INSPIRING WOMEN
having their eyes on a future goal can prevent them being the
best they can be at what they currently do. I think I have been
successful because I have loved and embraced every single step
of the journey.
What are your 2018 goals for Beaverbrooks?
More of what we are doing. We’ve got a very big year ahead as
we approach our centenary in 2019 and so it’s a very exciting
time for Beaverbrooks.
KATY TROMANS
Designer, Lecturer
Can you give me a description of
job title and what you do?
I currently work at the Birmingham
City University School of Jewellery
on two courses. I work three days
lecturing on the HND Jewellery and
Silversmithing Course and two days
a week on the BA Jewellery and
Object course.
2011- 2015:
JD Assistant Manager
2013 - 2015:
Student Higher National
Diploma
2015: - 2016:
Student Design for
Industry
2015-2016:
Pegrex Freelance
2016-2017:
Companies in Ireland,
Scotland
2016-2017:
Artist In Residence at
School of Jewellery
Birmingham
2016 - 2017:
Weston Beamor
2016 -2017:
Visiting Tutor
University
2017 - Present:
Lecturer
32 JEWELLERY FOCUS
What drew you to the industry in
the first place?
When I was studying at college I
started to collect coins: I was really
interested in the stories behind them,
the different imagery that was used
on each coin, and how much detail
is contained in such a small space.
One of the coins I was researching
happened to be designed by a
student of the School of Jewellery in
Birmingham and that was my first
insight into the Jewellery Quarter.
Tell me about some of the awards
you have won?
I have won the Gemvision Matrix
award where I was awarded a
copy of the Matrix software for a
year, JewelCast ‘Best use of casting
technology’, where a financial award
was given. I then went on to win a
place at Bright Young Gems, IJL
where I got to showcase my work
and was picked up by Mari Thomas
Gallery in Llandeilo. Finally I placed
in the top four jewellers at Artistar,
which this year saw 170 jewellers
‘‘
Be passionate
about what you do,
be determined to be
successful
Anna Blackburn
Managing director
Beaverbrooks
‘‘
FEATURE
and artists showcase over 450 pieces of work in Milan, just off the
Duomo Square.
What challenges do women face in the industry?
I think one of the main issues women face in the industry is the
perceived strength of a woman and their unwillingness to get dirty
- I applied for a job polishing and was turned down because ‘I
wouldn’t want to get dirty’. The reality is I couldn’t be happier
than when I’m in the workshop. I get in there every minute I can
especially to polish pieces up. I remember leaving after talking to
the company offering the job and getting home and writing an email
with multiple pictures of the work I had finished and polished. I
felt so confused - the standard of work I produced was really high
and I just couldn’t understand. My work was dismissed and my
application wasn’t even considered, solely because I’m a woman.
For all the people reading this who have women interested in
a role in your company: don’t judge the book by its cover. And
to the women who want one of these roles; don’t ever give up,
everything happens for a reason and you never know what’s
around the corner.
What advice would you give to women who want to get into the
industry?
Don’t give up, the only thing stopping you is yourself. If you
want something bad enough you’ll work hard enough to get
it. Be organised and manage your time, I worked multiple jobs
simultaneously to get to where I am today. Say ‘yes’ to every
opportunity and squeeze everything you can from it. Lastly, be
brave - don’t let nerves hold you back. You can do anything you
put your mind to, it really is mind over matter.
April 2018 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk