Kingsbridge

This Kate Moss isn't the one you'll find on the catwalk, but you will find the young business entrepreneur's jewellery in the local shops.

Kate Moss, who lives in the Kingsbridge area, set up her own business – Oddball Jewellery – some 2 years ago.

"Jewellery is something I've always been interested in,” she tells us. “I studied Art at A-level, and then went to Art college in Plymouth. Making and designing jewellery is a way I can channel my artistic side."

Through Oddball Jewellery, Kate sells handmade imported jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets, which are made form natural materials like sea shells and wood. She also makes jewellery for a ladies fashion company called Posh Totty Clothing, which is run by Mandy Burwell.

Oddball Jewellery is currently stocked in four stores in the local area, including Habit in Kingsbridge and White Water stores in Plymstock and Ivybridge. Kate used to ply her trade at the market in Dartmouth, but the hassle of early mornings and travelling did not pay off in the same way as stocking her product in the shops.

Kate Moss: "Jewellery is something I've always been interested in."

We asked Kate how she managed to get her product into the shops; surely one of the hardest first steps to take.

She says: "Just cold calling really. I worked in Habit so that was a helpful way in, but I went to stores all over the place: Totnes, Dartmouth, Paignton, Torquay – You've just got to ask and make the best impression you can."

Kate says that she wants to sell "funky fashionable jewellery that people can afford", and it seems that her market is not just tied down to one demographic. Her eclectic customer base ranges from young teenagers through to adults of all ages. But does she feel more responsibility after running her own business than she did working as an employee for someone else?

"Yes, definitely," she responds. "If I don't put the effort in then I am the one who doesn't get the reward. All my spare time is taken up with the jewellery business, but I don't seem to mind."

Running your own business of course has to have a negative side at times, and Kate is quick to point out that it is not an easy job by any means.

"I suppose the worst thing about running my own business is the cold calling. It's hard work, but at the same time it makes it all the more rewarding if you manage to succeed. This is something I'd love to see myself doing in the future on a more permanent basis."

"If I can get my jewellery into perhaps 10 or more stores, and continue to build relationships with my suppliers and customers, then I'll be happy. I don't want to live just so I can work. The jewellery business gives me some excitement away from living a mundane existence working in a shop or a bar all week."

For further enquiries regarding Oddball Jewellery, email Kate Moss at: oddball-jewellery@hotmail.co.uk