Maria's big Deal - quiz show success leads to soap empire

Monday 5th November 2007

When it comes to a great business idea you can bank on Maria Hurst.

In fact the Platt Bridge mother-of-three has just put her razor sharp wits and intuition to the ultimate test by becoming the latest contestant to challenge the banker on Noel Edmonds smash-hit quiz show Deal or No Deal.

And the result has left her quite literally in the bubbly!

Fans of the Channel 4 show will have seen Maria take centre-stage on Friday (Nov 2), methodically picking her way through the famous 22 sealed red boxes in search of a big cash prize.

With tension mounting and Noel and the other contestants urging her on, the cool-headed 41-year old first turned down a banker's offer of £4,000, then £6,000, then £7,000.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere and a great experience," says Maria. "I was determined to hold out for as long as I could. It was a difficult choice but finally the banker made an offer I just couldn't refuse."

Maria settled for a figure of £15,000 - her original box contained just £250 so she definitely made the right move.

And since her quiz show success she's continued to make the right moves by turning her winnings into an exciting new business venture.

The former telesales worker is now the proud proprietor of Bath and Bubbles – a unique new Wigan Market store that's already captured the imagination of many town centre shoppers.

Maria says: "I've always dreamed of owning my own business so this was the ideal opportunity to make it a reality. I did a lot of market research beforehand and Wigan Market was the ideal choice."

Maria's store sells everything you could possibly want to turn bath time into an exercise in luxury and sheer indulgence. From bath bombs, fizzes and soap slices through to perfumes, essential oils and gift packs. Many of them contain natural oils and none of the products are tested on animals.

"The logic behind the idea was quite simple really," she says. "Everyone takes a bath so why not make it a really pleasurable experience. The products we sell are the same as those you would find in many of the big stores but I am able to keep my prices really competitive. I've already got plenty of regulars and I know it's just going to go from strength to strength.

"I have plans to set up a website in the New Year and the eventual aim is to open my own shop premises."

When she's not masterminding business success Maria likes nothing more than solving crimes - she's just received a diploma in forensic science and Crime Scene Investigation.

"That's really just an interest at this stage but it shows that I am motivated and determined to succeed," she says. "I have been a big fan of Noel Edmonds for a while now and have read his book on positive thinking. I think it has spurred me on and he even signed a copy for me when I was filming the show."

Wigan Council's Markets Manager Philip Edge was delighted to welcome Maria as the latest tenant on the busy market.

"Maria's stall is fantastic!" he says. "It's colourful and the aromas are amazing. We want local people to take stalls on the market. Maria has shown it's a great way of starting out because we offer such competitive rates for new stall-holders.

"We wish Maria every success with her business. Let's not forget Dave Whelan started out with a stall on the market and built his giant JJB Sports empire on the back of it. Let's hope Maria can follow in his footsteps!"

• Bath and Bubbles is open Monday to Saturday during Market opening hours. The official launch of the shop will take place on Saturday November 17.
• For more information on the stall you can contact Maria on 07962 370287 or e-mail her at bathandbubbles@hotmail.com
• More information on Wigan Markets. To find out how to become a stall-holder you can contact 01942 513163.