A SHARPLES mum has started her own sleepover decorating business.

Tara Barker, a former project manager, made the leap to her new venture after being on maternity leave made her realise that she didn't want to return to work.

With two children of her own, and a child from her partner's previous relationship, sleepovers are something Miss Barker has grown used to, with the busy mum starting The Magical Wigwam Company from her own home.

Speaking of the process, she said: "I didn't want to go back to working in Manchester and leave my baby so I wanted to work from home.

"My partner and I have hosted sleepovers in the past and it just seemed like the right decision.

"It did take quite a while to get everything running though, which I didn't expect.

"I had to make sure all the wigwams and the mattresses meet safety requirements and I've found a wonderful lady who makes it all for me at the size I want and meets CE compliance."

Miss Barker started advertising her creating in February, and had just started to receive her first bookings when the coronavirus pandemic hit, cancelling the orders from her first clients.

The unforeseen circumstances have made for a shaky launch, but The Magical Wigwam company isn't going anywhere.

"I felt a bit disheartened for a while, I was just starting to get going and get people's interest before all this happened.

"But we are a bit of a cheaper idea than going to a play centre or hosting a party, and I can offer themes to fit everyone and even mix and match.

"I started off with just four themes, unicorns, a rose gold theme for the older girls that's a little more elegant, a unisex safari theme, and an Army theme with some helmets for dress-up.

"Then my son, who's football mad, was having a sleepover and I realised I should be doing a football theme as well.

"There is something for everyone, I've offered an army theme with a girlier one in the package because someone's sister wanted to join in the fun too."

Prices start from £75 for two wigwams, increasing to £140 for five.

Alongside the structure and mattresses, each package includes set-up and dismantling, fully laundered bedding, throws, and tray tables.

Decorations such as bunting, signs, pillows, and lights, breakfast hampers with cereal and juices, and personalised bags of sweets for each guest are also included.

Visit The Magical Wigwam Company on Facebook for more information, and to take part in a special promotion, sharing a picture of your homemade den in exchange for a discount on bookings.