I began my working life in fashion and design, way back in the late 1980’s (who remembers those shoulder pads?) I worked in that industry for quite a few years before the world got hooked on “disposable” clothing imported from outside of the UK. Thankfully, it now looks like the new generation are taking a more responsible attitude towards buying clothes.
I then had ten years at British Gas; as part of my work there I spent some time in India, helping to offshore part of the business. After returning to the UK, redundancy prompted me to start my own business as a mixed media artist and jewellery designer. I worked part-time in this business and did some agency work while I looked after my elderly parents. I became a switchboard operator at a hospital and later a switchboard supervisor at the Christie NHS Trust, where I worked through the Covid pandemic.
Proud moments:
- A couple of my designs were chosen to be published in a specialist Beading magazine.
- Running jewellery-making workshops at the charity MIND
- Creating and delivering training in offices in the UK and India
And here I am at Castlefield, feeling very much at home in an employee-owned business which has the same ethical and environmental values as I do. Outside of work, I still make customised jewellery and art. I also enjoy reading, travelling, going to the theatre and learning/teaching new craft skills.