Melissa Leon has always had a creative drive to design things, but while growing up in North London she focused on responsibilities and left her creative energy behind. It only took one e-mail to bring it back.

“One day I received an email about a one-day jewellery making workshop. I decided to attend to get my creative juices flowing again!”

During that one class Melissa was able to create several pieces of jewelry and impressed her tutor with her techniques and designs. That same evening she went home and ordered tools and materials for her new hobby.

When she first began she was just making jewelry as gifts for friends and family. And those gifts are actually what launched her design career.

“One day my mum wore one of my bracelets to work, and her colleague began asking about it. She then placed an order with me and told her friends about me. After some time, word of mouth began to spread and I was constantly getting requests about my jewellery.”

And just like that this independent designer launched her very own business - Melissa Leon Jewellery. She's had to learn how to be organized and deliver multiple large orders simultaneously but she loves every minute of it.

“I love the challenges, the endless flow of ideas and I love being independent! However, it is hard work!”

Wearing many hats, she is responsible for several other aspects of her business including accounts, press, design and marketing.

Melissa finds inspiration from anything and anywhere. “It can be a country, occasion or a time of year.”

She has created a collection called Westnic, which was inspired by Black history month. “It comprises "Westnernized" ethnic pieces, consisting of wood and stones mixed with crystals.”

When she isn't designing jewelry and running her business she enjoys going to the theatre, eating out and surprising people with creative and unique gifts. “I hate routine and love being spontaneous!”

Now that she's designing jewelry in her very own studio after having a successful launch of her collections in August of 2008, she's ready to share a secret for aspiring designers.

“Have in mind your dream, and persist no matter what. This is all it takes.” Some words of wisdom we should all remember.

http://www.ustrendy.com/melissa-leon/