Jewellers Academy Podcast

• 268. Enamelling for Royalty and Saying Yes Before You’re Ready: Jeweller Mahroz’s Creative Journey

  In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with Mahroz Hekmati, a talented jeweller, enamelling specialist, and core member of the teaching team at the new Jewellers Academy Brighton studios. Mahroz shares her journey from Iran to Canada and eventually to the UK, tracing her transformation from a graphic design student to an award-winning jeweller whose work has been worn by royalty. She shares about the cultural and personal challenges she faced entering a traditionally male-dominated field in Iran, and how key moments like a last-minute enamelling commission reshaped her career path. Whether you're just starting out or are years into your jewellery career, Mahroz's story is filled with practical insights, encouragement, and motivation to keep learning, growing, and showing up authentically in your craft. About Mahroz Mahroz Hekmati is a jewellery designer and maker with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Her work is a fusion of ancient craft and modern technique, combining traditional skills such as enamelling, filigree, and granulation with contemporary CAD design. Inspired by her Persian heritage, Mahroz creates fine jewellery that is both culturally rich and meticulously crafted. She holds a BA (Hons) in Jewellery and Silversmithing Design for Industry and has worked across various roles in the sector, including CAD designer, maker, sales professional, and workshop teacher. Website: https://mahroz.com/ Instagram: @mahrozhekmati   Want to learn in person with Mahroz and our team in Brighton, England? We have everything from taster workshops to one year Diploma courses available. Have a look at what you could learn next! https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/

  --------  

  36:27

  --------

  36:27
• 267. Pricing, Stockists & Standing Out: Why Alternative Events Could Be Your Secret Weapon with Hannah from Slab Jewellery

  In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Elin Horgan is joined by Hannah Royce-Greensill, founder of Slab Jewellery, whose path to becoming a full-time jeweller began in an unexpected place, freelance web design. Hannah shares how she balanced both careers in the early stages, using her digital skills to support herself while slowly and steadily growing her jewellery business. Hannah opens up about the power of being bold in growing her jewellery business and how a single, heartfelt Instagram post about her dream to be stocked at Clifton Rocks in Bristol led to real-world results. With guidance on refining her collection and setting pricing with stockists in mind, Hannah began transforming her creative passion into a sustainable, professional business. We also dive into her unique approach to events and selling. Rather than traditional craft fairs, Hannah found success in alternative spaces like tattoo conventions, where her hand-carved skulls and spiky designs resonate deeply with the crowd. She shares how travelling to new cities has helped her build a following and forge lasting connections. Even without formal training, Hannah’s journey shows how belief in your work, customer engagement, and smart business planning can fuel a thriving jewellery brand.   About Slab Jewellery Handmade gothic jewellery with attitude. From chunky signet skull rings and dagger charm earrings to bone necklaces and spiked stacking rings, each piece of SLAB Jewellery is crafted in Bristol, using low-impact recycled silver and gold. Inspired by historic Memento Mori jewellery, SLAB Jewellery creates perfect gifts and arresting adornments for those who aren’t afraid to express their individuality. Website: https://www.slabjewellery.com/ Instagram: @slab_jewellery   Ready to grow your own business? Check out our Jewellery Business Academy.  A 1-Year group training & mentoring programme with monthly content, accountability calls and one to one mentoring. Click the link to find out more. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy

  --------  

  38:31

  --------

  38:31
• 266. 5 Mistakes Businesses Make with Their Branding (and How to Fix Them) with Nicola McMillan and Anna Campbell

  Imagine this: you’ve poured your heart into designing beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. You’ve set up an Instagram account, maybe even a website… but somehow, you’re still not getting the attention or the sales you hoped for. Sound familiar? The truth is, having great work isn’t always enough. Without a clear, compelling brand, getting lost in the crowd is easy. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Branding is something so many jewellers struggle with, especially when starting out. That’s why this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast is a must-listen. In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with branding and web design expert Nicola McMillan, founder of NM Creates, to uncover the five most common branding mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them. From trying to appeal to everyone (and ending up bland) to the dangers of DIY design, this conversation is packed with practical tips for elevating your brand. You’ll learn how to: Attract the right audience with a clear client avatar Create visual consistency using a professional brand style guide Craft a compelling brand story that builds an emotional connection Stand out by innovating, not imitating Understand why investing in professional design pays off Whether you're just starting out or ready to take your business to the next level, this episode will help you build a brand that’s authentic, memorable, and effective. Listen now and start transforming your brand today.   About Nicola Nicola McMillan is a specialist in branding and web design. The founder of NM Creates, specialising in branding that actually converts for small business owners. She does a range of things including her VIP Design Intensives and won the Creative Hero award last year in the Small Business Heroes awards. She has also just started the Design VA to take design tasks from business owners to free up their time. Website: https://www.nmcreates.co.uk/ Instagram @nmcreates_ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-mcmillan/ Free resources from Nicola https://www.nmcreates.co.uk/brand-clarity-workbook   Check out host Anna Campbell’s business and Nicola’s branding for the Good Girl Rebellion

