Train 2000 - The Centre for Women's Enterprise and Employment

Elaine Jenkins might well be a full-time health care worker but this hasn't stopped the 26-year-old graduate from starting up her own business.

A keen jewellery designer / maker, Elaine is determined to one day give up her health care work and turn her attentions to being her own boss, on a permanent basis. But for now the StepClever resident is working hard to build up her business.

"Initially I didn't imagine myself as a jewellery designer / maker until I spent the summer of 2007 on work experience for a jeweller in Birmingham" said Elaine. "But it taught me how to apply my influences and inspiration to the process of jewellery design and making."

On realising her passion for design / making Elaine returned to college in 2004 and then university in 2005 where she completed a degree in Art & Design which enabled her to train as a Silver Smith.

Elaine said: "I've got a real passion for designing and making jewellery, so although running my own business is extra work, it is also a hobby."

Currently Elaine undertakes her work from home, supplying retailers in the local area and further a-field with the very individual pieces of jewellery she produces. Elaine got involved with Train 2000 through the StepClever enterprise initiative. She added:

"Through Train 2000 I have received one-to-one advice and support, which has been extremely useful to me. Putting together a business plan can seem like a daunting task, but if you've got somewhere to turn to for advice it does make it a lot easier. As I am dyslexic I was particularly worried about being able to write my own business pan, but it certainly proved not to be as difficult as I thought it would be.

"Through the StepClever programme I was also able to apply for grants to help fund my business."

To find out more about Elaine Jenkins visit www.elainejenkins.co.uk.