A Taste of Enterprise- Starting a Business

I was browsing the Taste of Enterprise website today and stumbled across the'client' section that contained some info about me and when I started up in business with the Enterprise's help. I don't remember seeing it before but it was interesting to read my own words several years later and compare to how things have progressed...and stalled! What strikes me is my passion for making jewellery has clearly not abated and luckily I am still doing what I love. Of course my '5 year plan' hasn't gone exactly as I'd expected, mainly because of the arrival of our gorgeous daughter nearly 4 years ago and the financial difficulties we all face have naturally had a knock on effect for even big businesses, much less minute ones like mine. On the positive side my designs still sell (YAY!) and I now have several fantastic outlets stocking my work (Model house Llantrisant, Visit Caerphilly Centre, Bojangles Monmouth, 
Lemon Blues Pentre   Flowers of Distinction Caerphilly and Taste of Enterprise Ebbw Vale

Working for yourself is never an easy option but it has given me huge opportunities over the years to do a diverse range of things and has undoubtedly made me a more confident person. If it is something you want badly enough you can make it work. Taste of Enterprise will be holding more Taster Sessions in the New Year and  I would strongly advise anyone interested in a new venture to seek their help.
 

Farewell to Sunny Autumn Days..

Gorgeous, sunny days like today can't last much longer and so I thought I'd post some photos that have already translated into the jewellery and continue to inspire new designs.

 Red Coral single beads on soft silver wire.

 Semi-Precious single beads on soft wire.

I love these trees and how the dead branches are shaped...

 ...and entwined. Lots of ideas for incorporating them into jewellery designs.

Look how beautiful that sky is...and the colour on the catapillar is stunning.

South Wales Echo

The South Wales Echo has done me proud today with  an article on Chilichic Jewellery being worn by Nina Wadia. They were given permission from Hello! Magazine and John Partridge (Christian in EastEnders) to use the photo from his Civil Ceremony and Miss Wadia kindly took time out for  a chat too. I really hope it will encourage lots more sales at Chilichic's stockists and enquiries for orders! Anyone interested is very welcome to get in touch... x
 Newspaper Article

HELLO! MAGAZINE

What a morning! I've just had a local newspaper photographer here to get shots for an article on Chilichic's recent good fortune of being worn on TV. The lovely reporter Wendy then rang me and directed me to HELLO! Magazine's website where Nina Wadia can be seen wearing her Chilichic necklace at her co-star, John partridge's wedding!! I've been keeping an eye out but managed to miss it and so was a nice surprise :) So, if you fancy a look follow the link...
Hello! Magazine- John Partridge Wedding- Nina Wadia

Cancer Research Wales Clothes Sale Event

Grab a bargain at this fabulous annual event in aid of charity. A wide range of good quality second hand fashion at knock down prices, a selection of stalls selling handmade goods and Xmas pressies and a special bridal section are all available.
Starts 11am til 2pm at The Legacy Cardiff International Hotel...get there early, it's a popular one and expect a  rush for the best picks!
Chilichic Jewellery will be available on site with a good selection of HANDMADE, STERLING SILVER AND BEADED DESIGNS along with GIFT SETS perfect for Xmas. x

 Last year I sold pretty ballerina gifts that were headed to Eric Clapton's daughters from their Godparents...doubt I'll top that this year but you never know! A selection of gift sets are currently in stock starting at £35.00, anyone interested can contact me direct for futher details or check out the FACEBOOK page this week and I will have an album of images to view.

TASTER SESSION: CAERPHILLY - PHOTOS

Yesterday's 'Taster Session' held at Chilichic Jewellery stockist's the 'Visit Caerphilly' Centre went really well. Thanks to everyone who joined us and I hope you all had a good day! It was lovely meeting new people as well as having the support of some friends, all of whom got stuck in and tried their hand at the skills on show. Well done to all the ladies that made jewellery with me and I hope to see all of you again.

Jess had never tried jewellery making before and made a glass and wire wrap pendant, her gran is an experienced beader and made easy work of a pair of blue glass earrings..matching her jacket and scarf perfectly!

 New to the area and novices at jewellery making, these lovely ladies created pendants and with so many original ideas, really challenged me with the 'letter' pendant idea. With the time and material constraints I think she did very well and it's put a  seed of an idea for a sterling silver design in my head so watch this space...

 A teacher and her former pupil created two lovely pendant designs. One picking up jewellery tools for the first time, the other familiar with wire manipulation and confident in her design and making skills...I can't wait to see what work this young, promising designer produces if she joins the Enterprise scheme!

Another lady who recently moved to the area tried her hand at a pair of earrings. The graduating silver beads complement the blue glass focal beads and look great on.

Sian and Nicola chose Autumn colours for their pendants with separate drop-down bead details.
Special thanks to both and Becky for coming along and supporting me and trying out the sewing and cake decorating sessions too. They didn't want their photo taken but I insisted, and here's one they may not know about...

The PTA ladies try out some sewing skills making gorgeous heart pin cushions...expect to see some at the Xmas School Fair!

'TASTE OF ENTERPRISE' is a great scheme for anyone interested in setting up a small business and will encourage creative people to consider it as a real option also offering plenty of practical advice and support. Thanks to organisers Carmel, Pam, Carla and Viv for asking me to be involved and If you are interested in finding out more about what they can offer you visit tasteofenterprise.co.uk

TASTER SESSION: CAERPHILLY

The TASTER SESSIONS are heading to my home town! 
Join us at the 'Visit Caerphilly' Centre Monday 7th November anytime between 10am - 3pm and learn new skills and how to set up your own business. If you are unemployed, on a low income or a stay at home parent looking to make your own future, then start here...meet people who have already done it and get help and support from the business advisors. The event is FREE to attend with FREE qualified childcare on site and FREE cake and coffee available for participants.
Make a Chilichic Jewellery pendant, try some pottery, woodturning, sewing or cake decorating with  http://bcakestudio.blogspot.com/

To learn more about the scheme visit  www.tasteofenterprise.co.uk

See you there!