WOMENINBUSINESS
inside THE BUSINESS :
CLARE CARLSON : VAROSHE
CLARE CARLSON HAS AN EVIDENT PASSION FOR AND COMMITMENT TO FINE JEWELLERY , WHICH IS NOW SHOWCASED AT HER FLAGSHIP SHOP , VAROSHE IN WEST MALLING .
BEYOND THE GLASS CEILING ...
After graduating with a BA ( Hons ) in jewellery , having studied under the world-renowned Dorothy Hogg at Edinburgh College of Art , Clare moved back home to Surrey to begin working at a Royal Appointed jewellers . It was here that she met her partner , Paul , and so began her Kentish jewellery adventure .
Clare explains : “ Paul lived in Kent so I moved here to be with him and his two children . Fourteen years later we decided that life was too short , so it was time to start up our own business , like we ’ d always dreamed . We couldn ’ t imagine having our shop anywhere other than West Malling . It ’ s such a beautiful town , with all its independent businesses , it really is the perfect place .”
The pair opened Varoshe in April 2018 , after a yearlong restoration of their gorgeous Grade II listed building .
“ I ’ ve always been fascinated by jewellery – tiny , precious pieces which are so much more valuable than their financial worth .
“ Behind every piece of jewellery there is a story . Whether it ’ s the ring you inherited from your grandmother , the earrings you wore on your wedding day or the necklace you were given on your 21st , every important piece tells the story of our lives ; the highs and the lows .
“ I always knew that I wanted to create a space that celebrated this and understood that the journey we take to create your jewellery is just as important as the final piece .”
Varoshe Ltd continues to be a family run business , specialising in bespoke jewellery and silverware , working closely with its customers to create that perfect one-of-a-kind piece .
“ Paul and I have been working together since 2004 , creating award-winning pieces . My creativity and attention to detail , coupled with Paul ’ s superb making skills and problem-solving ability , make us the perfect team .
“ We create pieces of jewellery that have an emotional connection with their owners . Jewellery is so much more than an adornment ; it is a way of keeping your memories alive . At Varoshe we take the time to listen to your stories and help you to design that perfect piece of jewellery that symbolises your most precious moments .”
And it is this approach , enthusiasm and dedication that really sets Clare , Paul and Varoshe aside . Rather than ‘ just ’ selling a piece of jewellery it will have been handmade by them in their onsite workshop : “ we make it and help you pour your stories into it !” Clare adds .
As well as their own collections , the duo also showcase the work of other independent makers , real people who make jewellery just like them . You won ’ t find any mass-produced , factory jewellery at Varoshe !
In and amongst all of the achievements it is building the business from scratch that Clare is most proud of . “ Sometimes I have to remind myself of this fact , but I ’ m so proud of our journey . From our opening day , when I was terrified that no one would come , to now being booked out weeks in advance , it has been the most incredible five years !"
So what is Clare ’ s one piece of advice to other women in business ?
“ Go for it ! Men don ’ t second guess themselves , so why should we ?! The support and encouragement that I have had from other business owners is lovely too . Women want other women to do well , so never be afraid to ask for help , we ’ re generally all going through the same struggles when building our businesses anyway ?! It is hard work , I ’ d be lying if I said otherwise , but I just couldn ’ t imagine doing anything else now !”
www . varoshe . com
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