The jeweller by design
Name: Laura Tedesco Age: 35 Position: Owner and custom jewelry designer at Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design
Job description: By appointment, I design and create one-of-a-kind fine jewelry in my studio space on Locke Street. I can also lend a hand restyling, remounting, or repairing your existing pieces. Custom rings are my specialty and keep me very busy.
Is this the job you thought you’d be doing? Yes and no. I grew up in the jewelry industry and became a third-generation jeweller. My nonno (granddad) started Venetian Jewellers in Hamilton in 1954.
I joined my father, Dino Tedesco, when I was 20. With an interest in the family business, I took business and diamond courses. My goal was to one day take it over. It wasn’t until I travelled to Florence, Italy, to study jewelry design that I realized I was more of an artist than anything else. That’s when I opened Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design, progressing the family tradition into custom jewelry.
Advice to others on launching a career:
Stay true to what you are passionate about. Always have a goal and never lose sight of it. Take risks and don’t listen to what people think or tell you what you should be doing. You only have one life, so just do what makes you happy and go for it.
Roots: Born and raised in the Hamilton area. I love travelling and dream about living abroad, but Hamilton will always be my home.
Facebook status: My Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design page is updated every time I post new pictures of my custom designs. Check it out! Twitter handle: @LauraTedesco iPhone, Android or BB? iPhone Networks: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Favourite restaurant in the downtown: For delicious food and nostalgic reasons, Shakespeare’s and Capri. I’ve been going to both with my family since I was a little girl. Newer restaurant: Aberdeen Tavern.
Best feature of life in Hamilton: There is a profound sense of community and an optimistic outlook on making this great city even better. I also enjoy the beautiful architecture, escarpment trails and bayfront. There is so much splendour in our city.
What would make Hamilton a better city? A booming downtown core.
Contacts: lauratedesco.com and laura@lauratedesco.com
Quote: Be grateful and appreciate every ounce of business you receive.