A former model from Falmouth has set up her own business, aiming to prove that women can do just as good a job as men in traditionally male dominated fields.

Laura Fox-Staeton, 27, claims to be the UK’s first "high heeled, hot pink, Barbie styled gardener, odd jobs woman and plumbing consultant."

The former model and administrator for Cornwall Council says she felt inspired to give up her 9-5 job and take on "the blokes" after realising climbing the corporate ladder and part time modelling wasn’t for her. At the start of the year she established the Posh Fox Garden Design and Maintenance Group.

“I have always wanted to own my own business," she said. "I have loved gardening, pruning and planting since I was a child and my parents inspired in me the concept of don’t buy something new when you can repair it or better still make something that's better than can be bought in the shops. In other words 'if it’s broke then fix it’ so I am now a Miss Barbie Fixit.”

Laura, who attended St Francis School in Falmouth and Penryn College, spent a year working for the council in Truro in the births, deaths and marriages registration department, and before that studied level three plant science and landscape design at the Duchy College Rosewarne.

She said giving up the safety of a monthly pay cheque was challenging but she felt if she didn’t try establishing her own business in her mid to late 20s it may never happen.

“As a child I was always the one 'rodding pipes' when they got clogged with baby wipes, cleaning gutters, pruning trees, building my own dolls houses from scratch, planning gardens and fixing toasters," she said. "I always did it in pink outfits and play heels, so I figured if I was good at then I’d still be good at it now.

“I wanted to be the Barbie of the small business world. Showing up dressed in pink with a pink work belt and often heels which I replace with steel cap boots on the work site throws a lot of people. For many women though having another woman they can call to fix things, build cupboards, build a deck or clean their plumbing pipes is great. They feel safe and often inspired that a woman is doing what is traditionally seen as a ‘man’s job.’”

Laura’s dad still lives in Falmouth but her mum died from cancer when Laura was 16. “I think my mum would be proud of what I am doing now, said Laura. "In many ways this business is tribute to both my parents."

As well as working, Laura also likes to "give back" in her spare time. "I am donating time free to local schools to help with garden clubs," she said. "Giving back is very important to me as is doing charity work. Showing young girls and boys about building, gardening and up-cycling is important and I do it in my free time."