Princes House resident stylist Sarah Hooper of Capella road tested her new express styling service last night on none other than the nations favourite Military Wives just before they appeared on stage at the Hall for Cornwall.

She couldn't have chosen a more glamourous or deserving group of ladies to beautify with this incredible new service!

Sarah's new express service is perfect for ladies who would like to have their hair styled before heading out for a night on the town or special occasion - or in this case this service is perfect for ladies who want their hair styled before taking the stage!

For more information visit the Capella website capellacornwall.co.uk or call 07966 890582 to make your appointment t

We don't know about you but we really love Youtube and Vimeo - not least of all because of the insights and behind the scenes snippets you get from some of the big names who inspire and influence us on a daily basis.  

Well now our very own milliner Holly Young can inspire and excite the next generation of milliners with this great little vid she's put together with the lovely folk at  Electric Weddings...

I defy you not to want to leap straight over here and channel your inner Kate Middleton with the confection of gorgeous headwear you see in it!

Here is the first of a new series of posts here on the PH Blog where you can find out a little bit more detail about our fabulous house residents, what they do, how they do it, and how you can have a piece of the pie!

This week we introduce Jeweller Extraordinaire...  Victoria Walker

What does your business do and what inspired you to start?
I design and make kinetic jewellery based on seed pods and flowers. After four years studying fine art and illustration, I took an evening class in jewellery making and fell in love with it. This lead me to study at degree level and I graduated with a first in 2009.

How long has the business been going?  Who is ‘behind the scenes’?
I have been running my business since graduating in 2009 and currently work alone.

Give me a brief over view of the services you have on offer...
I create kinetic lockets which are the centrepiece of each collection where you will also find non-moving matching items such as earrings and bracelets. I occasionally do commissions.

Have you won any Awards? if so which ones?
Goldsmiths Company Precious Metal Bursary 2008
Exhibitor award, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2012


Describe your studio (Please send a picture or two)...
The smallest studio in Princes House. My traditional jewellery bench was  built in by a local carpenter and my bespoke display cases were designed by me and  built by my dad.

What sets your business  apart from your competitors?
My products are very unique and require and element of engineering in order to  develop the kinetic parts. My non-moving collections also include a lot of hollow forms which require specific forming skills.

Do you have a specialist area / style of product that you to create?
I specialise in kinetic fine jewellery based on botanical forms.

Who/what are your influences?
I'm intrigued by the idea of creating gentle impressions of the natural world from comparatively harsh materials and tiny mechanisms.
      
What do you love most about your job?
I love creating pieces of jewellery that give joy to the owner and surprise the viewer. I love the idea that they will be treasured for a lifetime.

Tell me about your favourite client experience...
A Scottish couple expecting a baby saw my work in a gallery in Edinburgh and really liked it. They were looking for a special piece of jewellery that their baby girl could treasure for the rest of her life. Keen for the piece to have a strong Scottish connection, they commissioned me to make a kinetic Thistle Locket for their little Olivia. (They even sent me a picture of her!).  I really loved the sentimental nature of the commission and the idea that it might be passed down to her own children.

What are the stages of your service and how long on average does it take from consultation to completion?
Kinetic pieces are always made to order and I usually quote 4-6 weeks (though I'm always keen to meet deadlines for birthdays/anniversaries so they can sometimes be ready quicker if needed).

Top tip for choosing your perfect gift....

If you want to buy jewellery as a gift but you're not sure what size she would be in a ring/necklace/bracelet, I'd say go for earrings as they will always fit!
    
Can I find you at any wedding fayres this year?
I tend to do contemporary craft fairs rather than wedding fairs. All my shows should be listed on my website including The Contemporary Craft Fair at Bovey Tracey in June and Goldsmiths Fair in September.

What was your best Christmas present?
Baking and cookery books - I love them! My fave this year was called Tart it Up by Eric Lanlard
(note from PH Blogmistress - I can endorse this - Victoria is a master baker!  We often have tasty treats in the Princes House kitchen!)

Where can I find out more about your business?
 My website vwjewellery.co.uk

As the recession filters more and more into every aspect of our daily lives, businesses are increasingly under more scutiny, as are you and your role.  Your profile and visibility become even more important, whether as a team member or individual pioneer. 

Now it’s imperative to stand out and deliver.

Clare Greenwood of Looks Magic refers to her motto,“Be Seen and Heard”, set the scene, don’t follow the herd! This message is all about branding yourself or business in such a way that you have the impact and presence that attracts people to YOU! With every enterprise, this takes into account that you need to attract the appropriate business that benefits you and your customer/client base, it is a case of mutual attraction.

It is vital that you engage people in a positive and vibrant way. If you fail to recognise that it is human nature to identify with success rather than failure, your business is doomed! So, whether your business is booming or feeling the hideous drain of a dragging recession, you need to manage the perceptions that others have of you.

Look like a failure, you start to feel like a failure and the spiral will surely whirl downwards. Look great and feel great and suddenly you engage with a more positive energy which in turn attracts more visibility and engagement.

Whether on a more personal or professional level, you need to be seen, be consistent with who you or your brand is and make sure that people like what they see! This of course means that you have to be seen to be proud and enjoy what you are offering. One of the biggest lessons that it is worth reminding ourselves, is that if we don’t like ourselves, why would we expect anyone to like us. Put that into a business model and learn to love every aspect of your product, even if that means you. Then you have some chance of sharing this love with a world that needs you and what you have to offer!

Clare delivers “Be Seen and Heard”  life coaching and personal or business branding sessions so that you can develop an authentic, attractive and visible profile.

For more information on Clare's services - or to make an appointment  visit her website looksmagic.biz or call 07877 654 543 to make an appointment!