Today, you’ll do something that surprises you, something that shows you that there’s more to you than meets the eye, whether you know it or not. Chances are, that stems from your “&”. 

‘&’ tells you that whatever you are doing at this moment, it’s unlikely that it represents the entirety of you. It is an uncomplicated way to express the fact that there is more: more now, more in the past, more in the future. Sometimes we need to have a small but significant reminder to take a breath & enjoy everything that makes us who we are.

Let me explain what I mean, using myself as an example. Since 2012 I’ve been a mum but, as much of a cliché as this may sound, that isn’t what defines me, although my two children are part of the reason I do much of what I do. I’m also a farmer, a hospitality business owner, a wife, a friend, a skier, a hockey player, a runner, a friend, a daughter &, since early 2022, I’ve been a jewellery designer, a jewellery maker, a silversmith & jewellery business owner. There’s more, of course, but this is to illustrate my point - it isn’t a particularly complicated point, but what I’ve noticed in the past few years is that it’s one that so many of us forget. Initially, I noticed it in women as I spent time with talented, intelligent mums, but actually it’s everyone: everyone has their “&”, the most intriguing &s are those which you only find when you really get to know someone.

I’ve always been creative, although I didn’t necessarily see myself that way, I just knew I enjoyed making things - it’s how I ended up doing an Industrial Product Design degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Incidentally, I knew as soon as I got there that I should’ve transferred to the jewellery design course, but I wasn’t confident enough to make that leap. Would I now? Yes, & that all comes down to discovering this simple concept of my “&”. 

Back to the creativity - that felt like it was something I did in my spare time, something which had to take a back seat to my career in event management then my second career as a potato farmer. The older I’ve become, the more I’ve wondered why it should take a back seat. Why couldn’t my “&” become more prominent? It isn’t the first thing most people know me for; after all, Fred & Emily has only been going since 2022, but increasingly it’s becoming a primary focus & the rest of my life is becoming my “&”...and I love it!

Without realising, we all have something which, when people get to know us better, adds a little depth to our character. Are you a triathlete? A watercolour artist? A member of an acapella group (my kids love Pitch Perfect!)? A governor of a local school? Or do you have something within you trying to get out but you can’t seem to give it the space to breathe? 

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been delighted to hear from my customers (some of whom I would even describe as “fans”, thank you!) that my jewellery has helped them think more about their “&”, whether that’s choosing a pair of fabulously large hooped earrings that brings out their fun side, or a by wearing a bangle which reminds them of the person who gave it to them; sometimes even the process of browsing & choosing something to treat yourself with reminds you that you’ve earned the opportunity to buy beautiful jewellery that you want, & this makes it all worthwhile. 

It may sound cheesy, but seeing the joy that my jewellery brings drives me on to be more creative, to continue to build the business & to book in the various shows & events I’m going to. I’m delighted that F&E is now a brand - I’m no longer just selling to friends, family & the people near Caistor (Although I continue to be grateful to everyone who chooses to be part of the F&E Circle, especially those who have supported me right from the beginning). Is this self-centred? Hopefully you won’t see it that way. Hopefully you’ll take a step back & think about the importance of everyone discovering their “&” and the positive impact that will have on the world, which, let’s face it, needs every ounce of positivity it can get. Finding your “&” shouldn’t be difficult as it’s already there, it just may be hidden behind layers of the day-to-day essentials - your work, keeping your family going, thinking about your health, worrying about the thousands of fads & new ideas that the internet throws at you every day. It isn’t easy, you have to work to set it free, but, as those who already embrace their “&” know, it’s well worth the effort.

Another of my ‘&’s’ ….. my husband & I also run a planet positive marketing agency & fairly early on, we were introduced to Simon Sinek’s piece about 'finding your why'; it took me another eight years to work out that in addition to my “why”, I needed to find, or rather become aware of my “&”. 

At the heart of Fred & Emily is my “&”. I would love this to help you find yours.