To celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th March, we wanted to highlight the inspirational women who work at Beards and the incredible work they do.
Serena, Watchmaker
Our head watchmaker, Serena, services and repairs all watches in-store and is accredited with several prestigious institutions. You’ll find her in the watch workshop if you visit our Cheltenham store.
What inspired you to take up watchmaking/horology?
“The curiosity that stemmed from the first time I saw a mechanical watch movement was what inspired me into studying horology. As my understanding progressed there were more sources of inspiration, which came from the rich history that horology has and the people in it, as well as the future of technology. It is such a broad subject covering engineering, physics and materials in a creative way. Watchmaking is a balance between crafts that are centuries old, and modern precisional engineering and I feel very lucky to work in such a wonderful industry.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“Communicating the subject with the public, allowing them a rare glimpse into a world which for decades has been hidden away is rewarding. Training a younger watchmaker here at Beards is an extremely rewarding part of the role, seeing the development not just of skills but of passion and confidence too.”
Which female figure inspires you and why?
“There are so many inspirational women in the world who have broken boundaries, set precedent and opened doors for others to follow in their footsteps. Women like Emmeline Pankhurst, Josephine Baker and Amelia Earhart. Today we have so many women setting great examples, from women in power such as Her Majesty the Queen, to women with powerful voices like Roxane Gay, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Malala Yousafzai. Every woman who is brave enough to question or break the gender boundaries or raises a daughter, and teaches her that ambition, intelligence and freedom have no gender is an inspiration to me.”
Amy, Jewellery Designer
Based at our London store, Amy designs your bespoke creations before they are sent to our jewellery workshop in Cheltenham. Head over to our Instagram to see some of the amazing pieces she has designed.
What inspired you to take up jewellery design?
“I started designing jewellery at the age of 14, I was inspired by the freedom of jewellery design, and drawn to the challenge of having an idea, then making that idea in to a durable wearable item of jewellery.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“The most rewarding part of my role is watching an idea become a reality, being able to physically hold a piece of jewellery in my hand that a few weeks prior was simply just a thought in my mind.”
Which female figure inspires you and why?
“I have always looked to my mum for inspiration, not linking to jewellery or design. But linking to the fact that she has proved to me if you work hard at something you will get to where you want to be.”
Sophie, Creative Director
The powerhouse of creativity at Beards, Sophie oversees everything from our in-house jewellery designs to visual merchandising.
What inspired you to take up jewellery design?
“I had a childhood fascination with rocks and shiny objects, and although I was enjoyed art at school there was something about having a ‘trade’ that I was really drawn to. My mum is an artist and my dad is an RAF engineer, so I like to think that jewellery design is a combination of the two!”
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“Definitely when I design something that a client really loves and cherishes. There are few things in this world that people care for more than jewellery, and being part of a persons family heirloom is very special.”
Which female figure inspires you and why?
“Creatively, I have always loved the work of Victoire de Castellane (Creative Director of Dior Fine Jewellery) She is fearless in her design, and inspirational in her ability to combine true uniqueness with commercialism. My sister, Alice, is also my rock. Despite having 3 children under 10, completing her masters in Child Psychotherapy, and working in a foster home, she still manages to find time to help run a small group of volunteers to support refugee mothers. She always reminds me to give back where I can, and if I can achieve just 10% in a day that she does, I know I’ve spent my time wisely!”
Jo, Jewellery Designer
Based at our Cheltenham store, Jo designs your bespoke creations before they are sent to our jewellery workshop. Head over to our Instagram to see some of the amazing pieces she has designed.
What inspired you to take up jewellery design?
“I came later in life to the jewellery design scene; I had studied Fine Art and wanted to pursue something creative but went to a very academic school and didn’t know how to make a career out of it. Apprenticeships were just not spoken about sadly! I spent some months travelling in South America and was really fascinated by locals I met making jewellery out of anything they could find and selling by the road or at markets. It inspired me to take a part time course in traditional jewellery making alongside my management job in fashion, and once I got into it I realised I had found my passion! I decided to study a degree in Jewellery Design at the Birmingham School of Jewellery and that was the beginning of my career in the industry!”
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“Definitely the lovely client feedback and when you are able to make a piece that has very special meaning to somebody.”
Which female figure inspires you and why?
“Madonna is incredibly hardworking and fearless, I respect her for pushing boundaries, not following the crowd and being unapologetically herself. Leonora Carrington was a British painter whose work and life story I find fascinating. Not only the best known female surrealist, she helped found the Women’s Liberation Movement in Mexico and often depicted thoughts on feminism in her work.”
Angela, Chairman
Synonymous with luxury and expertise, Beards has become a contemporary, relevant brand, all thanks to our chairwoman Angela Rose, who took over from her parents and has transformed the business all whilst raising four children! Her legacy is reflected in everything we do in-store today.
What changes have you seen over your time at Beards?
“There have been so many changes over 50 years! The main change has been in the design of jewellery, which has followed a pattern of changes of lifestyle through the decades. As a young girl I was frustrated by the dull, traditional unchanging style but then exciting times came with flamboyant styles competing with padded shoulders and it all changed. The design trends have followed the changing financial state of the nation.”
“At Beards we have gone back to our own designers and workshop and so we are now able to express a greater variety of design and innovation than ever before. Truly marvellous!”
Which female figure inspires you and why?
“Honestly, the only inspiration was my family. I entered the business out of an overwhelming sense of family duty. Luckily, running a business and love of design seems to have been an in built passion. It was never an option to compromise on quality. It was my destiny to have this marvellous way of life and compete with its challenges.”