BUSINESS
Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
FROM CUTTING EDGE DESIGN , TO ARTISTIC COLLABORATION AND TEMPTING TREATS , JESS MARSHALL PROFILES THREE SMALL BUSINESSES SPARKED BY CHANGE
AB Jewellery
© Rebecca Douglas Photography
Becoming a Goldsmith was not something Ami Blastock had ever planned on , in fact before finding her calling she had trained to be an accountant and an interior designer , but after viewing a small ring making demonstration , Ami was hooked . After a few years working for jewellers both in and outside of London , Ami decided to take her career into her own hands and start AB Jewellery , a studio that prides itself on sustainable jewellery making . Always on the lookout to improve her business , Ami used the months Britain was in lockdown to connect with her customers virtually via social media . She also used the time to make AB Jewellery ’ s website more user friendly , and , when possible , allowed customers the option to click and collect their jewellery from her studio in Broadstairs . When asked what her goals were for 2021 , Ami explained ; ‘ I am excited to say that my first stockist for my up-cycled jewellery is The Turner Gallery in Margate and I hope that working with them will help make people more aware of what is possible .’
abjewellery . myshopify . com ab _ jewellery
Rock Paper Scissors
When Charlie Wilkie returned home from New York mid pandemic , the last thing on his mind was opening a business . But one fateful conversation with his cousin Liz Wellstead later , and Rock Paper Scissors on Cantebury ’ s Stour Street was born in October 2020 . A lifestyle shop and creative hub for local artists , makers and designers , dedicated to making a difference to the lives of talented artists whose job prospects had been temporarily stolen by Covid-19 . Liz and Charlie created Rock Paper Scissors to not only provide the people of Kent with a Narnia through the wardrobe type shop , but also to ‘ Pioneer a way to support young people by providing apprenticeships and hands-on experience so that they can follow their own dreams .’ Despite having to temporarily close the doors of the physical Rock Paper Scissors soon after opening , Liz and Charlie have worked hard to make the most of the situation by launching an impressive website , participating in online markets , growing an online presence via social media as well adding a click and collect option to their online checkout . When asked what the future holds for the business Charlie and Liz explained ; ‘ Our goal in 2021 remains the same : help makers learn , create and succeed .’
www . rockpaperscissors . co . uk rockpaperscissorsbrand
Fairy Dust Bakery
Owner of Fairy Dust Bakery , Melissa Rayner started her baking business when on a career break after having two children . After a few pep talks from friends , she decided to turn a lifelong hobby into a business venture and Fairy Dust Bakery came to life . 10 years later , this spark of an idea has turned into a hugely successful cake making business that has been featured in the Telegraph and on TV show Made in Chelsea – Melissa has even had one of her cakes cut by royalty ! When asked how she has achieved this level of success she said ; ‘ Hard work ! Lots of practice , and sometimes just being in the right place at the right time with the right people .’ Despite the massive success Fairy Dust Bakery has enjoyed , the business has been hugely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic . But Melissa hasn ’ t let this dampen her entrepreneurial spirit and has been busy working on new ways to bring revenue into the business . When asked what advice she would give to those inspired by her success she said ; ‘ Be passionate , love what you do , and be the best you can at it .’
www . fairydustbakery . co . uk fairydustbaker
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