Brooke defies trend with new business | Coffs Coast Business | Business News for Coffs Coast, Australia

IT'S an unfortunate fact that as an economy tightens fewer and fewer people expand their business operations.

Bucking the trend in Coffs Harbour is young local jewellery designer Brooke George.

After more than five years operating as a home business, the mother of four young children has taken up the opportunity to open a shop in the town centre.

“I suppose it's a little bit of a gamble but that's what life is,” she said.

“I was lucky to find an ideal shop in the old Cinema Arcade next door to shops that compliment my range.”

Brooke only opened the doors to her small shop a few weeks ago but so far trading has been encouraging.

“It gives me the chance to concentrate on my design work away from the family and it's something I have been meaning to do for the past few years,” she said.

Although only a relatively new designer Brooke has already established a national reputation, having provided jewellery to the likes of singer Missy Higgins and former Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins.

Other celebrities have contacted her wanting to wear her designs and she hopes to be able to list them as clients in the near future.

Prior to opening her store she travelled over to China to develop new ideas for her creations and also to add some fashion items for her shop.

“My parents always told me if you want to get ahead you have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and have a go,” Brooke said.

“At least I won't die guessing what I could have done.”

Brooke plans to have an official opening of her new shop on Friday afternoon, June 12.