By DJ Gardner
Self-taught Farsley jeweller Victoria Walker is celebrating an increase in business since moving from the small shop she rented for 14 years to a building over the road she has now bought.
The Farsley Town Street premises are shared with a florist, a reflexologist and psychotherapy and the four businesses all work in conjunction with each other.
What started as a hobby 22 years ago has now grown into a successful business.
Victoria, who has always been creative having trained to be a photographer, was initially asked to make a tiara for a bride. The tiara was subsequently turned into a sentimental piece of jewellery.
Victoria continued to make bridal and memorial jewellery, but no longer makes bridal items.
As links were established with local funeral directors more people were wanting to remember loved ones with bespoke pieces of jewellery. Much of the business is now dealing with bereaved families and friends or people who are terminally ill and want to make gifts for loved ones.
Victoria has offered workshops in the past in conjunction with Full Circle Funeral Directors and hopes to host more in the future. She would also like to take on an apprentice to help with work and who can creatively develop their skills.
All business is generated through word of mouth and the shop is even busier since moving over the road.
“I’m living the dream,” said Victoria. “It is hard work and always a gamble when working for yourself but with great family support it has been worth it.”
Support from family, friends and local businesses has been invaluable and the refit for the new premises was all sourced locally, with the cabinets in the workshop created from reclaimed wood.
“All the community in Farsley are very supportive and look out for each other,” Victoria added.
Appointments can be made by contacting Victoria on:
- Email: info@victoriawalkerboutique.
com - Tel: 0113 8083070