Local female entrepreneur, Lisa Chan is living the dream. After establishing Lisabella last year, the business has grown from strength to strength. Shining ahead of retail stores, Lisabella create handmade jewellery, headpieces and clips for weddings and special occasions. Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver provide the perfect combination for any bride. Each piece is tailor made and unique; what every woman wants.
Lisa, a previous project manager within the Construction industry took the recession in her stride and quickly changed a negative situation into a positive opportunity. “It has always been a dream to turn my hobby into a business. I just never had the time and the recession actually gave me the chance I was looking for,” said Lisa.
Starting on the Go for it programme in 2010, Lisa gained training from North City Business Centre on many areas of business such as marketing, finances and business planning. Mentoring was also a great help especially concerning website design. The programme was very beneficial in binding together all the areas required to run a business successfully.
Lisa recently won a competition to exhibit her jewellery at Top Drawer, a trade fair in London, Earl’s Court. Not only was she 1 of 4 people chosen from Northern Ireland; she had all expenses paid by sponsors such as the creative industries innovation fund. This amazing achievement illustrates the confidence shown in her jewellery.
Lisa’s passion for her work is evident to all. She has been creating stunning jewellery pieces for over 20 years now and has her own individual style. She shares her talent by teaching others how to create handmade jewellery through a lottery funded scheme which helps underprivileged people in the local community.
The business has progressed mainly through word of mouth. Lisabella provides a service over and above that expected and blushing brides can’t wait to tell all their friends. Lisa has attended many craft fairs, bridal exhibitions and trade fairs showing off her unique style. She prides herself in the fact that she makes jewellery to last; it’s not just to be worn once. Lisa will even alter a piece of jewellery after a wedding so that it can be worn again with another outfit, all at no charge to the client.
Lisabella differentiates itself from others in this niche market by offering women a one off unique product. Bridesmaid jewellery and head pieces are custom made to match the colour scheme. Some ‘brides to be’ shop around for weeks and never find the perfect piece for their special day. Lisa can fill this gap in the market.
“I have a passion for creating handmade jewellery and I am inspired every day at work,” said Lisa. This ethos is evident through the time and attention shown to all clients. People are not placed under any pressure, but are free to browse around the studio in Carrickfergus at their own leisure. Stunning pieces of jewellery can be created within a requested budget.
Lisa utilises the skills learnt while working as a project manager, her organisational skills meant she was even ready an hour before her own wedding. She has many other talents which her clients have gained benefit from. Lisa has prepared wedding flowers on a number of occasions and can up style hair. Brides can try different hair pins and tiaras to choose the perfect piece to suit their hair style.
The future is sparkling for Lisabella with press coverage increasing weekly and the brand launch in London. With hopes of a future online store and employing staff, Lisa really will be the ‘Belle of the Ball’.
To find out more visit www.lisabella.co.uk
Lisabella, 9 Governors Place, Carrickfergus, BT38 7BN
If you would like more information on the Go for it programme and are interested in starting up your own business please contact North City Business Centre on 028 90747470
