Jewellery designer collects everywoman Artemis Award after business success

Jessica Rose was commended for her triumph with the London Jewellery School as she had taken the business from a fledgling course run from a community hall in south London to being the largest independent provider of amateur and professional jewellery-making courses in the country – even after big set-backs.

Having secured new premises after a bank loan and investing her savings into a Clapham venue, it was declared not fit for purpose and Jessica lost all of the invested money.

Determined to continue on despite facing bankruptcy, Jessica set up in Hatton Garden to continue her courses. The move proved to be even more beneficial as she gained credibility and kudos for being located in London’s jewellery quarter, gaining big audiences for her sessions.

The London Jewellery School is now offers 80 different classes for all levels of study, taught across two studios by 25 world-class professional tutors.

Commenting on this year’s winners, everywoman co-founder Karen Gill MBE said: “Over the past 10 years we have uncovered incredible stories of professional triumphs, so many of which have been in the face of incredible adversity.

“This year more than ever the judges were humbled by the extraordinary tenacity and determination shown by the finalists. Drive to succeed takes on new meaning with these women and the word ‘inspiring’ doesn’t do justice to their achievements.”

She added: “We know that there are thousands of women around the UK with a business idea and we are here to support them as their concept turns into reality. Today’s winners are testimony that with hard work and persistence, dreams of enterprise can come true.”

Sharon Hilditch MBE, who is managing director at Crystal Clear, which supported the award, said: “I hope their achievements will be an inspiration to the next generation of upcoming female entrepreneurs. This year’s finalists have all shown these qualities admirably as well as displaying incredible commitment, drive and enthusiasm.”

The awards were hosted by Olivia Sterns of Bloomberg Television and attended by a host of high profile women entrepreneurs including Cath Kidston MBE; Chrissie Rucker MBE, founder of the White Company; Anna Lee, co-founder of Storm Watches; and Eve Lom.