Monday Mumpreneur with Paula Gibson

Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives and their business to us.

They share with us their motivation, their challenges and their proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves.

If you’re looking for inspiration then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.

I was delighted to meet this week's mumpreneur at our networking meetings here in South West Scotland and I love how she champions local talent.  Reading her story, you'll see what a natural entrepreneur she is.

Your name: Paula Gibson

Your website:

www.scottishdesignerjewellery.com

www.facebook.com/scottishdesignerjewellery

www.twitter.com/scotdesigner

Brief description of blog/site

Championing Scotland's jewellery design talent, specialising in unique and affordable handmade jewellery and accessories, destined to be treasured forever. Our on-line boutique represents Scotland's foremost jewellery designers and we can also bring clients own ideas to life, designing everything from a simple pendant for a special occasion to that dream diamond engagement ring. Our design team is available for relaxed consultations by appointment at our design room and studio in Castle Douglas and our collections can be purchased online at www.scottishdesignerjewellery.com.

Tell me about your children:

Holly is 11 years of age and loves horse riding, with an ambition to get into the Olympics one day as a dressage rider. Cairn is 9 years old and loves anything to do with cars, taking toy cars to pieces, building them up and driving them through mud!

Where do you live?

Originally from the small town of Dalbeattie in the South-west of Scotland, I moved to the big town of Dumfries at the age of 19 when I left home. I love it here, it is a great place to bring up the family and is surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches close by.

PC or Mac? PC for me!

Tell us about your business

I started my business along with my uncle in 2012. We both have previous experience in running very successful businesses individually where our customer base included Historic Scotland, John Lewis, Harrods as well as many independent retailers. Collectively we decided to put our heads together, using our skills set, and develop a business based on our passion - to promote Scottish made products. Both of our backgrounds included the jewellery business, so it seemed a natural progression to focus on jewellery design within Scotland and bring in some complimentary accessories too. Our aim is to be the number 1 online boutique for Scottish contemporary and classic designer jewellery. As well as our online boutique we also have a design team within our studio at Castle Douglas where bespoke jewellery is designed and handmade for customers in a relaxing environment.

With our wholesale experience we are at the beginning of a new chapter in our business where we are creating with our team a collection of fine jewellery for sale to selected boutiques ... watch this space!

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?

I took over my parents business when I was 32 and loved the challenge in building it to become even more successful. I decided from then that I could replicate that success in another business channelling my knowledge into my passion for Scottish made products.

What’s been your biggest challenge in business?

There will always be challenges in any business, but that is what makes you question, analyse and improve, plus it makes you stronger.

How have you overcome it?

Listen to praise and listen to criticism (no matter how it may hurt). Take it all on board and then write your plan of action to solve a problem or challenge, it all works out in the end.

What’s been your proudest business moment?

In my new business, even in its infancy, I have to say it is the support of our designers and their enthusiasm in what we are striving to achieve - putting Scottish made jewellery and accessories on the world map. We have a wealth of design talent and if we can catapult that talent into the world domain for all to see, appreciate and ultimately buy then we have achieved our goal.

What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?

You only live once, but if you do it right then once is enough.

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?

I love spending time with my husband and kids at the weekend, so we often go out walking and exploring the region – it is amazing what you can find on your doorstep if you look hard enough. But I have to say that my friends are equally as important to me. They are crazy ladies who love a laugh and a giggle and you know what they say about laughter!

What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

Guinot Longue Vie Cellulaire – aka expensive face cream! But it is great!

Favourite colour: Bottle green

Favourite flowers: Lillies. I just adore their shapes.

What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?

I have two pieces of advice.

1. Plan. If you have an idea then write down a plan and where you see your business in the next 3 years. It keeps you focussed and makes you strive to achieve what you have written down.

2. Speak to lots of other business people by joining networking groups because it is amazing what you can learn from them and often for free.

Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mumpreneurs? Drop me an email over on the contact page – and I’ll be in touch.   Or let me know in a comment below.