Tell me about you/where you're from/background

I am a full-on creative – always making and painting things – and a huge treasure

hunter and up-cycler. My house is filled with beautiful bits that I have found

and brought back to life.

   Born and bred in Buckinghamshire, I studied at Bucks University and am a graduate in

Jewellery Design. I got a design job straight out of university and worked in London for eight years, designing costume jewellery for high-street stores, such as Jigsaw, Asos, Reiss, River Island, Cos and Boden. It was fun and exciting, and I got to travel to India and China to work with the suppliers.

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Tell me about your business

I started Brave Lotus in December 2014, and have been slowly growing the brand

over the past two years. I sell online and at private shopping parties, and I also sell to stores. Plume Boutique in Marlow being my flagship store where I have my own little
pop-up stand full of jewels.

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What do you like most about being a jewellery designer?

I have been a magpie for jewellery for as long as I can remember – it's a real obsession. I have always been fascinated with it and am drawn to a string of shells as much as a full diamond necklace. I visit any market I can find when travelling and can spend a whole day exploring the V&A museum jewellery exhibits.

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What did you do before?

I have worked as a MUA (makeup artist) over the years, alongside the jewellery,
training in SOHO London. The whole concept of adornment and how we decorate ourselves just amazes me.

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Did you have to do any business courses or training for your business?

Having worked in the wholesale industry for eight years as a designer, I have an understanding of how a business like mine should run, however, times are always changing and now the need to invest in social media strategies is much more important and I am looking at courses and advice to push me further with this.

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What is the best part of having your own business? And the worst?

The best part has to be seeing everything come together at a show or a pop-up shop
and watching people try on the jewellery and seeing the reaction the pieces can have.

The worst part has to be working alone the majority of the time – you have to motivate yourself constantly and it can be tough not having someone there to bounce ideas off of.

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What's the best piece you've ever created? What's your best-seller?

So far, my ‘Feather in the Wind’ necklace has been my favourite piece and

my best-seller.

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Where do you get your inspiration?

I love looking to nature for inspiration, feathers and lotus flowers especially. I look to cultural and tribal references also, and follow my instincts for colours and materials when sourcing components.

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Who is your idol?

I have many, but Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my current favourites. Her book, Big Magic,
is a must read for everyone. Also Brene Brown is wonderful and her Ted Talks are
very enlightening.

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Which celeb would you like to see wearing your jewellery?

I would love to see Gemma Arterton and Emilia Clarke wearing my jewellery. Both beautiful, down-to-earth British actors, comfortable in their own skin.

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Anything we don't know about you?

I love anything denim and often rock double denim. My fave Christmas gift

this year was a denim apron my mum made for me.

   A hippy at heart, I am always trying to save the planet, a little at a time. Cue

me balancing a food shop in my arms to save taking a plastic bag…

   I have also just adopted a rescue cat (mini panther) called Bella!

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For more info,

visit http://www.bravelotusuk.com/

or 

https://www.instagram.com/bravelotus_/

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