Whether you're in a creative rut or feeling inspired, there are certain practices you can do to help give your creativity a boost. In this episode, Jess shares five of her favourite ways to boost her creativity (plus one bonus) and gives practical tips for how you can implement these practices in your own life.

Episode Description:

• In this episode we're talking about nurturing and growing our creativity (1:31)
• Here are 5 ways Jess has been able to boost her creativity (6:50)
• 1. Earmark time for creativity (7:05)
• 2. Learn something new that's creative (12:48)
• 3. Develop a practice of self-reflection (16:51)
• 4. Do a screen detox (22:45)
• 5. Do something you've always wanted to do (27:19)
• Bonus: Make something that you won't sell (30:24)

Resources

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Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert

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Posting great selfies can help your audience get to know you and feel more connected to your brand. In this episode, Jess talks with Susan Heaton, a brand photographer who specialises in small businesses. Susan shares her top tips for taking good selfies for your business. She also explains how you can feel more confident and move past the nerves that come with posting pictures of yourself.

Episode Description:

• Today we're talking with Susan Heaton about how to take good business selfies(1:13)
• How did you get interested in brand photography? (2:55)
• What are some of the challenges people face with selfies? (4:29)
• Why are selfies important for a business? (6:21)
• What are your top tips for a great selfie? (9:06)
• How can people overcome their nerves about taking pictures? (15:38)
• What should people avoid doing? (20:44)
• How to connect with Susan (24:58)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Follow Susan on Instagram

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Metal clay is one of our favourite materials to work with at Jewellers Academy, and in this episode we're telling you why! Jess talks with Anna Campbell about the top ten reasons why they love metal clay, and why they're so excited for our new Silver Metal Clay Diploma. Whether you've worked with metal clay for years or are interested in trying it out for the first time, this episode has something for you!

Episode Description:

• Today we're talking about 10 reasons to love metal clay (1:17)
• 1. It's easy to do from home (5:06)
• 2. It's eco-friendly (8:30)
• 3. It creates no waste (11:13)
• 4. It's fine silver and can be hallmarked (13:59)
• 5. It's easy on your hands (16:18)
• 6. It complements traditional methods (19:00)
• 7. It's very creative and expressive (23:35)
• 8. It allows beginners to do stone setting(27:57)
• 9. It's easy to add gold (30:50)
• 10. It works really well with enamelling (34:22)
• Bonus: It's great for teaching! (38:35)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Learn about the Silver Metal Clay Diploma

Watch the Open Day Replay

5 Days of Silver Metal Clay Challenge

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In this episode we're sharing everything you need to know about our newest diploma programme, the diploma in Silver Metal Clay. Jess explains who the course is for, how it's structured, and what you can expect to learn throughout the year. She also talks about why she loves silver metal clay and shares some reasons why you may want to join us for this course.

Episode Description:

• This week we're announcing a brand new diploma in silver metal clay! (1:16)
• What is silver metal clay? (2:31)
• Who is this course for? (4:36)
• How is the course structured? (6:32)
• What will you make throughout the year? (10:30)
• What's included in the masterclasses? (12:35)
• How do mentorship and community play into this course? (17:59)
• What else do you need for this diploma? (19:45)
• Why should you join? (21:31)
• What payment plans are available? (23:25)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Learn about the Silver Metal Clay Diploma

Join our Open Day

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

You may recognise David J. Lilly from television, and in this episode, you can learn more about his fascinating backstory and his experience as a semi-finalist on "All That Glitters" Season 2. David explains where he gets inspiration for his unique style of jewellery, and he tells us all about the experience of applying for, filming, and watching himself on "All That Glitters." David also shares advice for new jewellers and explains how he's developed his style and skillset over time.

Episode Description:

• This week we're talking with "All That Glitters" Season 2 semi-finalist David J. Lilly (1:23)
• How did you become a jeweller? (2:47)
• Where does your inspiration come from? (10:33)
• Can you tell us about the jewellery you make? (13:06)
• What was the process of applying for All that Glitters? (16:39)
• How was your experience on the show? (19:45)
• Has the show changed your approach to your business? (23:46)
• Can you tell us about the award you won for your jewellery? (27:41)
• How have you stayed true to your unique style? (29:38)
• What are you proudest of? (33:37)
• What advice do you have for someone who's just starting out? (37:35)
• Rapidfire questions with David (40:30)
• How to connect with David (42:56)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

David J Lilly Website

Follow David on Instagram

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With their Heart of Gold collaboration, Emma René and Kerrie Kent are creating one-of-a-kind jewellery while also raising funds and awareness for The British Heart Foundation. In this episode, Emma and Kerrie share the inspiration behind the project and explain how you can support it. They also talk about what it's like to run a collaboration between their two businesses and share practical tips for other jewellers who might want to do something similar.

