From Banking to Beads

by Carolyn
(Cheshire, UK)

Gothika Lampwork Necklace

My name is Carolyn and I started CeeGee Jewellery Design a year ago. Looking back over the past year I can’t quite believe how much I’ve learnt.

I’d always enjoyed arts and crafts when I was younger, but lost touch with it in adulthood. After a great 10 years working in banking in London, my partner and I planned our escape back to the North West of England where I grew up, in an attempt to leave behind the crowds, pace and expense of the capital.

I took some time out, we got married, and I started to hunt for a role similar to that which I did in London.

The opportunities in my field were far fewer than in London, and I found myself becoming frustrated with my lack of progress.

Then my sister began planning her wedding. Another friend and I were due to be bridesmaids, and needed additional jewellery to go with earrings that my sister had already bought.

In an effort to save some money, I decided to have a go at making something myself, and started to look for matching beads, intending to use any left over beads to make Christmas decorations!

Using DIY store pliers I made beaded pendants that met with the approval of the bride, and that was all it took for me to get the jewellery bug.

After a few sleepless nights churning possibilities over in my head, I decided to see where this could take me, and opened a shop on eBay to test the water.

As my confidence, ability and sales grew, I began to sell at craft fairs and after a few months bought an off the shelf web package to set up my own website.

I currently sell online through my website, at craft fairs and jewellery parties, and through 2 retail outlets. I also have a shop on Etsy, and on Folksy.com, the new UK answer to Etsy.

The last year has been a massive learning curve for me and I’ve loved every minute of it.

Jewellery making has opened up a whole other world, and shown me things I didn’t even know existed – one consequence of which is an expensive addiction to lampwork beads! I’m learning new things all the time, and long may it continue....

Carolyn
CeeGee Jewellery Design
CeeGee Jewellery Etsy Shop
CeeGee Jewellery Folksy Shop