When studying BSc Business (formerly BSc Business Administration) at Bath, I was really looking forward to starting my career. 

While at Bath, I had a work placement with Marks and Spencer, who then offered me a place on their graduate training scheme. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I worked at their head office for a few years, then moved to a marketing agency, started by a friend and helped it grow.

So, when my parents started discussing potentially retiring from our family business, Jacobs, an independent jewellery shop in Reading, I felt confident enough to get involved and offer something new.

The jewellery sector is an interesting one: there aren’t many industries that are still going strong after thousands of years, so it was a challenge to see what I could bring to the table. Independent jewellery retailers remain a vibrant part of UK high streets and Jacobs has been helping to make memories for over 75 years. When I took over, I brought in an on-site workshop, relationships with design schools and increased staff training and skills development. The team focused on building expertise, whilst applying the business disciplines I’d learnt in my degree and career.

We were the first independent jewellery shop in the country to hold an annual emerging designer's competition, which set a trend in the industry. For this, as well as some novel marketing programs and community fundraising, we've won several local and national awards.

These awards brought me to the attention of the National Association of Jewellers. I started as a volunteer in their marketing group and was later invited to join their National Committee. After some time, I was subsequently asked to take the role of the chair of the organisation. Becoming Chair was a great honour. It has broadened my outlook, allowed me to meet new people and learn more about our industry.

One of my aims as Chair is to work with the government to grow our sector. We’ve recently been recognised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as a creative industry – which is a great first step.

Now, my priorities are to influence wider policy on training, industrial strategy and international trade on behalf of our 1500+ members.

I think ambitions vary and change over time depending on circumstances. When I graduated, my main career goal was to work in areas that interested me and allowed me to grow. This is as relevant now as it was 25 years ago! Doing fun and interesting things inside work has led to great opportunities and I hope that continues.

My advice to students is being emotionally aware and flexible with your ambition is key. There’s always scope to change your ambitions depending on what makes you happy at that point in your life.

If there are any Bath graduates in the jewellery industry, please do reach out and say hi to me. Alumni connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.