A Bridgnorth entrepreneur has become the 250th person to complete a start up course run by business consultancy Good2Great.
Victoria Thomas (pictured) has launched her own ethical jewellery firm Lovehearts and Daisies after spending 17 years in retail management.
“I was made redundant so I decided to try to make a business out of my hobby of making jewellery,” she explained. Victoria studied silversmithing at university and then signed up to a programme operated by Good2Great.
“All my jewellery is unique, being crafted from pre-loved, vintage or antique sterling silver flatware or handmade using 100% recycled silver. Some pieces are hand stamped with personal messages and thought and attention has also been placed on plastic free and recyclable or biodegradable packaging,” she explained. Victoria has set up a workshop at home and launched an online store, selling to customers from social media platforms. However, she is hoping to secure a pitch at Bridgnorth’s Saturday market.
She added, “Good2Great have been wonderful! They’ve given me a clear view of what I should be doing, instead of waking at 3am with random thoughts. They’ve made me focus on areas of my business I hadn’t even thought of and, most importantly, helped me gain the confidence I needed.”
The Step Up Business Programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Marches Growth Hub and managed by Telford & Wrekin Council on behalf of partners Shropshire Council.