Community Member Feature: Joanne Hunt, Rockpool Jewellery
The Jewellery Collective’s mission is to build a strong, active, diverse & member-driven community. We aim to break down barriers, share valuable industry knowledge, build trust and foster business relationships within the UK jewellery industry. As a members association we want to promote and spotlight the incredible businesses which have joined us on this journey.
We recently heard from our member Joanne Hunt of Rockpool Jewellery. Joanne creates jewellery inspired by the sea, handmade in her Whitley Bay studio. If you want to check out more of her work, follow her on Instagram.
Tell us a bit about your story in the jewellery industry so far.
I started out mainly working on metal clay, got my metal clay diploma and then taught beginner classes in metal clay as well as trying to sell my designs. I also took classes in metalworking and wax carving and Following having my daughter I now focus on selling my own designs rather than teaching and most of my pieces are wax carved and cast using lost wax casting. I am stocked in a couple of local stores in north east England.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being told my an engraver that he could now recognise straight away if a piece was mine based on the design and having a brand overview with Kate Baxter to help progress my business.
What has been the biggest struggle you have had to overcome in building your business/career?
Getting seen, there are lots of wonderful makers out there, I had a good outlet in a jewellery store but this store no longer stocks guest artists and this has really impacted my sales. I struggle to drive traffic to my website.
Why did you want to join The Jewellery Collective?
To learn from the wider jewellery community and have a support network of those who have had similar experiences
What do you think is the biggest benefit to being a member of The Jewellery Collective? And if you could offer a reason others should join the collective what would it be?
Industry knowledge.
If you could go back and tell your past self something when starting your business/career what would it be?
It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.
We love hearing about the inspiring work and diverse backgrounds of our members. If you would like to be featured you can submit your story here. We look forward to telling your story here soon.