A weekly feature on the lives and loves of people from our city.
My day: My day will start by checking emails over breakfast, and hoping to find lots of orders! Once that’s done it’s usually a cup of green tea and up to my jewellery bench, where I put some music on and refer to my list of things to do for the day.
No working day is ever the same. I can be finishing new pieces ready to send out one day, working on wedding ring commissions another or designing and developing new pieces for my collections or upcoming exhibitions.
I love the days when an idea hits you, I have to start making it, a quick sketch and straight into working with silver. I like the challenge and sense of achievement when it goes well but things don't always go to plan! But it is amazing what 10 minutes away from the bench can do to help you figure out how to finish it.
Of an evening I like to relax, socialise with friends or head down to my local squash club for a game or two.
I never really feel like a working day is over. I think when you set up your own business, you are constantly having ideas on how to progress, accessing what you have already done and looking out for the next opportunity.
I sleep with a notepad by my bed, it is always when I am just about to fall asleep a new idea pops into my head, and that’s it; I want it to be the morning so I can get started.
Dress: Not as such, but safety is important when soldering and working with any kind of machinery, so hair up and out of the way, no loose clothing, shoes not sandals, masks and safety goggles for different pieces of equipment.
What is the favourite part of your job? I love making. It's special being able to design and make jewellery that will one day become sentimental to someone and they will take great pleasure in wearing it.
What is your least favourite part of your job? I would probably say finishing new pieces to a high polish. It can be very time consuming, especially if you are a perfectionist. Which I think every jeweller is!
What would be your dream job if you weren't doing what you do now? I love what I do! But if I could maybe combine it with something else, I would love to combine it with my new passion; kitesurfing. For the past two years I have been living in Mui Ne, South Vietnam, a kitesurfing haven. It would be great to travel to other kitesurfing hotspots around the world and progress in the sport.
How do you relax when you are not working? I’m a keen cook, I love to prepare a nice meal for friends and family. Anything to do with getting friends and family together sounds like a perfect, relaxing day.
What is your favourite film? Favourite film is too hard! Anything with Morgan Freeman.
What is your favourite book? My favourite book would have to be This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson. It’s a fascinating historical novel based around Darwin's journey on the HMS Beagle. I couldn't put it down.
What is your favourite song? Love Paolo Nutini’s Let Me Down Easy at the moment.
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? I love Angelina Jolie, but she is nothing like me! Maybe Drew Barrymore, similar hair!
FACT FILE:
Name: Francesca Kippax
Job: Jewellery designer and maker & owner of AnUka Jewellery
Born: Chester
Lives now: Chester
Education: BA (Hons) jewellery & silversmithing
Family life: Partner
We want to hear from people from all walks of life – to take part, email jo.henwood@trinitymirror.com or fill out the form below:
Last week's Day in the Life: Deborah Sargeant, manager of Little Budworth Pre-school
