When I was in high school , my plan for my future was to buy a used school bus, paint it purple, convert it to live in and make money selling grilled cheese sandwiches at concerts.
I had been to Lollapalooza in 1995 and observed how bleak and dismal the food and drink options were. My solution was to fill that gap with something everyone loves,
grilled cheese…
Needless to say, my parents were less than thrilled with my plan, but little did we know that the food truck industry was on its way to becoming the $1.3 billion dollar industry that it is today!
Instead, I stumbled on The Jewellery Arts program at George Brown College while flipping through college books looking for inspiration. This was the light bulb moment. Who knew you could go to school to learn how to make jewellery? It had never occurred to me, but it sounded just right…
I had always made jewellery, even as a small child. My first sale was at the Runnymede Church Craft Show, where I set up my table and sold macrame friendship bracelets when I was 9.
What’s more? Jewellery has been part of human history since the beginning of time. It transcends all races, religions, ages and genders. I liked the idea that I could provide people with something they already wanted…no sales pitch needed. It felt genuine.
Out of 500 applicants, I was one of 30 accepted to the program in 1999. To my surprise, I was interviewed by a woman I recognized. She used to come through my line-up at Loblaws. It was Martha Glenny, program head.
I was in!!