Hi Guys, I had the opportunity to speak to a very interesting entrepreneur, who recently started his jewellery business, he is very involved in the philanthropical world.

Hope you enjoy it.

Hi Khotso, how are you doing, welcome to YHP

I’m doing well, thanks for having me

Can you give us some background information about yourself?

I am 20 years old, I am quite multi-African. I was born and lived in Cote D’Ivoire until 1996. I am half Sierra Leone and half from Lesotho (known as a Mosotho). I came to UK, Kingston University for my degree in 2008.

Name one Interesting fact about yourself?

I am the only person from Lesotho from my entire university.

I know you’re very active in the Philanthropical world, how did you get involved?

As soon as I reached the UK I saw a bursting world of opportunities to grasp, I took first homage within the United Nations Association Kingston Unviersity (UNAKU) (http://www.unaku.co.uk/). For the past two years I grew from being an active member to becoming the Campaigns Officer 2009 – 2010, the best highlights were the ability to help and inspire people within the university community, and to co-organise a Week For Haiti event in partnership with multiple Kingston University Societies, held in February 2010 for the Haiti Earthquake, it raised £3000.

The money was donated to the World Food Programme (http://www.wfp.org/students-and-teachers/blog/students-action-haiti) and the event was awarded the Best Achieving Event of the Year from the University Student Union . Am truly happy that it provided over 180000 cups of food to children in Haiti. During the same academic year I began my entrepreneurial life.

Tell me about your company sk2l jewellery?

Sk2l Jewellery began as a university project, the project allowed me, literally as much freedom as possible, for me to challenge and surpass my comfort zone boundaries, reaching a new level of personal development. It also inspired me to carry a multicultural message, as myself being from different nationalities I felt I needed to carry and promote that message to those whom are interested.

Selling Jewellery was an inspired idea by a fellow partner. Therefore the two were coupled together to educate and fashionise. Throughout the year my team members and I gradually grew the company. I had set a strategy at the beginning of the year, all I knew was I wanted to accomplish the vision, if not all at least most within the academic year. We initially sold to friends and family and then ran 4 Stall Sale events within the Kingston University Campuses; today the objective is to take sk2l Jewellery to new heights!

What ways have you been able to create awareness and bring some exposure to your business?

Sk2l Jewellery ran an online event between the 7th – 18th June, which included a blog launch to describe Sk2L History, to build a starter relationship with customers, cultural education messages through facebook and twitter, and an online store which launched on the 14th June – 18th only, to reach a wider audience to customers that are interested in unique Kurdish jewellery, not available in large commercial jewellery chains.

Thanks for your time Khotso, I wish you the best

Thanks Joseph for having me

Enjoy http://sk2ljewellery.bigcartel.com/

My Interview with Jessica van Zanten, The 23 years old founder and director of the London Jewellery School, the largest independent jewellery-training provider in the UK.

Hope you enjoy the interview

Hey Jessica, It’s nice to have you here with us today, how are you doing?

I’m good! Great to be here, just a bit tired, been teaching a 5 day jewellery class teaching people how to set up their own jewellery business! It is very rewarding sending them off on their way and watching their
businesses grow.

So tell us about yourself? What do you do?

Well, my name is Jessica van Zanten and I am 23 years old and I am the founder and director of the London Jewellery School, the largest independent jewellery-training provider in the UK. The Jewellery School runs 100’s of jewellery making classes throughout the year, which includes everything from beading and wire-work
to gold and silver jewellery.

My role is running the school along with my trusted staff and tutors, I also teach some of the classes and make sure the school is a friendly, safe and professional place to learn the lovely skill of jewellery making.

What’s your entrepreneurial story? How did you start making jewellery?

Well I started making jewellery around 6 years ago when I was 17 but got serious about it around 3 years ago. I have always loved buying and wearing jewellery and so one day it hit me that making jewellery would be such a fun thing to do, I could make it for friends and family and maybe even make a business out of it.

When I was 20 I decided to take the leap and leave my job to set up making and selling jewellery full-time. I didn’t do a degree or lots of fancy training in jewellery; all of my training has been done through short courses just like the ones we run at the jewellery school. So I am a real advocate of learning through short courses.

I ran my own jewellery business for a few years making and selling jewellery in shops, fairs, online and through friends and family. In the meantime I started teaching jewellery mainly as a side-line initially. Once I began teaching I realised that that is what I really wanted to do.

