A SCHOOLGIRL has made the most of the coronavirus pandemic by setting up a successful business.

Holly Camilla told her mother it was her dream to start her own business.

Now the 16-year-old from Isfield, near Lewes, who attends Lewes Old Grammar School, has launched her own brand of eyelash extensions called Luxury Lashes by Holly Camilla.

Mother Victoria Hawkins Smith, said Holly has been flooded with hundreds of orders for her products.

Holly’s first photoshoot campaign was featured in Goji Magazine, an international publication that celebrates femininity.

Social media star and make-up artist Kenny Cain has also been pictured wearing Holly’s eyelash extensions.

Victoria said: “Holly already has 15,000 follows and has been given amazing reviews from all around the world. She has sold out of her collection many times over.”

As with most start-ups, time and effort was required, but Victoria said that while her daughter may be young, she proved she was dedicated enough to make it a success.

She said: “During the first nationwide lockdown in March last year Holly spent hours every day researching and working.

“She uses all recycled, sustainable products and that was really important for her.”

Holly however is no stranger to the spotlight, having started a modelling career at the age of nine.

The teenager has since gone on to work with well-known fashion brands including Topshop, Oh Polly and Revolution Make Up.

She has also made appearances at London Fashion Week and has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram.

Holly has a 14-year-old sister, Emily, and a five-year-old brother Ralph, who has also been modelling since he was four months old.

Victoria hopes that their success will inspire other youngsters to aim high. She said: “Hopefully it will encourage other teenagers to be confident enough to follow their dreams, work hard and never give up.

“Lockdown is incredibley hard on the mental health of young people and Holly wants to encourage her peers to believe in themselves and set goals.”