Welcome, fellow gem enthusiast!

My Story

My entrepreneurial journey started while contracting in London's corporate world. With roles as a Personal Assistant to board-level CEOs at firms like KPMG, Commerzbank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, I honed skills that were crucial in professional environments. Yet, I felt an undeniable pull towards something bigger—something of my own making. In 2002, that pull materialised as the SaVVy Club, an exclusive social events business that caught the eye of Channel 4, leading to an opportunity to feature on Secret Millionaire. This recognition was a huge validation of the potential I had tapped into.

​

A chance encounter with Duncan Bannatyne at a networking event further illuminated the path ahead. Not realising his stature at the time, our conversation over a coffee led to an invitation to explore Dragons’ Den—a significant opportunity that, due to hesitation and feeling unprepared, I declined. Looking back, this moment taught me crucial lessons about risk-taking and seizing opportunities even when they seem daunting.

​

Around the same time, a Silicon Valley angel investor saw promise in my venture. Eager to mentor and support my growth, this relationship affirmed the global reach and scalability of my vision. Although his untimely passing meant we couldn't proceed, the experience emboldened me to pursue my dreams with renewed energy and reinforced the importance of having visionary partners and sponsors.

​

Despite these promising opportunities, the journey was far from easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I was faced with the daunting reality of financing a startup. Using my personal savings, I took the risk of foregoing a steady salary and pension to nurture my business. Each financial decision was weighed heavily, yet driven by the belief in my vision and the difference it could make.

​

Transitioning to a photography business in 2010 opened another door, allowing me to work with prestigious charities and capture significant events worldwide. This pivot wasn't just about photography—it was a testament to the adaptability needed in entrepreneurial life, continually reinventing oneself to meet new challenges and opportunities.

​

Yet, alongside my professional endeavours, I always carried a passion that began long before my career—an unquenchable interest in gemstones. This fascination had grown over the years, building quietly but persistently in the background. Eventually, it became a serious addiction. Driven by a desire to self-teach, I invested significant time and money into acquiring gemstones, each purchase promising the allure of new discovery. Much like the hold of drugs or alcohol, this obsession became relentless, consuming my thoughts and resources.

It was during a vacation in Egypt that this passion took on a new urgency. When my prized "Burmese ruby" was revealed as nothing more than glass, the experience jolted me to my core and revealed the need for formal training from professionals, a step many of us must take to truly master and excel at what we love.

​

I stood at a crossroads. Being just a couple of years shy of turning 50, choosing to study gemmology was not a straightforward decision. This was not just about learning something new; it was about redefining my life's direction and embracing the uncertainty that comes with venturing into a whole new field. It came at a considerable cost—both financially, to the tune of over £15K, and personally, as I decided to put my successful photography business on hold for nine months. It was a moment filled with uncertainty. I didn't know what opportunities awaited me once qualified, only that my heart yearned for more. This leap of faith was a testament to pursuing a passion despite the risks, serving as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest journeys begin with a step into the unknown.

​

Through establishing the Gemstone Detective, I defied the scepticism that often shadows pioneering paths. Many in the jewellery trade expressed cautious admiration for my travel guides, yet hesitated to promote them, fearing they might disrupt traditional sales models. However, it's in this disruption that my mission finds strength: proving that, with the right knowledge, anyone can confidently pursue their passion for gemstones.

​

This journey has been a constant dance between risk and reward, challenge and triumph. Like many of you pursuing your passions, I've faced the struggles that come with it. Mortgaging my home to weather financial storms was just one part of the journey; dealing with the relentless stress has also taken a toll on my health. These challenges require immense courage and resilience.

​

The mental strain has been real—navigating anxiety and stress, coupled with moments of self-doubt and the fear of failure, often threatened to derail my path. Through it all, these experiences have not only shaped my entrepreneurial approach but have also strengthened my personal resilience. I've come to learn that true success isn't just about financial gains, but about maintaining passion and integrity through life's storms. 

​

I remain driven by a singular belief that challenges need not be deterrents but rather catapults to success. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to trust in their visions, to take bold steps, and to turn their passions into professions. My journey is not just my own but an invitation for others to embark on their paths, confident that, with clarity, resourcefulness, and heart, their dreams can indeed become their reality.