It’s much easier to run a business when you understand yourself and your motivations. In this episode, Anna C Campbell joins me to talk all things personality, focussing on the Four Tendencies theory from Gretchen Rubin. Anna explains the different tendencies - Upholder, Questioner, Rebel and Obliger and covers practical tips you can use to motivate yourself and play to your strengths in your jewellery business based on your personality type. You won’t want to miss this one!
Read MoreDo you know your jeweller job description? Knowing what your job is (and what it isn’t) will help you stay focused while also taking care of yourself. In this episode, In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess leads us through an exercise in defining our job description as jewellery business owners, from setting our working hours to thinking about our customers to responding to challenges. No matter where you are in your business journey, this episode has something for you!
It’s not too early to start planning for the holidays! In this episode, Jess walks through a mid-year review you can use to evaluate the first six months of 2023 and start preparing for the rest of the year. Whether you’re in your first year of business or you’re an experienced jewellery business owner, this episode has some excellent tools for reflection and planning. You won’t want to miss it!
Are you struggling to grow your Instagram account or finding it hard to come up with content ideas? This episode is for you! Social media coach Jo Treadwell — also known as “Social Jo” — is sharing all of her top tips for writing great Instagram captions, selling without being too “sales-y,” making the most of hashtags, and more. Listen in to get all your caption questions answered!
Read MoreThe art of selling doesn’t always come naturally to jewellers, but there are certain strategies you can learn to make your selling more effective. In this episode, Susannah Lovis shares some of her favourite questions to ask customers, tips for engaging with people in person and online, and more. Susannah is the owner of the vintage jewellery store Susannah Lovis Jewellers, and she has so many excellent insights to share!
Read MoreThe deadline for joining one of our jewellery diplomas is coming up this week, so don’t wait to sign up! In this episode, Jess provides an overview of each of the diploma programmes, what you can expect to learn, and where to go for more information. She also explains why these diplomas are so beneficial for jewellers and she shares some encouragement about the importance of investing in yourself.
Read MoreThere are so many ways to learn silver jewellery making, so how do you know which methods and teachers are right for you? In this episode, jeweller and Jewellers Academy mentor Kim Thomson shares 7 of her tips for anyone getting started with silver metalsmithing. She talks about characteristics to look for in a teacher, the importance of community, overcoming imposter syndrome, and much more!
If you’re on the fence about signing up for a jewellery diploma in 2023, this episode is for you! We share a live recording from a Q&A session with Jess and three of our jewellery diploma graduates. The jewellers answer questions about the diploma projects, the experience of doing the programme while working a full-time job, and much more. They also explain how the diplomas have helped them grow their skills and achieve their business goals.
Filigree can seem intimidating at first, but it’s a valuable skill for every jeweller. In this episode, Jess talks with filigree expert Michelle Lierre about her top tips for learning filigree. Michelle also shares 6 common mistakes people make with filigree and explains how you can troubleshoot each of those issues. Whether you already work with filigree or are looking to get started, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
The more you experiment with silver metal clay, the more you’ll realise just how many possibilities there are. In this episode, Jess talks with Petra Cameron of Metal Clay Ltd about her ten favourite tools for working with metal clay. From basic essentials to products you can use for new techniques, this episode has something for everyone!
Read MoreHave you ever considered building a business around silver metal clay? This week’s episode is for you! Jess breaks down several different business models that metal clay is uniquely suited for, whether you want to teach, make artisan jewellery, or something else entirely. She also shares some of her top tips for setting yourself apart in the metal clay space and reminds us why it’s so important to focus on the details.
Read MoreWhether 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.
Read MorePosting 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.
Read MoreMetal 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!
Read MoreIn this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, 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.
Read MoreYou 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.
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreHappy 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.
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.
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.
