Hello I’m Jessica Rose I Live in Forest Hill and am the Founder of the London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy. We teach jewellery-making skills to people of all walks of life including silver-work, stone setting,metal clay, beading, glass and business skills. I am also mummy to a lovely (almost) 2 year old boy.

How long have you lived in the area?

A long time, I grew up in Dulwich moved around south London for a while in my early 20s and moved to Forest Hill around 4 years ago. I love it!

What brought you here?

Havelock walk – that is where I live and the houses are so beautiful and unique. I love that many of them are also artists/ creative studios and the community that creates. I am a jeweller and I help other jewellers to run successful jewellery businesses online with the Jewellers Academy so being part of a creative community was invaluable to me.

What has changed most during that time?

Lots of new coffee shops – which is my idea of heaven. I love Canvas and Cream, St Davids and it is great to have a bunch of others to try too. I work from home a lot so these are great mini-trips out in the day. And having a toddler makes coffee essential!

Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?

The Horniman is a regular for us. We are so lucky to have such a great resource on our doorstep I can remember my parents taking me to see the fish when I was little and my little one loves it now. Also a big fan of brunch so mayo park or C&C is great for that too.

When I want to relax…

The mind, body, therapy centre has some incredible massages, the hot stone is my personal favorite but all are amazing. They also have a sauna, which is on my list to try. The fact that they are walking distance from my house is perfect for a stroll home after a relaxing massage.

What do you most value about the area/street you live in?

The bi-annual open studios on Havelock walk are brilliant, if you haven’t been I recommend it. There are lots of lovely artists and crafters selling their work, music, a lovely vibe and usually a pizza van or two (they park outside our house and give us free pizza!). It is wonderful to have all that on your doorstep.

Do you belong to any groups?

Yes, the cooking with scissors monthly local business networking event, I joined recently and it is a great place to meet local entrepreneurs and small business owners. I also really enjoy the Featured in 15 events at the Signal Pub each month, they are very inspiring ted-style 15 min talks around a topic. A great way to spend an evening.

Come and make jewellery with us!

London Jewellery School: www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk

Jewellers Academy: www.jewellersacademy.com

This article first appeared in the March 2019 issue of SE23 magazine.