SHINE’ing the Spotlight on… Vanessa Nock
Vanessa Nock specialises in custom design and manufacturing handmade fine Jewellery. For 26 tremendous years now, she has been hand making jewellery for clients with a deeper connection. Creating quality pieces to commemorate special occasions, memories & milestones. Vanessa brings their story, energy & emotion into their very own sculpture to hold, admire & enjoy.
The Journey one takes in creating a piece of custom jewellery is the beauty of her work- it’s this connection that also involves a lot of trust.
Starting with a simple conversation & a hand drawn sketch, then making a small sculpture, to then opening a little box & seeing a loved one’s eyes light up, as they see it for the first time. Just brings so much joy!
Vanessa launched her business Uniqueness Designer Jeweller just over 2 ½ years ago! And its success is one of her greatest personal achievements!
You’ve worked as a Jeweller for a number of years – what made you decide to pursue this career?
One of my most asked questions is ‘How did you become a jeweller?’
So, at high school one of my subjects was Manual Arts (woodwork & Meatal work) I loved it! I was also the only girl in the class! We completed a welding course through TAFE as part of my studies in year 10. I then started thinking about being a jeweller! Between year 11 & 12 I completed an 8-week summer school in Gold & Silver Smithing. It was then that I knew that I was going to be a Jeweller. I am ever so grateful that I found my passion at such a young age!
Tell us about some of the highs and challenges you have faced in different areas…
Having my own business was something that I never wanted or thought I could even do! But then one day I was asked if I would be interested in making an Opal Bikini? A local Swim Wear Designer had always dreamed of making one from natural Australian Opal. Not only was it stunning, it was created to raise awareness for Mental Health. The word OPAL stands for – Our Powerful Action List. This $35 000 bikini certainly got the attention!
This was my first creation under my own brand! I am now living a dream I hadn’t even dreamt of. All because someone else was chasing their dream!
What traits and qualities do you admire in a leader?
I would have to say that the qualities that I admire in a leader is authenticity, confidence and passion!
Can you share a couple of tips as to how you approach marketing and finding customers?
My approach to marketing and finding customers is defiantly though face to face connection! I love meeting people and listening to their life’s journey’s, this is actually where my inspiration comes from if they are interested in creating a piece of jewellery, that then becomes part of their legacy!
And what’s next on the agenda for Vanessa Nock?
So next for me and my husband is building a new house! And I am super excited to create a custom studio which will be my happy place!
Most interesting person that you have met?
I think that the most interesting people I have met are the entrepreneurs of the Sunshine coast!
Where is the best place that you have travelled to and why?
I love Europe but the best pace I have been is New York City because that is where my husband asked me to marry him!
Favourite book and why?
I’m not sure if I could pick just one favourite book. But I can tell you the very first book launch I ever went to was SHINE’ing the Spotlight with SHINE Business Women. And it put me on a path of absolute inspiration! Thank you Zoe!
To find out more about Vanessa head to:
Website
@uniquenessjeweller
