A Milford Haven businesswoman has taken an unexpected career turn, swapping a career in dental technology for an innovative South African invention that is now making its way into homes across two continents.

South African/British dual national Michelle Sharpe, who lives in Pembrokeshire, spent many years working as a dental technician, specialising in dentures, implant restorations and same-day teeth.

She said: "After many years working as a dental technician, I felt it was time for a new challenge. I loved the technical and creative aspects of the profession, but I'd become increasingly conscious of the chemicals used in dental laboratories and was ready to explore something completely different."

Michelle began investigating various business opportunities, initially considering ventures in catering, before turning her attention towards South Africa, a country with which she has strong personal connections.

"I started looking at businesses in South Africa, partly because I still have strong ties there. I was curious to see what opportunities might be available, but I certainly wasn't expecting to end up in the drain-unblocking business!" she laughs.

It was during this search that Michelle discovered Magic Pump, an innovative invention developed by South African inventor Ken Jackson.

Originally designed to simplify the process of changing sand in swimming pool filters, the product immediately caught her attention.

Michelle continued: "I thought it was a fantastic invention with enormous potential. When I got to know Ken and his daughter and business partner, Kaye Munnik, I could see how much work and dedication had gone into developing it.

"Rather than simply buying the business, I suggested joining them as a partner so we could build on what they'd already achieved and explore new opportunities together."

Following initial discussions from her home in Wales, Michelle travelled to South Africa to work alongside the team and explore the product's potential.

But it was a familiar household problem that inspired the next stage of the company's development.

She explained: "My shower drain was forever getting clogged, and I really didn't want to keep using chemical drain cleaners. When I saw the original Magic Pump, my first thought was, 'I need one of those for my shower!'

"The original pump was quite large, though, and I realised that a smaller version, specifically designed for household drains, could be incredibly useful."

That idea led to the development of Magic Pump DRAIN, a new, compact version of the original invention, which is now being launched in both South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The manually operated device uses a sealed pumping mechanism to draw up liquid before pushing it down with force, helping to clear stubborn blockages in sinks, showers, baths and basins without electricity or chemical drain cleaners.

Meanwhile, the original Magic Pump SAND+, designed for swimming pool sand filter maintenance, has already secured a UK distribution partnership with established swimming pool equipment supplier 1st Direct Pools.

Through her Milford Haven-based company, Magic Pump UK Ltd, Michelle is now focused on establishing the new DRAIN product in the British market and developing further retail and distribution opportunities.

"It's certainly been an unexpected journey. I never imagined that leaving dental technology would eventually lead me to becoming involved in manufacturing and developing pumps!” she said.

"But that's what makes it exciting. Sometimes an opportunity comes along that you would never have thought to look for, and you just recognise its potential."

With ambitions to expand distribution across the UK, Michelle hopes her Pembrokeshire-based venture will help bring greater recognition to an invention that began life thousands of miles away in South Africa.

For more information about Magic Pump and its products, visit www.magicpump.co.uk