Having a gem of an idea sparked an entrepreneurial flair in up-and-coming jewellery designer Lucy Toone that she didn’t know she had. Now, just eight months after following her dream and starting her business, Lucy is plotting the next big step in what she hopes will be a sparkling future.
But first the young Bognor Regis businesswoman, aged 20, is gearing up for a milestone in the story of her company, TOMM Jewellery, as she prepares to exhibit her dazzling creations — ostensibly silver bracelets, rings, anklets and necklaces — at Victorious Festival 2019 in Southsea at the end of August. And before that, Lucy says she is delighted to be showcasing her hand-made creations at Bognor’s very own Hotham Park Festival on August 3rd and 4th.
She said:
“I started making jewellery when I was 10 years old and for some reason it was something that just came naturally to me. I’ve always really enjoyed creating things and selling them for a bit of pocket money. I used to get told off for selling them at school because it was against the rules – but it didn’t deter me! But as time went by more and more people started to ask me to create something unique for them and it’s kind of snowballed.”
Lucy says being inundated with requests to conjure up bespoke pieces led her to take the plunge and go into business, never losing sight of the ethos of designing pieces that reflect the “bold, gorgeous personalities that make every girl feel pretty!” She added:
“I was designing bracelets for myself and people told me how much they loved them and I found I was making more and more of them and at the same time, perfecting the process.
“So, it made perfect sense to set up the business, which I did in November 2018 — and it’s been an amazing journey so far. I have come to realise that I’ve found my passion and I’m so excited to keep pushing myself further. I very much feel that TOMM Jewellery is for everyone. I love creating unique, one-off pieces and also have classic designs that my customers love too!
“Now I am so, so busy but that is great news because it means the business is flourishing and TOMM Jewellery is getting more and more exposure.”
One aspect to the business that has taken off is Lucy’s jewellery parties. She added:
“My customers tell me that it is a great excuse to get your girlfriends round, have a glass of wine and treat yourself or loved ones to a treat or two!”