The jewellery school started just over 2 years ago from a community hall in Dulwich, South London and to begin with we ran one class every month. This was very popular and one class turned in to ten and we now run over 50 classes every month throughout the year. In January 2010 we moved to our current venue in London’s famous jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden and the school is going from strength to strength.

Why did you decide to start London Jewellery School? What is the purpose behind it?

The main reason I decided to set up the London Jewellery School is because when I was doing my training for jewellery making there were so few, high quality jewellery courses in London. There were lots in Birmingham, York, Cornwall and over the UK but barely anything in London. This, combined with the discovery of how much I enjoy teaching and introducing people to the joys of making jewellery was what fueled the drive behind starting the school and I haven’t looked back since.

The purpose of the school is to provide, high-quality, fun and professional jewellery making classes for people of all ages and abilities. Our motto is ‘everyone can make jewellery’ which we truly believe. It is such a fun and rewarding activity which many people think will be too hard or that they are not creative enough, the jewellery school welcomes everyone who wants to learn and have a go.

How is it going so far?

Really good. Its been lots of hard work but we are now happy at our venue in Hatton Garden, have over 16 world-class tutors and an ever growing list of classes. It is such fun being able to come in to work everyday to a jewellery school where people are enjoying their time, there is lots of lovely jewellery being made and it is such a comfortable and friendly environment. I wouldn’t change it for anything!

What are some of the key lessons that you’ve learnt along the way?

Planning! I do tend to jump in headfirst and get very excited by everything, sometimes I forget to plan ahead and make sure everything is going to work. Also to appreciate the people around you, your support networks and don’t forget how valuable they are. And finally not to be too hard on yourself, when you are running your own business there is know one telling you how well you are doing so every now and then you have to give your self a little pat on the back.

How did you raise money to fund it?

I worked for a year before I set up and raised some money through that. I also borrowed a similar amount and the rest has all been done through growth. For the first two years nearly all the money that was made was ploughed back into the school so that we could grow.

What’s your inspiration for the design on your jewellery?

That’s a difficult one, when I am designing my own jewellery my inspiration comes from lots of sources. Everything from art, music and fashion to looking at other jewelers work and even everyday things such as nature and of course materials. But mainly I make things that I enjoy wearing. I also make to commission so that means working from the customers designs, this is a great way of broadening your skills.

What jewellery designer do you most admire?

Wow that really is a difficult one – I can’t just choose one there are 100’s. I like most of the jewelers on Astley Clarke as well as lots of metal clay artists such as Julia Rai and Celie Fago. Also some of our past students such as Emma Hadley and also lots more.

What’s the most expensive item you have sold?

Most of my jewellery is not that expensive, but I did once sell a necklace for £500. That was quite a lot. It was a butterfly necklace made from lots and lots of silver and gold butterfly’s – it was beautiful and looked stunning on the lady that brought it.

What makes a piece of jewellery timeless?

Timeless jewellery would be made with high quality materials and instead of following recent trends it would be something classic that has lasted through the ages such as pearls, gold or silver. Other than that I think it is a very personal thing, what may seem timeless to one person may be junk to another. One of the great things about jewellery is everyone is different and has their own style, jewellery can be a way of expressing this and is unique for everyone.

How has your work developed since you first started designing?

I think it has developed in that I have learnt new techniques and worked with a range of different materials, I have also seen a lot more jewellery from different designers, which has an influence along with lots of experimentation and trial and error. I still haven’t decided where I will land but and just enjoying playing for now and seeing where my own designs take me.

Is jewellery essential?

No. But it is really, really nice!

What kind of person would come to the Jewellery School?

Well anyone can come to the jewellery school and we welcome all ages and abilities, I think that is one of the things that makes us special. But generally specking we have lots of women (some men too) aged between 18-65. So it is quite a range. We also have children’s jewellery workshops in the summer and in holidays.

Most people come because they either want a fun activity to do in their spare time, because it was given to them as a gift or they are starting up a jewellery business and want to learn skills.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

Probably Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, because I think her music is great and love her style. Also she is a great, young British talent.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Moving to Hatton Garden, It really is the center of jewellery making in London and is just the perfect place for us to be. The school has grown so much since we moved and it is something I will never forget.

Who do you go to for your business advice?

