Sara is the driving force behind Silver Designed Personally, where she creates beautiful pieces from her workshop in the heart of the Kent countryside. Spotlight On touched base with Sara and discovered why and how she made the leap from financial services to backing herself and her passion for her hobby.

Tell us a little about your background and what made you decide to set up your business ?

My career background is actually in financial services, financial advice, learning & development & business coaching / leadership development.  I was made redundant in early 2019 and deicide to take the opportunity for early retirement from the corporate world and see if I could turn my passion and hobby into a business.  So here I am and have never looked back!

What was your first job?

My first job after leaving school was booking in repairs in a small local electrical store.

What do you love most about your job?

That would have to be running the workshop day experiences as I get to meet so many lovely people from every type of background and job and get to see then create a piece of jewellery or silverware they never thought possible in just a few hours.

What are your most memorable experiences (good ones and bad ones !) ?

My most memorable experiences were when I served in the Territorial Army ….. all the physical training and learning very new and different skills to be used for real when we were called up in 2003 to serve in Iraq for 6 months.  Very proud moments, to be able to serve and put into practice all the things that I had trained for for so many years.

What would you say are the key things that attribute to your success in life ?

• Take every opportunity that is on offer – you never know where it will lead
• Having an open mind and being positive
• Worrying about something wont change the outcome
• Stepping out of my comfort zone and believing in myself

Describe Yourself in 3 words

• Organised
• Pragmatic
• Happy

What do you like doing in your ‘spare time’

I don’t really have much spare time now my hobby is my business ……. but I love to run as that gets me out and about a couple of times a week, but a half marathon is my maximum distance and in a ‘normal’ world I do a lot of travelling to new countries.  I love a new experience in life …. I started to learn to fly in 2004 and would love finish that and get my pilots licence!

Who has had the most influence in your life ?

My Dad – miss him every day!

Favourite Film / Series ?

The series has to be breaking bad ….. I was addicted to that and binge watched it years ago – nothing has yet been able to replace it as my favourite!

Favourite Tipple/vice ? Tea, coffee, wine, chocolate etc ?

Well that has to be a bottle of Fizz …. I’m not fussy champagne or prosecco, so long as it has bubbles!

What can you not live with out ?

• My tools …… got to love a good tool!
• My gorgeous French Bulldog – Misty …. She is my constant companion

TIP : What tip/s would you give to someone based on your own life experiences both personal and business

• Accept feedback as a gift
• Life is short, don’t put anything off – go for it & give everything a go
• A couple of sayings that have stayed with me since my very early career:
  • Better to light one candle than complain about the dark
  • We can all make our own ‘LUCK’:
    • Labour
    • Under
    • Constructive
    • Knowledge