  --------  

  45:46

  --------

  45:46
• 265. Celebrating Alternative Jewellery with Alice from the Museum of Alternative Jewellery

  In this week’s episode, host Kim Thompson sits down with Alice from the Museum of Alternative Jewellery to explore the wonderfully imaginative world of non-traditional jewellery making. Alice shares how a childhood love of beads, Polly Pockets, and playful textures evolved into a lifelong passion for alternative jewellery as self-expression and even a personal ‘safety blanket’. From shrink plastic to acorn cups and found objects, Alice reveals how unconventional materials can carry just as much meaning and beauty as precious metals. They dive into how jewellery can be both a memory-holder and a bold personal statement, why alternative materials are often overlooked, and how value in jewellery isn't just about price tags—it’s about story, creativity, and connection.   In this episode, you’ll discover: The origins of Alice’s love for alternative jewellery Why ‘toy jewellery’ and found objects deserve recognition The inspiration behind the Museum of Alternative Jewellery How to find beauty and meaning in overlooked materials Creative tips for a no-spend jewellery challenge Favourite makers and communities like the Precious Collective How to get your work featured and connect with alternative jewellery lovers   Whether you're curious about new materials, looking for inspiration, or just love jewellery with a twist, this episode is a joyful celebration of the weird, wonderful, and wildly creative world of alternative adornment.   About Alice Hey, my name's Alice! When I'm not writing under the name The Museum of Alternative Jewellery, I spend my time fixing, photographing, researching and selling vintage and antique costume pieces. It is my goal to shine a spotlight onto obscure techniques, non-traditional materials and makers that I feel have been underappreciated, with the occasional deep dive into our personal and cultural attitudes about jewellery and the conflicting narratives around ‘preciousness’. I deeply believe that jewellery is FIRST and foremost an art form; and The Museum of Alternative Jewellery is here to celebrate that fact! Instagram @museumofalternativejewellery Facebook   Alice mentions a number of jewellers in this weeks podcast. You can find all their links here:  

  --------  

  49:50

  --------

  49:50
• 264. Model Shots: How to Style & Photograph Jewellery That Sells with Naomi Lake & Elin Horgan

  In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Elin Horgan is joined by creative director Naomi Lake for a deep dive into how to create scroll- stopping images that actually sell your jewellery. Whether you're DIY-ing your product shots or planning your first styled shoot, this conversation is packed with practical tips and creative inspiration. Naomi shares her expert insight on everything from styling and moodboarding to choosing the right models and photographers. They talk about the power of strong visual storytelling, the importance of simplicity and consistency, and how to bring your brand to life through imagery — even on a budget. You'll also learn: How to approach a DIY shoot with confidence Why non-recognisable imagery can be a powerful tool The role of hair, makeup, and styling in showcasing your pieces Tips for working with photographers and communicating your vision How to use imagery to elevate your brand and boost sales Whether you're just starting out or ready to uplevel your product photography, this episode will leave you brimming with ideas to make your jewellery shine online. About Naomi Lake   Naomi is a makeup artist and hairstylist, model and creative director, as well as a freelance beauty and wellness writer. She's worked with household names like Nike, L'Oreal, Primark and Lee Stafford, as well as jewellery brands such as Loren Lewis Cole, Rock and Raw, Sia Taylor, Elin Horgan and Joma Jewellery. www.naomi-lake.com @naomilakemua

  --------  

  55:28

  --------

  55:28

Altri podcast di Arte

Podcast di tendenza in Arte

Su Jewellers Academy Podcast

Jewellers Academy Podcast: Podcast correlati