A GORNAL woman who ditched her 9-5 job to follow her dreams is now running a successful business, working with the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Cardi B.

Corinne Wells' modelling career took a back seat when she gave birth to her son Jaiden in 2008 and began working as a receptionist.

But in January last year, she took the plunge, quit her job and started her own modelling agency, MerriMaidModels.

"Because I used to model, I had quite a lot of contacts within the industry and I was still getting people come to me with jobs. I wasn't always available, so I wanted to do something to pass on my opportunities to others.

"When I started the agency, I had five girls and for the first few months, no one really took any notice."

However Corinne's luck changed when the undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather celebrated his 40th birthday in Birmingham and booked some models to help host the event.

"He had them on stage with him, holding up auction products, bring out his birthday cake and mingling with guests," the 30-year-old said.

"He was really nice, very inspiring and gave me lots of advice. He really liked the brand.

"After that, we worked with Cardi B when she needed four backing dancers for her UK tour."

The American rap artist (pictured with Corinne below) was so impressed with the booking, that she contacted Corinne again when she came back to the UK for the MOBO Awards.

Dudley News:

"I'm proud to have created something from nothing," she said.

"When I started, I had five girls, now there are 45 - three are based in the USA and the others are all around the UK in London, Sheffield, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

"It's crazy what you can do when you put your mind to something.

"It's also about female empowerment and bringing these women together and giving them the opportunities they have dreamed of."

As well as having a booming business with A-list clients, Corinne has also just landed a cameo in the upcoming Brit flick Are We Dead Yet?

"It was really nice to be discovered and to have people recognise my achievements and hard work," she said.

Dudley News:

The entrepreneur has encouraged others to follow their dreams, adding: "You have to go with what you believe in and what makes you feel alive.

"Never forget who you are. People will hate along the way but you can't let their opinions bother you. You have to believe in yourself."