Lisa Le Brocq
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Lisa is the Jewellery Designer/Maker at Lisa Le Brocq Jewellery Design. She works with Sterling silver most of the time, creating collections inspired by natural forms and found objects, such as shells and sea creatures, flowers and leave. Her work is becoming quite well known now and she regularly takes part in local exhibitions and markets.
“It's not been easy, but the fact that I am doing what I really love is huge for me!!"
Tell us about your path to setting up your business and what motivated you?
I studied Jewellery Design for eight years in the UK and graduated in 2000. Its a very competitive business and not easy to become successful enough to make a living at being a jeweller, but I had worked so hard at college and I really love being a creative person, so I refused to give up, i'm stubborn i guess!!!
How do you work and what is a typical day like for you?
No day is ever the same, especially as play all the roles of the business as well as raising a teenager and all the responsibilities of being a single mum. Making the jewellery is the best part and very addictive. I usually go for a long walk before I arrive at the studio (not only is it time to think, but this also helps avoid backache) I usually aim for a 9am start. The day usually starts with writing a list, there's nothing like a good list!!! If I'm working at my bench I lay out all the jobs so I can visually see what needs to be done and that helps plan my time too. I have days where I deliver my work to local galleries and outlets. I have days where I answer emails and get the paperwork and accounts done.
What are the best parts about your business?
The designing and making processes are the most enjoyable parts of this business, to have an idea pop into my head and then actually make it come to life is very rewarding. I also love it went a client has an idea of what they'd like and have a bespoke piece they will love and cherish!! That's really cool!!! I feel very proud that I can support myself and my son with the income from my business, its not been easy, but the fact that I am doing what I really love is huge for me!!
What has been your greatest struggle as a business owner so far?
When my son was really little, the time I had to myself to work was extremely limited, so the early years were very slow and didn't create enough of an income to survive. Once he started school, I squeezed out every single minute that I had to begin creating the collection that has now become quite successful. I supplemented my income with teaching at Highlands college and purchased a few bits of equipment as and when I could afford it, so really it was having time to make the jewellery that was the greatest struggle to begin with.
What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?
Oh gosh!!! There have been so many!!! But I guess getting more involved with social media and marketing my business regularly has been a nice breakthrough. I also still like learning, so when I can I go on courses to learn or practice new skills, it’s a lovely feeling to feel good at something!!
Do you have any advice for other small business owners?
Write yourself a list everyday and try to do at least a couple of the things on there if you can!!! Don't give up too soon, sometimes things take a while to get going... Take regular exercise when you can. I walk and sometimes swim in the sea, it’s a great time for thinking things through and making plans.
What currently inspires you?
I'm all about the beach really. I love a good scavenge for bits and bobs that are washed up on our beaches. I'm secretly into birds and really love natural patterns that appear on various objects. I can't take it all home, so I often take photographs to record what I've found.
You can contact and find me here
