Meet the founder of Lucy Quartermaine
In 2007 Lucy Quartermaine brought her dream to life and created her designer brand from scratch. From a young age she recalls being in awe of her grandmother’s skill of creating jewellery and developed her first piece of silver jewellery at just 16. After discovering her passion for all things sparkly as a child, she gained a BA Hons at Sheffield Hallam University in 2003 after completing an intense 3-year course of ‘Jewellery and Metalwork Design’.
Lucy Quartermaine is now an award-winning English contemporary jewellery designer and silversmith. Her designs can be seen on numerous A-list British and American celebrities and in many top glossy magazines such a Red, Vogue and Cosmopolitan – to name but a few.
Based in Chester where she grew up with her family, Lucy now works from her office and boutique in the heart of the city. It has always been a goal of hers to open a creative hub for herself and other like-minded companies, and this dream became a reality in 2019 after moving to The Old Coach House with five other creative businesses. She also offers exclusive bespoke design appointments from her boutique.
Tell us about your experience prior to launching your business?
At school my passion was arts and crafts. I would spend most break times in the art department creating weird and wonderful things from wood and fabrics. I discovered a book on silversmithing, and the world of silver just started to open up for me. With this self-learnt knowledge, I handmade my own collection of jewellery, inspired by Celtic designs and to be honest, was extremely proud of my efforts.
My skills and enthusiasm earned me a place at Sheffield Hallam University, where I embarked on an honour’s degree course in metalwork and jewellery. Here I knew I had found my calling and worked hard to hone my skills. I am happy to say that my work quickly drew recognition and awards, with my designs often being hailed as leaps and strides ahead of my peers.
After graduation, I was personally headhunted to work in a silversmith and thought I had hit the jackpot. It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse and soon wished I had turned it down. Young, idealistic and naïve, my employer took full advantage, keeping me working in the basement of the store and taking advantage of my innocent nature. It was perhaps the most miserable time of my career and really knocked my confidence. When I was finally able to escape, I swore that jewellery was out of my life!
How things change…not at first admittedly. I turned my back on the world of workshops and silver and took a drastic diversion – into banking. But, for all its stability and comfort banking did not excite me the way jewellery did. The fire in my heart had not gone out, and I felt my old passion beckoning me back…
The turning point came with the sudden news that (at a very young age) I was pregnant! Fear walked hand in hand with excitement and I knew, with sudden clarity, that I had to return to my true calling: For my daughter, not just for me. How else would I teach my child to follow her dreams, and that passion was the most important thing? By example.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual to get your day started on the right foot?
Most mornings I start my day at 6am in readiness for my run. By waking up a bit earlier in the morning I can fit in that run session for the day. All without the stress of trying to fit in a run after work.
How important is company culture and what is your top tip to get it right?
Company Culture is massively important to me. It's how a company cultivates business growth by offering each employee a voice, while encouraging healthy day-to-day attitudes, behaviours and work ethics.
A good company culture involves trust, respect, and the opportunity for employees to participate in shared values and love what they do.
Any new product launches we should know about?
We are excited to announce that next month we will be exclusively launching a Royal Pearl Collection to honour our Queens Platinum Jubilee.
The Royal Pearl Collection celebrates the longest serving female monarch in history with this stunning new collection – the designs are inspired by the Queen's most memorable jewellery motif of pearls. The collection also calls on upon the Queen’s love of nature and the natural world with some of the shapes being inspired by lilies, the Queen's favourite flower
We will also have new designs later this year in Autumn / Winter.
Is it still possible to build a strong and successful business without social media? If yes or no, why?
When I first started my business, social media was not as affluent and abundant as it is now, so previously I would have said no. However, times have changed, and I would definitely encourage businesses to use social media, now more so than ever - it’s a brilliant way to show off your products / insight into your business and it’s totally free. It would definitely be a missed opportunity.
What keeps you motivated as an entrepreneur when you hit bumps in the road?
To be honest, fear is one of my biggest motivators. Fear of failure, fear of letting customers, employees, investors, and family down. Fear of not being able to pay my rent, to provide for my family. This drives me constantly and allows me to keep going when obstacles are in my way. When I started, I wanted to build something that makes a difference and changes my industry for the better. However, to do that you must invest all you have in terms of time, emotions, reputation, and money into your business which leaves you very vulnerable should you fail. So, this fear keeps me on my toes.
What do you think gives a brand longevity?
Offering customers a lifestyle destination – a brand they can trust and feel reflects them - not just a product. That’s where brand longevity comes in — it is the pathway to sustaining business growth over time. It has to do with strategic marketing, establishing loyalty, and building an emotional connection that can evolve and scale your brand over time.
In today’s business world and with so many brands competing in the same space, consumers are looking for something beyond products and services — they want an authentic, sentimental, and emotional connection.
What are your top three tips to hire and develop new talent?
More than three top tips, I would say there are three top THINGS I would always suggest looking for in new talent: Enthusiasm, Passion and Commitment.
Describe your business in three words?
Unique
Luxury
British
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as an entrepreneur?
The biggest lesson has been that resilience is your greatest asset as an entrepreneur. Starting and running a business is very difficult. Having the resilience to deal with the obstacles, the stress, the ups and downs is very important. Starting a business will test your resilience often but it allows you to build more resilience and become a better entrepreneur as a result.
Is word of mouth working to your advantage?
Definitely. Word of mouth is a great way to produce quality and long-term leads.
