Alice Catherine Jewellery

A jewellery designer on the Isle of Lewis has relocated into new premises in Stornoway and received funding from the Outer Hebrides Young Enterprise Support Scheme, following support from Business Gateway.

Alice Catherine Jewellery was launched by Alice Cant in 2021. Using sea glass found in the Outer Hebrides, as well as silver, gold, and gemstones, she hand-makes sustainable pieces inspired by the ocean, which cannot be found in any other jewellery collection. Clients can also have pieces created using sea glass that they may have found themselves.

Business owner Alice discovered her passion for jewellery design after searching for a new hobby during the pandemic. Initially operating from a home workshop, Alice moved into new premises in Stornoway, benefiting from a larger workshop and retail space to sell her unique designs.

Following the move, Alice approached Business Gateway for help to grow the business further. Through the service, Alice benefitted from one-to-one support and guidance from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on funding.

This led to Alice receiving grant funding through the Outer Hebrides Young Enterprise Support Scheme, which is fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway. This funding helped Alice to purchase additional equipment to develop her range and create her designs, meaning a superior cut and finish to all her pieces.

Thanks to the additional funding and new equipment, Alice can now create more complicated pieces, expanding the range of her jewellery designs.  Alice has recently completed a Diploma in Silver Jewellery with Jewellers Academy, as well as a stone setting course at Vanilla Ink in Glasgow. Her new skills will allow Alice to create more intricate designs using gemstones as well as sea glass.

Alice Cant, Owner, Alice Catherine Jewellery, said:

 “Business Gateway has been such a great support since I moved to the Island. The one-to-one support I received from my business adviser has really instilled confidence in my business ability. It can be quite daunting launching a business in such a rural area, but it has been fantastic to see my little business grow over the past year, and I am so excited to see where it goes next.”

Fiona Chisholm, Business Gateway adviser, said:

 “It is really rewarding to see how Business Gateway support can benefit unique businesses such as Alice Catherine Jewellery. We were able to support Alice through our growth business services and provide her with grant funding which I know will make a difference as the business continues to grow.” 

Visit the Business Gateway website to find out how they can support your business.

Discover more by visiting  Alice Catherine Jewellery website.