I don’t have one particular person, if I have a question I tend to ask lots of different people for their opinion and then decide based on what they say combined with my thoughts. I think relying on one person for all the answers could be tricky, going to lots of different people gives you a wider perspective on things. Although ultimately the decisions are yours to make and take the consequences of, whether they be good or bad. – Hopefully good!

What is your favorite trend of the moment?

Big floral necklaces and statement pieces with lots of colour. I love them! Bold jewellery covered in flowers – I am actually working on a piece like this at the moment.

How do you relax outside work?

I go salsa dancing! I used to be a dancer so love to dance so I try and go at least once a week, it is really fun, relaxing and much better than the gym.

What should we be expecting from you in the future?

That’s difficult to say – did I mention planning ahead wasn’t my strong point!
Just playing… the jewellery school will be continuing to grow and developing and we are also now selling jewellery-making supplies which we hope to expand on as well as developing our children’s parties and gift certificate programmes.

I think once the jewellery school is running its self, I will spend more time focusing on my own designs and jewellery range, so who knows you may see it in your local shops one day!

Any advice for anyone looking to get involved in the jewellery business?

I think it is the same as any business if you want it enough go for it! It is lots of hard work but also well worth it, it is the best thing I have ever done and if I can do it anyone can. Oh and come to our ‘5-day intensive set up your own jewellery business course’ Its great.

Thanks for your time Jessica.

Ladiosa is a story of two friends who decided to start their own jewellery company after getting an initial loan of £5,000 from the prince’s trust.

They said La Diosa means ‘The Goddess’ in Spanish, and perfectly reflects the divine designs of their jewellery.

Having worked for other people, they have often found their creativity being shut off by their employers, so they decided to take matters into their hands, first was a trip around the world for 9 months which inspired their jewellery designs, they also learnt various jewellery making techniques, and were clearly inspired by different cultures which are being portrayed in their designs.

Their jewellery has been worn by the likes of Baroness Amos, Leona Lewis and Kelly Rowland. The striking jewellery has also been featured on VOGUE.Com and is stocked in the prestigious Harvey Nichols.

Check out their website.

Birmingham-based jewellery designer Lora Leedham talks to YHP about her life and journey as an entrepreneur.

Lora creates ethical, contemporary jewellery, all handcrafted or finished, making each piece unique and subtly different to the next. She uses high end materials such as sterling silver, gold, platinum, conflict-free gemstones, Kimberley diamonds and handmade Venetian glass.

Hello Lora, How has been your day been so far? Thank you for taking time to be on YHP

Absolutely no problem, and I am very well thank you, at the moment, it’s Christmas season with the orders, so everyday is extra busy!

Can you give us some brief background of yourself?

I started off believing that interior design would be the field which I would go into, however for my final project at college I had to base it on something which had no relevance to interior design. Something else which I really enjoyed doing was metal work and working on small scale pieces, so jewellery seemed like the obvious choice for me. I absolutely loved it from day one and knew that this was what I wanted to pursue.

What inspired you to start your business?

I wanted to create my own designs and be free to create what I wanted, as oppose to other peoples designs. My dad had his own business so I had an insight into what it involved. It seemed perfect for to set up my business and be known as an independent designer.

Can you explain to us what your company does and the roles you play in it?

I design and handcraft ethical and bespoke jewellery. I currently have 7 collections with a new collection being released soon. I supply stockists around the UK and sell internationally also. My sales come through my website but I also have my own gallery in Stratford-upon-Avon. I have a lot of roles in the business, I not only have to design and make the jewellery (although, I do have staff helping me with finishing on the metals, stone setting etc when I don’t have time) I also do all of my own PR, which means working on press releases and keeping an eye out for potential features, and I also do all of the day to day admin work. I have staff in the gallery but I also have to keep and eye on that side and work on press with that too. I meet with customers and discuss their requirements and I work on a very one-to-one basis to create a very special and personal piece.

What are your process in making sure your jewellery are unique?

All of the jewellery is handmade and therefore has the designers own style added to it. I particularly take my inspiration from my hobby of photography. I enjoy photographing nature and looking at the textures and forms which I find, the jewellery therefore has a very organic feel to it.

How did you get finance to fund your business?

I was set up with the help of the Prince’s Trust and was awarded £2500 to get started, I had to prioritise where to use the money and buy materials, business literature etc. A lot of the funding went into equipment and raw materials to produce my first collections.

