One year on, and with support from Business Gateway, Antoine Jewellery is racing along with clients from across Ayrshire snapping up the designer’s stunning range of rings, earrings and necklaces.
When professional footballer, Antoine Bartholome, hung up his boots at the age of 28 the Frenchman decided to follow his other passion and open a jewellery store in his adopted Prestwick.
One year on, and with support from Business Gateway, Antoine Jewellery (www.antoinejewellery.com) is racing along with clients from across Ayrshire snapping up the designer’s stunning range of rings, earrings and necklaces.
“It may seem like a strange choice to move from football to jewellery, but my mother is a jewellery designer in Lyon and my father-in-law is a goldsmith,” explains Antoine.
“When I stopped playing I decided to open the shop, with me focusing on jewellery design and my father-in-law running the workshop. After launching I started to think more about marketing and that was when I approached Business Gateway.
“My adviser has great and has given me some fantastic advice on my marketing strategy. He has also helped to identify some funding that will allow me to take the business forward.”
Looking ahead Antoine hopes to open a second shop in a few years but for the moment is happy to focus on building his client base in Prestwick.
“Every client should feel special and that is why we spend time talking through every aspect of the design before it goes to the workshop. We have even invested in a unique piece of software that allows our clients to see a full 3d version of their chosen design.”
To find out how Business Gateway can help your business grow and prosper visit www.bgateway.com/ayrshire or call 01292 430 535.
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