Mary-Jean Treloar is the founder of MΛRY JEΛN JEWELLERY in South Africa, a designer and manufacturer of fine handmade jewelry that is inspired by patterns and symbols found across the African continent. Mary-Jean unearthed a spark for jewelry design and manufactureing at a young age, but it remained a hobby she dabbled in while she completed a BSc degree in Interior Architecture at Pretoria University and worked in the Corporate Architecture industry.
Eventually, in 2014 Mary-Jean decided to follow her true passion, completing a short beginners’ course in jewelry design, before embarking on a self-taught journey of design and manufacture that affords her the opportunity to learn, design and create truly handcrafted jewelry every day.
Here’s her advice to every female entrepreneur;
“1. Doubt is your biggest enemy! Keep positive by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people that believe in you, you are going to need to lean on them a lot!
2. Just start! Small steps every day lead up to your bigger end goals. Remember: “The man on top of the mountain didn’t just fall there” – Vince Lombardi
3. Celebrate every little victory. There are going to be a lot of difficult and tough steps to climb along the way but when you do accomplish something, however small, be sure to celebrate it! This carries you through the tough times and brings joy into your entrepreneurial journey.”
Culled from Lionesses of Africa.
