Victoria is a Jewellery designer and makes all her jewellery in her studio at the Harbour Gallery. Her delicate silver designs incorporate gemstones that are inspired by the Islands coastal shorelines.

“Make sure it is something you love or believe in as there will be times you want to give it up but when you have a passion for something it will keep you going!"

Tell us about your path to setting up your business and what motivated you?

It all begin when I went traveling with my husband and I came across an amazing bead shop in New-Zealand. I brought a simple bracelet making kit and loved that I could make something that I could wear. I decided to turn my hobby into a business when I became pregnant as I wanted to get out of a 9-5 role and be able to run a business and bring my family up. I taught myself to silversmith and I am always learning new skills.

How do you work and what is a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is trying to balance business and family life. I check my emails in the morning whilst having breakfast. I sell my jewellery on my website, Etsy and Amazon so catching up on emails and messages is a big part of my business. I work in my studio 3 days a week making jewellery and the other days it will be a mixture of taking photos of my jewellery, updating websites and posting items. I reply to my emails and post on social media mainly in the evenings.

What are the best parts about your business?

For me the best part is designing and making jewellery, the creativeness in me craves to make things. I also enjoy the freedom of being my own boss and working around my family life.

What has been your greatest struggle as a business owner so far?

My main struggle has been trying to make time for my growing business whilst trying to keep a healthy balance of family life. I currently only work 3 days in the studio while my little one is still young and it can be hard when I am limited on time and busy with orders but I am trying to make it work and I know I will have more time in the future. I have also found it hard not having any silversmithing and stone setting courses here in Jersey.

What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?

This year has been a great year for my business. January last year, I moved into a studio in the Harbour Gallery which meant so much to me, being able to have my own space is something I dreamed about for years. In February I got to meet Theo Paphitis (Retail entrepreneur from Dragons Den) in Birmingham and got a photo taken with him as I won a competition which he runs on twitter for small businesses. I always feel proud when I master a new skill as I am a self taught silversmith and stone setter and it takes a lot of practice, blood, sweat and tears to get a new skill right.

Do you have any advice for other small business owners?

Keep going and don't give up! Also make sure it is something you love or believe in as there will be times you want to give it up but when you have a passion for something it will keep you going!

What currently inspires you?

I love to make personalised and custom jewellery as each item is different and has a story to tell. I have a growing passion for gemstones and love to know all the facts and properties of the stone. Living on such a beautiful Island that is surrounded by sea has a big influence in my designs.

Location

My studio is in gallery 3 at the Harbour Gallery at St Aubins I also have my jewellery on display on the ground floor.

You can contact and find me here

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