There are just 16 weeks until Christmas which is traditionally a busy time for jewellers. In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna Campbell discuss how to effectively prepare your jewellery business for the Christmas season, breaking down the actions by month sharing what to do and what not to do to have the best and most profitable Christmas yet.

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In this week's episode, host Elin Horgan chats to Emma Stanton, a jeweller from Hove, East Sussex. Emma shares her journey into jewellery making, which began 19 years ago after taking evening classes. She discusses how her design process evolved from early inspirations, such as the sea, to focusing on shapes and textures. Emma also reflects on the challenges of being self-taught, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her preference for working with materials directly rather than sketching. Her work often draws on ancient relics and natural elements, blending traditional techniques with her unique artistic vision.

Emma's website

Emma on Instagram

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In this week's episode, Jess chats to Luke Brient, a jeweller who specialises in unisex jewellery featuring large gemstones and unique textures from sandcasting, shares his journey into the craft. Initially studying Industrial Design at Loughborough University, Luke turned to jewellery making during the COVID-19 lockdown, inspired by a stint working at a jewellery packaging company. He discusses his process, including his early experiments with 3D printing and sandcasting, and how his business grew primarily through Instagram, starting with friends and family. Today, Luke's business is mostly bespoke, with customers drawn to his distinctive style, though his collections serve as a guide for those seeking custom pieces.

Luke's Instagram

Luke's website

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In this week's episode, host Kim Thompson chats to Katie Tovey-Grindlay, a social media and marketing coach with a unique journey. Katie shares how she transitioned from running a local dog walking and home boarding business to becoming a social media coach. Katie emphasises the importance of authenticity in her work, particularly as someone who is neurodiverse. She discusses the challenges of maintaining a professional facade and how embracing her true self, despite potential judgment, has been crucial for her business and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the benefits of collaboration over competition, and the value of being genuine in a world often focused on appearances.

Katie on Instagram

Katie's website

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In this week's episode, Jess and Elin Horgan delve into the art of wax carving, a technique used in jewellery making to create detailed designs that are later cast into metals like silver or gold.

The episode also highlights Elin's updated courses on wax carving, which include a Level 1 workshop covering basic ring and pendant making, and a Level 2 course focused on stone setting in wax. These courses are designed to help both beginners and experienced jewellers enhance their skills. Jess and Elin discuss the benefits of wax carving, such as its low cost and the ease with which material can be removed, making it a fun and meditative process.

Want to give Wax Carving a try? Wax Carving Level 1 is just £89 for lifetime access to the online course and is currently available at 50% off, just £44.50. Don't wait, the offer ends on 9th August 2024. And Wax Carving Level 2 is coming very soon.

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/wax-carving-level-1

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https://www.goodgirlrebellion.com/In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell is speaking with counsellor Alison Hughes. If you love jewellery making but struggle with the business side of selling your jewellery this episode is for you.  They discuss the issues that can come up for jewellers in business including procrastination, fear of self-promotion and more. Alison talks about the different parts of the self and how they can be in conflict which can lead to problems with making progress. She also gives practical tips and advice for working on yourself and your money story.

About Alison

Alison Hughes is a counsellor, working with women from burnout to breakthrough. With over a decade of experience, working in various health trusts and private counselling, Alison now specialises in working with women who recognise that they are far from where they want to be and want to help to get there fast.

https://counsellingwithalison.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/AlisonHughesCounsellor https://www.instagram.com/alisonhughescounsellor/

Anna's website 

https://www.goodgirlrebellion.com/

In this week's episode, Jess interviews Emily Little, the owner of The Little Wedding Jeweller, who shares her unique journey from wellness to jewellery making. Emily discusses how her experience running a wellness centre led to burnout, prompting her to seek new forms of self-care.

She found solace in jewellery making, which became a therapeutic outlet and a new career path. Emily reflects on how her interest in crafting beach-inspired jewellery evolved through an online diploma in silver jewellery at Jewellers Academy, a course that equipped her with the skills to create fine jewellery.

Emily on Instagram

Emily's website

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In this week's episode, host Elin Horgan talks to Rachel Connor, a writer and transformational life and creativity coach. The discussion delves into the essence of creativity, exploring its broad and deep significance beyond traditional artistic practices.

Rachel Connor shares her journey from academia to becoming a creativity coach, highlighting her belief that creativity is an inherent human trait essential for self-expression and connection. She discusses her work with various creatives and non-creatives, emphasising that creativity can manifest in many forms, from artistic practices to everyday activities.

Rachel's website

Rachel's substack

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In this week's episode, host Kim Thomson chats to Natalie Watson from Erinna Jewellery. Natalie creates jewellery inspired by Greek Mythology and is passionate about offering size and disability-inclusive jewellery.

She reflects on her remarkable journey so far, going from signing up for the Diploma in Silver Jewellery at the Jewellers Academy with no previous experience to selling jewellery in John Lewis stores only months after completing the course. Natalie emphasises the importance of pursuing one's creative passions and learning at one's own pace, particularly valuing the inclusive and supportive environment provided by Jewellers Academy.

Erinna Jewellery website

Natalie on Instagram

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In this week's episode, host Elin Horgan talks to Victoria Thomas, a freelance digital marketing specialist. Victoria, who focuses on SEO and Google Ads, discusses the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO) for small businesses. She explains that SEO is about enhancing a website's visibility on search engines like Google, which helps drive more traffic, improve user experience, and ultimately boost sales. Victoria also outlines seven key reasons why SEO is crucial, including understanding customer needs, building a stronger brand, and providing long-term success.

Victoria on linkedin

Victoria's website

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