Who are you?
I’m Chloe Michell, a jeweller, maker, and creative, born into a family of artists and craftspeople. My father, Roger Michell, was a renowned potter, and together with my mother, Danka Napiorkowska, they founded Lustre Pottery. In the ’70s and ’80s, their high-end novelty ceramics—most famously Walking Ware, a tea set on legs with oversized Mary Jane shoes—were hugely popular. Some of my father’s work now resides in public collections, including the V&A.
Creativity is in my DNA—I’ve never really known anything else!
What has your working life looked like?
My journey started in my dad’s studio, painting dinner services and managing mug production. By 19, I had my first child, and by 21, my second. My dad would bring ceramics to my home so I could paint while being a hands-on mum.
Jewellery had always fascinated me. At 21, my mum gifted me a two-day course at the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery. That lit the spark. Soon after, a Prince’s Trust grant of £1,000 bought my first tools, and I began teaching myself silversmithing. By 2003, I had launched my jewellery business, balancing work with motherhood and exhibiting alongside my mum.
Life got tough when my third child arrived. My dad encouraged me to pursue a degree, saying a recession was the perfect time to refine my skills. He challenged me to find a course and fund it myself. I earned a first-class honours degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery at Truro—one of my proudest achievements.
What do you do now?
I’m a goldsmith specialising in bespoke commissions and remodels. I transform sentimental jewellery into something new and meaningful. Listening to the stories behind these treasured pieces and giving them fresh life for future generations is what I love most.
Alongside my bespoke work, I run an online jewellery shop, creating handmade collections. Every piece is crafted in my North Cornwall workshop, using gold, silver, and gemstones. I embrace the imperfections of handmade work—the subtle marks of the maker that make each piece truly unique.
Once a year, I exhibit with my mother in Rock, Cornwall. What started as a sales opportunity has become a cherished tradition—time to create freely, enjoy great food, and connect with visitors over plenty of laughter.
What are the three main things you focus on at this stage of life?
Family, Work, Health, and Creativity.
Why?
- Family is my foundation. They’ve shaped my journey, and I cherish them deeply.
- Work is my passion. It’s not just a job—it’s part of my identity. I’m eager to expand my skills and am looking for courses or mentors.
- Health has become a priority. I drank far too much in my younger years as part of the “wine-mummy” way of coping. Now, I explore alternative health therapies, start my day with yoga and meditation, and pour my energy into cooking.
- Creativity fuels me. It keeps my mind active and drives my craftsmanship.
How has this changed from your 20s?
In my 20s, survival was the focus—raising kids and keeping my business afloat. Now, with two grown children and my youngest at 15, I’m preparing for the empty nest stage. It’s bittersweet, but I’m also excited to finally have space to grow my business for this next chapter.
Do you have a bucket list? What are your main goals?
- Travel—with my work in tow! I’d love to visit Sri Lanka and explore gemstone mines.
- Pursue an MA in something creative.
- Learn to paint and hold a solo exhibition showcasing both jewellery and paintings.
- Shift towards a more commercially sustainable business model.
- Two exciting projects in the works:
- Starting a jewellery school.
- Launching Ash & Gold—a contemporary memorial jewellery line incorporating the ashes of loved ones (human or pet), creating meaningful and wearable tributes.
What irritates you most?
- Lack of integrity and dishonesty.
- Judgmental people. I have ADHD, so while I may seem disorganised, I have systems that work for me.
- Not being taken seriously. I’ve spent my life as a people pleaser, often allowing others to make decisions for me. It’s frustrating when my voice isn’t heard.
Who or what do you love the most?
My family, my friends, my dog Roy, and my cat Widdy (she’d be offended if I left her out!). They are my world.
What sparks joy?
- Being with my family and friends, preferably with plenty of laughter.
- Cooking (possibly obsessed!).
- Gardening and growing veggies in my polytunnel.
- Love—love brings me joy.
Are you a ‘glass half full’ or ‘glass half empty’ person?
Definitely glass half full. Life is too short not to find beauty and possibility in everything. I’m also quite impulsive, which keeps things interesting!
Describe your idea of a perfect day in a perfect place.
A boat in Corfu with my partner and youngest daughter, barbecuing on a secluded beach, soaking up the warmth of the sun. It would be even more perfect if my other two kids were there too. Add in plenty of laughter and a great book—bliss.
What are you most proud of?
Aside from raising my children, earning a first-class degree with distinctions in every part of my course. It proved I could achieve something remarkable on my own terms.
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve faced, and how have you grown from it?
Losing my dad. His passing was sudden, and I was never quite the same afterward. But it also pushed me to find my own strength and direction.
On a scale of 1-5, rate yourself on the following:
- Creative/Artistic/Imaginative: 4 – I’m always aware there are others more creative.
- Logical/Systematic/Process-driven: Anywhere from 0-5, depending on the day and whether my ADHD is cooperating!
- Highly Organised: Again, 0-5—my chaos has a system!
- Empathetic/Kind/Patient: 4 – It’s the foundation of my jewellery remodelling work.
- Active/Adventurous: 4 – I’m up for most things, just not jumping out of a plane!
- Self-Confident: 2 – I can talk a good game but often doubt myself.
- Sociable/Extroverted: 3 – I’m an introverted extrovert.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“It will pass.”
No matter how hard things seem, they don’t last forever. Trust the process and believe in your own resilience
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