INTERVIEW
Karla’s gem of a job
with prestigious business
W
hen Karla Ducker’s new boss asked
what she would be wearing for a
company ball, he wasn’t referring to her
dress - but her choice of jewellery.
And when she described her dark blue gown,
he promptly selected a sapphire and diamond
necklace that set it off to perfection.
The stunning piece was on loan, of course – but
having the chance to wear fabulous gemstones
and premium brand watches is just one of
the unusual perks that come with Karla’s job
as general manager of the long-established
family jeweller, Parkhouse Hampshire, based in
Southampton.
Karla, who lives in Carisbrooke, joined the
prestigious business six months ago, having
previously spent four years at the helm of another
luxury brand - the Liz Earle flagship store in Ryde
- and before that, a role with premium interior
design company Alexander James.
“I love the luxury brands market and was ready
for a new challenge - but I wasn’t interested
in joining a big corporation” she says. “I knew I
wanted to work for a family-owned business, it’s
like being part of a community where you can
really make a difference”.
The role at Parkhouse couldn’t have been more
perfect for Karla, because she literally has jewellery
in her blood: her great-grandfather was a bespoke
jewellery maker in Surrey, and many of his pieces
are still in the family.
“As children, we were always asking if we could
go and play in the jewellery box, and we’d spent
hours trying things on - I guess it was every little
girl’s dream!”
When she wasn’t dressing up in gemstones,
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