From worker to owner - Jeweller realises his dream

Tamara Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Mandeville, Manchester:

He was a curious little boy who used to pull apart his father's clock and watches and put them back together, more often than not, incorrectly.  Donald Brown, more popularly known as Danny, always had a passion for jewellery and repairs.

t was this love that saw him volunteering at Evans Jewellery store during his teen years.

"I spoke to the owner about my interest and my passion about jewellery, and without hesitation, he told me to come. I started and stopped a while after because of a lack of funds. At this time, I found myself reading books to better my craft," Brown told Rural Express.

Brown later got a job a NC's Jewellery shop, located at the Manchester Shopping Centre, and did everything he could to perfect his skill.

Five years into his tenure, Brown had the urge to do more, and so he started working occasionally at Gems Jewellery store, located at Shop 8, Brumalia Town Centre. This part-time work, done on the side for five years, would soon be new heights for Brown.

"While I was at Gems, the owner died. The wife then took over but soon realised she could no longer manage. She then offered to sell me the business. At first I was surprised and many thoughts flooded my mind, but after serious thought, I took her up on her offer," said Brown.

Brown and his former employer negotiated and came to an amicable arrangement. Subsequently, the business had a new owner and the name changed to Exquisite Jewellery and Gift Shop.

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS

"Since I have started running the business, I have encountered numerous problems. I have grown to understand that developing patience is key because some customers are not the easiest to deal with."

The passion, Brown said, is why he is still in the business.

"I love it, man, I really do, and although I do jewellery repairs, I have a greater love for watch repairs. It can take several hours and sometimes at the end, you find that the problem still exists, but then there are the good days. You learn every day, so you find that you start working smarter instead of harder."

Brown, who said he receives his inspiration from God, hopes to modernise his equipment, employ more persons in the future, and possibly open a chain of stores.

Photos by Tamara Bailey