Episode Description:

• This week we're talking with Emma René and Kerrie Kent (1:13)
• How did you get involved in this heart disease awareness project? (2:38)
• Can you tell us about the process of turning this idea into action? (8:23)
• What does the gold heart necklace look like? (11:56)
• What was it like to manage this collaboration on top of your own businesses? (14:15)
• How has the project gone so far, and what are your future goals? (17:10)
• What was it like to work with a charity? (20:03)
• Do you have advice for other jewellers interested in raising money for a cause? (22:47)
• How to get involved (25:09)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Gold Hearted Club Website

Narratorium Website

Donate to the Heart of Gold Crowdfunder

Follow Emma and Kerrie on Instagram

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If you want to start growing your Instagram and posting more consistently, this episode is for you! Jess explains how you can join the Jewellers Academy "Reel a Week" Challenge, and she talks through all the different prompts you can choose from when making your reels.

Episode Description:

• This week we're talking about a challenge to help you grow your Instagram (1:24)
• It's better to start small than not start at all (6:01)
• Each week you can choose one prompt from this list (9:20)
• 1. Before and after (10:02)
• 2. Your favourite tool (11:21)
• 3. Process reel: Start to finish or show the juiciest moment (12:51)
• 4. Top tips (16:34)
• 5. Packing an order (17:57)
• 6. The first and last piece of jewellery you made (19:50)
• 7. Your inspiration or design process (22:03)
• 8. Workshop helpers (23:51)
• 9. Workbench tour (24:50)
• 10. Bestsellers or jewellery showcase (26:02)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Join the Reel a Week Challenge

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Our jewellery diplomas are for anyone, even if you don't live in the UK. In this episode, Emily Kenny shares her experience of doing the fine jewellery diploma from her home in Vancouver, British Columbia. She explains how she draws inspiration from the natural landscapes around her and shares practical tips for getting started as a jeweller, doing the diploma, and developing a signature style.

Episode Description:

• This week we're talking with Emily Kenny about the fine jewellery diploma (1:15)
• How did you get started with jewellery making? (2:18)
• What was it like to do the diploma from overseas? (6:39)
• What inspires your jewellery style? (8:40)
• What were your favourite and least favourite projects? (12:48)
• How did you learn to photograph jewellery? (15:22)
• What's next for you? (18:14)
• What advice would you give to a new jeweller? (20:42)
• How to connect with Emily (23:54)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Follow Emily on Instagram

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Learning to do your own stone settings is a valuable skill for any jeweller. In this episode, Jess talks through ten common stone settings for silver jewellery (plus one bonus). These settings cover a wide variety of skill and experience levels, so there's something here for everyone!

Episode Description:

• This week we're talking about 10 stone settings for silver jewellery (1:35)
• 1. Cabochon setting (3:25)
• 2. Tube setting (6:05)
• 3. Flush setting (8:32)
• 4. Shaped cabochons (10:59)
• 5. Collet setting (13:40)
• 6. Claw setting (16:13)
• 7. Micro claw setting (17:50)
• 8. Pave setting (19:55)
• Bonus: Star setting (21:59)
• 9. Tension setting (23:27)
• 10. Channel setting (25:09)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Register for the Stone Setting in Silver Jewellery Course

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Fairs and events are an excellent way to grow your business, but they can be intimidating when you're not sure where to get started. In this episode, Jess talks with Lisa Ramos, a jeweller and handbag maker who's built her business primarily through in-person events. Lisa shares her top tips for applying to fairs and making a show successful. She also explains how she's used email marketing to continue building her customer base outside of events.

Episode Description:

• This week we're talking with jeweller and handbag maker Lisa Ramos (1:29)
• How did you become a maker? (2:48)
• What inspired you to start selling at events? (10:13)
• How do you pace yourself when you're doing so many shows each year? (15:10)
• Where do you find shows, and how do you choose the ones you do? (18:07)
• How has email marketing helped you grow your customer base? (21:34)
• What percentage of your sales come from events? (23:52)
• What are your top tips for making shows successful? (27:19)
• How do you approach interacting with customers? (33:02)
• What are the best shows you've done to date, and why? (38:56)
• Do you have any tips about applying for shows? (42:15)
• What's next for your business? (44:41)
• How to connect with Lisa (46:20)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Order your copy of "Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business"

Mono Lisa Designs Website

Follow Lisa on Instagram and Facebook

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook