It takes a certain kind of gumption to start a business in the middle of a pandemic, and Nadia Thomas of Chamarel Designs has it. Nadia first turned to jewellery making as a form of creative therapy in 2014. After enrolling in the London Jewellery School, she gradually turned her hobby into something more profitable before taking the leap, leaving her job, and launching her very own business in the thick of the pandemic. In this episode, we talk about how the challenges and limitations of the pandemic inspired her to find a way to make things work and what kept her inspired along the way.      EPISODE RECAP What prompted you to start your own jewellery business? (2:28) How did you make the leap from working 9 to 5 starting your business? (7:55) How did the pandemic affect the launch of your jewellery business? (11:49) “This book gave me the boost of positivity I needed to gain some momentum” (14:40) Why you should invite your family and friends on your business journey (16:25) Were you scared when you left your job? (17:42) What challenges did the pandemic bring to your business? (20:15) What’s next for your business? (25:50) Using technology to help people experience your jewellery (27:12) What inspired you to become a mentor for other jewellers? (30:45)     RESOURCES Chamarel Designs’ Website Chamarel Designs’ Instagram Chamarel Designs’ Twitter  London Jewellery School Of Gold and Dust by Samantha Wills   Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook!