Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A former X Factor contestant from Caerphilly will be the latest entrepreneur to run her business out of the town’s container-style market.

Rebecca Jones started ‘Rebel Jones’ in 2018 as a part-time stationery business, but after growing the successful brand, she has now taken the leap to go full-time.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Rebecca explained how she had no plans to run her own business, and always dreamt of being a singer.

“I made it through the first round on X Factor in 2014 which was a surreal experience. After I left though I realised I didn’t like all the attention and knew a career in singing wasn’t for me.

“I had a three year commercial music degree in front of me though, which I did love as I got to sing everyday, but by the end I had lost my passion for it a bit.”

During university, Rebecca joined a band who needed a logo designed. With no experience, she offered to draw one, and realised it was her calling.

“I’d never been much good at drawing, but it was great fun so I decided to pursue it and open my own stationery shop.”

Initially based at Caerphilly Business Park, ‘Rebel Jones’ quickly became a lot more than a stationery shop, with the business also selling plushies, tumblers, stickers, and keyrings.

Rebecca continued: “I’ve been running the business from home after a recent operation, but now I’m excited to get out there and meet people before the Christmas period.

“Doing things via social media can be difficult at times, although I do have a YouTube channel which has been fun.”

With Christmas in mind, Rebecca will be based at Welsh ICE’s pop up unit at Ffos Caerffili between Tuesday November 12 and Wednesday December 4.

She added: “We’ll have special things on offer such as design your own mugs and an engraving machine to make personal gifts.”

For more details about Rebecca and her business Rebel Jones, you can visit her Instagram and website.