five interviews with inspirational women for jewellers
'Strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them'
ADA LOVELACE (1815–1852)
Happy International Women's Day
As a business founded by a woman and with an all-female management team we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of women today and every day of the year.
To mark today, I would like to share interviews with five inspirational women I have spoken to for the Jewellers Academy podcast.
1. Fiona Humberstone
Fiona Humberstone is a Creative Director, Brand Consultant and founder of the Brand Stylist. Fiona has spent more than twenty years in the industry: styling brands, creating websites and running workshops. She’s the author and publisher of the bestselling books 'How to Style your Brand' and 'Brand Brilliance'. Fiona is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to create incredible brands and runs inspirational online courses, game-changing workshops and highly sought-after retreats.
Why should I listen? For expert advice on branding for jewellers
Episode: Interview with Fiona Humberstone aka the Brand Stylist
LISTEN NOW >
2. Dids Mcdonald
Dids Macdonald (OBE) the Chief Executive of Anti-Copying in Design (ACID) - a membership organization that exists to support designers in their design and intellectual property. If you’ve ever been copied, worried about copying someone else or had any questions, they can help.
Why should I listen? To hear all about how to protect your jewellery designs
Episode: Anti-Copying in Design with Dids Mcdonald
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3. Banita Mistry
Jeweller Banita Mistry started @jewellers_of_colour after 8 years in the trade because she felt she had normalised to being the only person of colour in the room more often than not. During Covid-19, She saw tonnes of incredible resources from the trade hit her inbox and feeds and wondered whether news of these opportunities and resources were even reaching ethnic minority jewellers as she saw so few at trade-related events, classes and meetings.
Why should I listen? For a proactive look at equality in the jewellery industry
Episode: Jewellers of Colour - a Proactive Response to Racism in the Jewellery Industry
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4. Patricia van den Akker
Patricia van den Akker is the Director of The Design Trust, and is an award-winning creative business adviser, trainer and coach who has worked with 1,000s of creatives over the last 25 years. She regularly teaches at Central St Martins, the Royal College of Art and other universities across the UK, and works with trade fairs, craft shows and studio providers. Patricia loves ‘connecting the dots’ for creative business owners and to teach & inspire them to work on all sides of their business, from planning and strategy, to marketing, finances, creative development to confidence and mindset.
Why should I listen? For some concrete tips on blasting through procrastination
Episode: Why you procrastinate and what to do about it
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5. Corkie Bolton
Corkie Bolton has been making jewellery since high school and graduated with a degree in Metalsmithing in 2007. There was a point after graduation when the economy wasn't doing so well, and she started to abandon her dream of being a jeweller and started a career in the fitness industry. After overcoming some personal struggles and moving to Boston she met a woman whose grandmother had been a metalsmith and she generously gave Corkie her grandmother's beloved tools which she took as a sign to get back to her jewellery-making. She launched a collection in 2016 and the Metalsmith Society in 2018, an Instagram community where jewellers can share information, ask questions, and learn.
Why should I listen? To hear a personal story of jewellery making, recovery and gratitude
Episode: Jewellery Making, Recovery and Gratitude
LISTEN NOW >