What training do you have that helps in your current role?

I earned a degree in Metalwork and Jewellery from Sheffield Hallam University. Additionally, I studied Industrial Design and Metalcraft at Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea. This combined academic experience gave me a profound understanding of both artistic and technological aspects of jewellery design, crucial for my current role.

How long have you worked in the jewellery industry/your current role?

I entered the jewellery industry in 2010, founding Jessica Flinn Ltd. Over 13.5 years, I've held multiple roles from designer maker to CEO. My diverse experience encompasses design, administration, management, and strategic leadership, making me versatile in the industry.

Tell me about how it is working in your team.

Working with my team is exhilarating. I actively engage across departments, from influencing designs to steering business strategies and marketing campaigns. My leadership style emphasises growth and innovation, always pushing our boundaries and seeking new horizons.

What is the best thing about your job?

The most rewarding aspect is hearing a proud employee passionately talking about our company. It reaffirms the positive impact and pride our team takes in the brand and its accomplishments.

What has been a career/job highlight for you?

Navigating my career, several moments stand out. Crafting my first-ever engagement ring for a client was a truly memorable milestone, symbolising my deep dive into the world of bespoke jewellery. Then, in 2021, inaugurating our new offices and showroom marked significant growth and expansion for our brand. Currently, one of the most exhilarating projects is the planning and anticipation of our new retail experience, which we aim to launch in 2024. Each of these moments signifies growth, passion, and the journey of our brand.

What’s your favourite piece and why?

For Flinn and Steel, I'm fond of the "Rivelin valley" ring in Tantalum. Its unique texture and the metal's dark allure stand out, representing the perfect blend of original design and contemporary material choice.

What training do you have that helps in your current role?

I have completed the JET1 and JET2 qualifications via the NAJ over my years in the jewellery industry, which have definitely helped with in depth, more technical knowledge of jewellery and gemstones. Most of my training has been on the job though and just from being inquisitive and always wanting to learn!

How long have you worked in the jewellery industry/your current role?

I started in the jewellery industry when I was 16 years old, and it was my first job. Although I have worked in different industries over my career, my experience is predominantly in jewellery and totals around 10 years experience.

Tell me about how it is working in your team.

The team we have is by far the best I have worked in. We support one another and are always adapting to the needs of the business, and as a member of the management team it’s a privilege to be able to nurture people’s skills and see them thrive. We’re all so different and have such a vast array of skills and personalities, and this makes us a fantastic team.

What is the best thing about your job?

The people, for sure. The products are amazing, and I love working with beautiful gemstones and overseeing the stock and general operations, but when it comes down to it we wouldn’t have a business without the fabulous people that keep it going! Everyone is brilliant in their own way and they work together so well.

What has been a career/job highlight for you? 

Being able to always learn new things and evolve in my role with Jessica Flinn. Having felt held back in other jobs where my potential couldn’t be reached was incredibly disheartening, and that is definitely not something that happens here. There are no limits to where you can go, and if you’re willing to put the work in and have a passion, you’ll be there in no time.

What’s your favourite piece and why? 

My favourite Flinn and Steel piece is the Rivelin Valley 4mm in SuperTitanium. Being a blend of two different metals, it has fantastic properties and also looks amazing on anyone!

What training do you have that helps in your current role?

I’ve trained as a teacher, and I’ve worked in retail many a time over the years, so I’ve got the people skills, patience, and ability to ask the right directed questions to ensure we find the dream ring that the customer is picturing!

How long have you worked in the jewellery industry/your current role?

Before Jess hired me, I’d never worked in the industry! In her words “you’re my wildcard, but I think you might be worth it!“. She took a chance on me, and I’ve enjoyed every minute, so I like to think her risk paid off!

Tell me about how it is working in your team

My team is FAB. We all bring something slightly different to the table, whether it’s the ability to remember rings going back years, incredible creativity, great problem-solving skills, or simply just boosting everyone’s morale. We work together to create each customer’s ring - no individual sales targets means we genuinely value each other’s abilities, and rely on each other to help create beautiful pieces of jewellery.

What is the best thing about your job?

Staff discount? No, it’s actually the people. My colleagues are a sheer joy to be around, and the customers are all brilliant too! One of the customers actually pointed me in the direction of a wedding dress shop where I eventually bought my dress - thanks Rachel!

What has been a career/job highlight for you?

Outside of Jessica Flinn, I really enjoyed my job as a youth worker - teenagers are great, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! I got to present to potential funders, and help to raise money to help young people. Inside Jessica Flinn, it’s been travelling to a trade show, and being nominated for the Retail Jeweller 30 Under 30 after only being in my job for 18 months!

What’s your favourite piece and why? 

My favourite Flinn & Steel piece is the Wharncliffe as it’s the ring my partner wears!

What training do you have that helps in your current role?

My journey in marketing has been quite the adventure, spanning a decade in both in-house and agency roles. This diverse experience has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge, and I'm still growing and evolving right here at Jessica Flinn. It's a journey I'm excited to continue.

How long have you worked in the jewellery industry/your current role?

I've been rocking the jewellery industry for a solid two years, all of it right here at Jessica Flinn.

Tell me about how it is working in your team

We're a small but mighty crew with a fantastic blend of creative minds and tech enthusiasts. It can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride at Jessica Flinn, but the thrill of it always keeps things exciting and far from dull!

What is the best thing about your job?

The best part of my job is the variety. Marketing is always an exciting realm, with so much to explore. And I absolutely love being given the creative freedom to craft social media content, blogs and any other marketing challenge I can get my hands on. Plus, who can resist a good meme?

What has been a career/job highlight for you? (could be any job)

A career highlight is definitely winning the Emerging Brand award for Flinn and Steel in 2023. It felt amazing to see all the effort I’ve put into the brand pay off, here’s to many more wins in the future!

What’s your favourite piece and why? (both JF and F&S)

When it comes to Flinn and Steel pieces, my absolute favourite has to be the Crookes Valley Ring. It has a really nice weight to it and a premium feel that makes it stand out for me. It's more than just a ring; it's a statement piece!