What's it really like to open a jewellery shop?!
- Tori Foster
- May 9
- 2 min read
Ever dreamed of having your own jewellery shop? One where you can sit at your workbench, make pieces by hand while chatting to customers, or teach workshops in a space that’s completely your own?
It was my dream too — and last year, I finally made it a reality!
Recently, I had the chance to chat with Anna Campbell on the Jewellers Academy podcast, and we talked all about what that journey looked like. From the decision to take the leap, to the (many!) things I didn’t know going in, I shared the ups, the downs, and all the bits in between. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t always gone smoothly — but it’s been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.
In the episode, I open up about the real side of opening a bricks-and-mortar shop — not just the practical parts, like researching funding or figuring out rent, but the emotional side too. The doubts. The unexpected wins. The way your creativity shifts when you finally have a space that’s just for you.
We covered a lot in this conversation, including:
Why things never quite go to plan — and why that’s totally OK
Where to look for local funding (and how to prepare for applications)
The hidden costs of shop ownership that no one really warns you about
The realities of working with the public (some lovely, some… challenging!)
How having a dedicated space and fixed hours changed the way I work
The unexpected joys of running a customer-facing studio — from commissions to community connections
And lots more
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about opening your own creative space — or just want to hear what it’s really like behind the scenes — this episode is full of honest reflections, practical tips, and hopefully, a bit of encouragement.
Listen to the episode here
And if you’d like a peek inside my shop and studio, you can follow along over on Instagram @torifosterjewellery or sign up to my newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes snaps, new work, and all the little moments that make this space feel like home.
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