What’s your USP?

The USP for my jewellery is that it is all individually handcrafted, care and attention go into every one of my pieces and I create the jewellery so that the customer is completely happy with their piece. I also use conflict-free diamonds and have an ethical ethos to my work, even the packaging is from recycled materials. Another USP would be that the jewellery is bespoke, you can change designs to your own requirements and change gemstones, etc. I also work on customers own designs or take old jewellery and create something new with it for the customer.

What do your range consist of?

I have 7 ranges of jewellery which are my main ranges. The collections are varied in themselves, one collection focuses on intricate wire work, whereas other collections are more solid, involving components making up the piece and have gemstones added for detail. The collections all use precious metals with gemstones and Venetian glass

Who are your competitors?

There are a lot of fabulous designers out there; however each designer creates something so different to the next. Every designer goes down a different route, depending on what they want to achieve

Who is your target market?

My target market is quite broad, the jewellery is purchased by all age groups and although women may buy the pieces for themselves, I have a lot of male customers buying for wives, girlfriends etc. The jewellery is very individual and anyone who loves and appreciates handcrafted jewellery are my ideal customers! I have created jewellery for the Royal Family and various celebrities, so this is also a target market and getting my pieces into catwalks, etc is vital for raising my profile.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy?

Generally talking to people, I find out what it is that people want and approach that area. I market the jewellery in higher end galleries and magazines as this is what my customer will be reading or going. My story usually is a great marketing strategy and gets a lot of PR, so it saves me paying for advertising, I have jewellery worn by celebrities, who the media are always interested in and so I get to market my work with a story.

What plans do you have now to expand your business further?

I hope to carry on raising my profile as a designer, I want have more celebrities wear my jewellery and then eventually create jewellery for celebrity events. I don’t necessarily want to become famous, but just respected as a designer, I want my name to be known for jewellery design and the unusual designs which I create. On the retail side, I hope to build up the website and also open more galleries around the country.

Apart from your company, what other company do you admire the most and why?

I can’t say that I have a company which I particularly admire, but I do hear of business people who have either started with absolutely nothing or lost everything by becoming bankrupt, and then picked themselves up and started again to then become successful. I admire any businesses who can overcome problems and difficulties and I think they are an inspiration to us all.

Do you have any favourite business related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

I have recently read a book called ‘Self Promotion for The Creative Person’ by Lee T. Silber. He is an American author and talks about how he promotes himself, usually for little money too. This is great for creative businesses, I always find that artists are fabulous at what they do, but when it comes to promoting themselves and generally the business side, they tend to lack business acumen. This book demonstrates the importance of promoting yourself and getting your name out there.

What advice would you give to a Young Entrepreneur starting their first business today?

I have some sayings which I always stick to, one is that ‘you get out what you put in’ and I definitely agree with this, sometimes you may need to motivate yourself, or get out there and sell, but basically if you put in as much hard work as you can, the rewards will follow. Another mistake which I often see is that people open a business to suit their lifestyle, whereas your lifestyle should suit your business. Don’t open a business for the wrong reasons, if you can put in the hard work, especially when it is new, then put in the extra hours, keep working hard and don’t forget to have fun!

What was the most important lesson you have learnt so far?

It’s a bit of an obvious one, but really just to not give up. You take a lot of knock backs with a business and especially in the fashion industry. You have to learn not to let your confidence suffer, because it is a key feature which you can have. You have to get up dust yourself off and go again. Persistence can be difficult at times, but there are times where your hard work pays off and it makes it all worth it.

What is been your proudest moment so far?

There have been a lot of proud moments so far, such as seeing my jewellery on live television being worn by a member of the royal family, but winning the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Award was a moment which I was really proud of. You don’t often get time to stop and think about what you have achieved, but when someone nominates you for an award, it is very flattening and winning the award makes you realise all of the hard work which you put in and being recognised for that is fantastic.

What should we be expecting from you in the future?

Hopefully a lot more! I hope that my designs will be seen in large high street stores soon, and I hope that my name becomes known as a designer. As I mentioned, I don’t personally want to become famous, but I would for my designs to. I would like to take part in more catwalks and get my jewellery at some really high profile events.

Thanks for your time Lora.

Contact Lora Leedham
Website