I studied Jewellery Design at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College after taking A-level Art, which led to an Art Foundation course. I graduated from university in 2005 with first class honours. I always wanted to do something artistic, although I wasn’t sure what. At first I thought it would be textiles, which is evident within my jewellery designs. It wasn’t until I did my Art Foundation that I started using metal – and then realised that jewellery design was something I wanted to do. I love the possibilities of metal – there is so much that can be made and so many different styles. If a design goes wrong, you can melt it all back down!

I live in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, but I work at Westbourne Studios in west London. I found it difficult to find any studios and workshops locally to share with others. I rent this space – it was straightforward getting it, but you need to make sure someone who understands legal documents reads through things and offers advice if you’re committing yourself to something like this.

Although I haven’t branched out into other creative design mediums like costume, theatre or graphics, I do freelance jewellery design as well as my own business designs. When it comes to my business designs, organic natural forms inspire me. I look at textures, forms and shapes to base my jewellery around. I love patterns and shapes from the past.

I I do lots of exhibitions and networking, and I use social media to market myself as a jewellery designer. It is getting harder and harder to "make it"; many people are competing to get noticed in the industry. One of the most difficult elements is the recession and, consequently, rising metal prices.

I set up my jewellery business with little money, which was really hard. I worked at making my business 24/7 and still do. You have to be prepared for hard work and going without money until you get established, as everything you make has to go back into the business to help it grow. Being self-employed brings many benefits but also its difficulties. The hours that I work are very long and unfortunately it’s not all designing and making – there’s a lot of paperwork and administration. My advice to other aspiring designers is to work hard, because it pays off in the end. Develop ideas and ask others for advice before you jump in at the deep end.

I would like to expand my business. Employing people would allow me to spend most of my time being the designer and face of the brand because I would have someone else to do the admin. I am exhibiting in New York next year and hoping to get known in the USA. But I don’t feel like I have made it yet. I still feel like the girl who graduated five years ago.

Kimberley Selwood was talking to Sophie Robehmed.

For more information, visit Kimberley's website.