A GLASSWARE designer based in Wingfield has signed a deal to showcase her colourful creations in a US gallery.

Phaedra Politis, founder of Phaedra Glass, has achieved one on the highlights of her career as she will have her kiln fired glassware and gifts, of butterfly wings, wall art and glass tiles among other creations, shown at the Steidel Fine Art gallery in Texas.

The 48-year-old, who works out of a studio at Stowford Manor Farm, says this would not have been possible, however, without the help of business coach Roger Wilkins of Cool Ventures, which delivers the Swindon and Wiltshire Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Growth Programme.

Mr Wilkins got in contact with Mrs Politis and he has given one-to-one coaching on business planning, finance, marketing and management, which paved the way for this deal.

"I was absolutely thrilled to agree to this contract with Steidel Fine Art. A date has not been set yet but it is very exciting. This is one of the highlights of my career," she said.

"One of the main changes Roger has helped me with is to concentrate on smaller gifts and split my craft and gift work into two separate businesses, as well as marketing my glassware nationally and globally.

"We now have 10 outlets across the UK selling my products. Galleries are now paying up front for my products, rather than stocking them on a sale or return basis as before.

"The support I have received from Roger and Cool Ventures has been absolutely brilliant and I always come out of our meetings feeling energised and full of ideas. It has given me the focus and clarity that I need to take my business to the next level."