the men’s side was missing in the town.

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“His attention to detail and his sustainable ethos won through, and the judges commended him on his knowledge of his brands and why he advocates a more sustainable shopping experience.”

Their victories highlight the surge of successful independents in Whitchurch, increasingly renowned as a vibrant market town.

The award-winning duo have big plans for 2024 and thank their loyal customer base, their team and their friends and family for their continued support.