Quitting my job and starting my own unconventional jewellery business is one of the hardest, but most exciting, things I’ve ever done.
In 2009 I had a corporate job in marketing and while I enjoyed my job, I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do forever. Since then, making the leap into a career that I’m passionate about, I now create rule-breaking, story-telling jewellery.
My journey from marketing professional to jewellery designer started almost by accident. Working late nights in the office, I signed up for a silver jewellery making course at my local community centre; a reason to leave on time at least once a week. It wasn’t long before I fell in love with the art of manipulating metal and made the commitment to pursue a career in jewellery design.
The next five years was spent gaining formal qualifications in jewellery design and manufacture before quitting my job in marketing to work full time on my eponymous jewellery label, Fairina Cheng.
I soon realised that in order to grow, I needed to scale quickly. To streamline my business and produce products quickly and more efficiently, I used the Federal Government’s $20,000 asset tax deduction to buy equipment, including a rolling mill and new polishing machine.
As any small-business owner knows, the first few months are daunting and voices of doubt can creep in; if you let them. I was lucky enough to make great connections in an online network for small businesses, and with local entrepreneurs near my studio in Zetland. Having the support of talented and driven individuals has helped to provide a strong sounding board for my ideas and future plans.
These connections, coupled with the Federal Government’s asset tax deduction for small business, enabled me to achieve one of my biggest life goals; to make a career change into full-time work in a job I love and were essential elements that I needed in the early days of my business. I recommend to anyone in the growth stage of their business to seek out people in a similar situation and research the tools available to support them.
An easy place to start is the business.gov.au/smallbusiness filter tool which provides you with a list of the Government support relevant to your business within a few easy clicks.
Creating jewellery for people looking for unique, personalised, story-worthy keepsakes; I aim to make my jewellery completely different to the pieces you’d see in your traditional shopping mall window. Ibelieve that in jewellery, just as in life, there are no rules; every piece of jewellery should tell a story about the individual wearing it.
While starting your own business can be challenging, I encourage anyone who wants to make a career change to set out a plan that enables them to chase their dreams and follow their passion.
Why settle for less when you could wake up every morning and do something you love!
Fairina Cheng, Founder, Fairina Cheng Jewellery
