Scotland's best independent jewellery shop announced as businesswoman stunned at award win

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An Irvine woman has said she was stunned when her business was crowned the best local jewellery store in Scotland.Sheila Kerr picked up the prestigious Independent Jewellery Store of the Year title at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.The goldsmith designer, who previously worked as a lecturer in business management, said she was "extremely shocked" at winning the award as this was her second time as a finalist and had previously won the same category in 2019.Sheila said: "‘I was absolutely thrilled when I reached the finalist stage and still extremely shocked after winning the award. "This is recognition of all the hard work and commitment I have given to my business, especially during the two years of the pandemic.

I had managed to keep my business afloat by creating a temporary studio in the summer house in my garden."I am so grateful to all who voted for me as well as my amazing customers."The ceremony was a glittering affair with many categories being awarded - a sumptuous dinner was also served.

The room was full of hard working people running their businesses despite all the challenges of the last few years."The Scottish Independent Retail Awards celebrated their 10th edition with the remarkable achievements of independent retailers across Scotland who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity, and outstanding customer service.

Sheila was formerly a lecturer in business management but a restructure in 2008 forced her to rethink her options. She continued to work but returned to her local college to learn silversmithing moving on to goldsmithing and other jewellery making techniques.In 2011 she decided to fully focus on her business and gave up her full-time job.