What sparked your love of jewellery?
I used to work as a secretary: I’d worked at Buckingham Palace for three years and I also worked at a bank as a PA, but at the end of my probation period I was told that I clearly wasn’t enjoying the work, which made me think about what I really wanted. We’ve been taught to believe jewellery should be expensive, but I believe it should be affordable – I’d seen the price of fresh water pearls when I’d been travelling in the Far East. It’s great to work with beautiful things and I love colour.
How did you get started?
I began by selling at fairs, which went well. I live really close to this shop, which I starting renting a couple of months ago. It was a real mess – there were 40 holes in the walls – so I managed to get a good deal on the rent in exchange for doing it up. It’s been hard work, but it’s fantastic to be working for myself.
Who are your customers?
Local yummy mummies and older women; women on their way home from work (the shop is open until 7.30pm); men, whose wives have bought something from here, so are buying a top-up present and the Duchess of York has bought lots of presents. I have lots of regulars already, which is really lovely.
What’s your current bestseller?
Probably the dragonfly necklaces [£35].
What’s your favourite piece of jewellery?
I love the shiny, black onyx necklace [£37], which looks great with a white shirt or evening dress. I also like colourful precious stones and simple stud fresh water pearl earrings [£25].
How would you describe your style?
I used to wear a lot of black when I worked as a secretary and I was also pretty traditional with my taste in jewellery: pearls, signet rings and a little bit of silver, but colour – such as red jade and bright turquoise – goes brilliantly with conservative suits. My taste has definitely become more modern over the last two years.
What’s your philosophy on life?
Never be disheartened, but equally, never rest on your laurels.
What’s next?
I need to advertise and get my name out there a bit more…
