A MOTHER launched a pole dancing venture after her father told her to follow her business dreams from beyond the grave.

Colleen Budd saw a psychic medium after dealing with her bereavement.

She was told her father believed her business would be a success and urged her go ahead with her idea.

Mum-of-two Colleen, who works for Lloyds Bank, has set up Pole Emporium, which sells clothes and accessorites for pole dancing.

She started pole fitness two years ago and after overhearing a conversation about how hard it was to get hold of particular accessories from America she got the idea for the business.

Colleen, of Patcham, said: “Working for a bank for the past 14 years definitely did not tap into my creative mojo.

“I have always wanted to run my own business but really felt the need to do it after losing my dad last year and having a very interesting appointment with a medium.

“She said my dad saw the business and wanted to say it would be a real success and to go for it. I hadn’t even mentioned it to the lady.”

Colleen has enlisted the help of technical whizz kid son Sam, 17.

She has already placed her second order with American brand Bad Kitty and is spreading the word through catalogues, social media and word of mouth.

Colleen is not concerned about perceptions of pole dancing as just for strip clubs.

She added: “People always joke that I’ve found a new job.

“I always say, there’s nothing sexy about it. We’re covered in bruises, it’s such a tough workout.

“It’s a real challenge not just for your body but your mind as well, because it really boosts your self-confidence.

“I used to go to the gym but I’ve never had muscle like this.

“People ask why the clothes are so skimpy, but it’s because you need to be able to grip the pole.

“Track athletes don’t wear much either but no-one says anything about them.”

For more information visit www.poleemporium.co.uk/