A WELL-known businesswoman is closing down her Prestwick shop to start an exciting new venture.

Ann McKinnon, owner of Interior Ideas, announced earlier this month that her business of 20 years would be closing down.

The store on 195 Main Street will officially close its doors on Monday, December 30, and is holding an 'everything must go' sale on all items.

Ann started her career in interior design in 1980 (Image: Ann McKinnon) Ann said: “I've done some amazing houses, I've met some amazing people.

"I'm a people person and Prestwick's Main Street has been a lovely place to work, and I'll miss it here because it’s a social environment and I'm friendly with a lot of shop owners."

The 66-year-old, who has worked in interior design for 44 years, has decided to close the shop to spend more time with her family, but says she is not fully retiring just yet.

She explained: “I've got my fifth grandchild on the way. My grandchildren are everything to me, three of them are here in Ayrshire and two of them are down south, but I want to spend time with them. 

"I’m a great walker, I do Zumba, I look after myself, and I’m certainly not going to become a couch potato.”

She now plans to start working from her house in Kilmarnock, by launching her own at-home interior consultancy firm.

Interior Ideas will close permanently on December 30 (Image: Ann McKinnon) Ann has been working in interiors since 1980 and was self-employed for 40 years.

Prior to working in the industry, she was employed as a librarian at Glasgow University, but she admits she always had an interest in styling from a young age.

She added: “I always loved clothes, I always loved dressing. When I was younger I didn’t have as much money but I would buy a beautiful silk scarf and a beautiful leather belt and maybe the rest of my outfit wasn’t as expensive but it was the knack of being able to put things together and accessorise.

"Still to this day I think clothes and interior design have a connection."

Ann initially started her interior career in East Kilbride (Image: Ann McKinnon) The decision to set up her own business came after she was often left in charge of an interiors shop in East Kilbride, and realised she could run her own place without any assistance. 

She credits her secret to long-running success as being dedicated, patient, and always listening to what the client wants before acting on it.