Mel goes from fighting crime to sewing seams
Former police officer opens bridal business
A former Scarborough police officer has returned to her roots by opening up her own bridal wear business. Melony Rispin, 44, started her career by helping her mum, Gail Martin, run bridal shop Primadonna in Falsgrave Road in 1990.
The former Scarborough College pupil worked in the store and also performed as a cabaret singer at functions in the local area and around Hull.
The mother-daughter duo worked together until they sold the business in 2001 after Melony fell pregnant with twins.
After being rejected from the navy in her early years due to her eyesight, the development of laser eye surgery meant she could join the police force in 2006 – a job she surprisingly says has many similarities.
She said: “It was my dream to be a police officer. I was on the response team and I loved representing my home town. My time in customer service helped with my time with the police.
“People expect a certain service and you are needed in an emotional and stressful time for the customer.”
Melony was forced to take early retirement after almost 11 years on medical grounds.
Melony has now returned to what she knows by starting up a bridal wear store in on Main Street, Seamer, called Rispin Couture.
She said: “I thought it was important to do something I knew.I love helping other people who are making some of the most important decisions for their wedding.”
Despite only being open for a few weeks, Melony has said she is delighted with feedback from the public.
She said: “We have received a lot of attention, especially on social media, and I am determined to make it a success.”