A business woman from Cardiff, who gave up a high-powered career to pursue her creative streak, designing and creating handmade jewellery, has launched her latest collection at The Albany Gallery, Cardiff.
Menna Lloyd, 60, from Cyncoed Road, qualified as a dentist in the 1970s and went on to have a successful career running dental services across Cardiff and the south Wales valleys. A keen jewellery maker in her spare time, in 2011, she decided that a complete change of lifestyle was in order and left to try and turn her hobby into a full-time profession.
After obtaining a diploma from the London Jewellery School, Ms Lloyd approached the Welsh Government’s Business Start Up service contractor Centre for Business where she received practical help and advice to get her business up and running.
Ms Lloyd explains: “I have had a very rewarding and fulfilling carer but I knew that retirement was around the corner and I needed to decide what to do next. Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed being creative and have made jewellery for friends and family as a hobby for years.
“I had plenty of ideas but needed help channelling them into a focussed business plan which is why I approached the Welsh Government’s Business Start Up Service, which had already helped a friend of mine. I was paired with an advisor who listened to my ideas and offered some frank and honest advice on what I should do to turn my hobby into a business.”
Ms Lloyd has since developed four collections of jewellery, largely based on the medieval folk tales of the Mabinogion and ancient Egyptian themes, which are currently selling in three outlets across Wales including the Model House in Llantrisant – where she has a workshop and studio, the Taliesin Arts Centre, and The Egyptian Centre and Museum in Swansea. She launches her new collection in the Albany Gallery in Cardiff from the 28th of June and her work will be for on sale there throughout the gallery’s summer exhibition.
Congratulating Menna on her new venture Economy Minister Edwina Hart said she was pleased the Welsh Government’s Business Start-Up Service had proved so effective.
“The creation of new businesses and new jobs is a high priority for the Welsh Government which is investing £17million over a three year period to support newly established businesses and entrepreneurs setting up new ventures.
“It’s always good to hear of early success stories and I wish Menna all the very best with her new business and the launch of her new collection.”
Ms Lloyd said “My plan now is to spend the next year building up the business and developing a website and social media presence. Further down the line I would like to take on apprentices and also run my own jewellery making work shops. My ultimate aim would be to have my collections in Museum outlets throughout the UK.”