A WOMAN who launched her own business after being made redundant has won a top award.

Graphic designer and mum of three, Jacqui Sharples, had spent 26 years in the advertising industry when she lost her job and decided to go back to university.

Jacqui, 45, from Great Harwood, started up her design business, Print for Love of Wood, whilst completing a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design at the University Centre at Blackburn College and looking after her three children now aged 17, 15 and five.

Print for Love of Wood a design and letterpress studio which uses traditional printing presses to create comissioned pieces from cards to display pictures.

Jacqui, who sells her designs across the world, said: “There was a lack of jobs when I was made redundant and I had already thought about going into teaching but I didn’t have a degree. But then schools were making cuts so I decided o do a graphic design degree because I have always been creative.

“Design has always been my passion and it was whilst I was actually doing my degree that I was inspired to start up my own business. It was in 2009 that I put my first print online and when it sold out in days, I knew I had found my niche.

“My tutors at University Centre were great, they supported me in developing my business and the result is a real labour of love.

“Now, as well as running Print for Love of Wood, I also guest lecture at colleges teaching the art of letterpress.”

Jacqui was awarded the Cog Design Student Award for Recognition day in 2009 and she has just been given an MPA Roses Student Award for Lasting Impression award.

She said: “I have had a lot of help from my family. My parents have looked after the kids while I have been at university and working on my business. But designing doesn’t feel like a job, it is something I love doing.”

John Harrison, head of the school of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at University Centre said: “Jacqui’s work is the culmination of many years of passion and hard work and we are all very proud of her achievements both on the course and with the success of her own business.”