Brain Food: We'd love that job - Jewellery designer

What do you do?

I design jewellery and sell it through my eponymous shop - my clients tend to be people who don't want mainstream jewellery. Many are celebrities. A lot of my work has a linguistic link. For example, the word 'kinetic' got me thinking, and I went on to design a collection of jewellery that moved. I also deal with manufacturing, buying the stones and dealing with the craftsmen. It's a real process.

How did you get the job?

I designed my own engagement ring and a set of earrings to go with it in 1987. I'd had no formal training. People kept saying: 'Ooh, I like that.' I then designed a few other pieces, and it snowballed from there.

Until I opened the shop in 1995, I was selling my own designs to friends, working off my kitchen table. Then I had my first child and figured I'd try making a go of it, just to see what would happen.

Does reality match the dream?

I'm delighted I can do what I do, because I love it. Every aspect is very creative, even designing the Westbourne Grove shop and the brochure.

And I actually find the business side therapeutic. It's nice to have both aspects - I can flit from one to the other. This job has enabled me to meet my jewellery idols, as well as people I admire in the world of cinema, sport and music. It's incredible. But life doesn't change. I still go back and do the homework with the kids.