Diamond pair who want to extend shop legacy

LAURA Hewitt and Jennifer House have recently taken over the management of Lawsons Goldsmiths in Duke Street, Henley. Laura is married, a Henley mum of two, with Ivy aged three and Rowan, 13 months. Jennifer lives in Chertsey, is an adrenaline junkie and a lover of motorbikes.

Describe your business?

Laura: Henley’s oldest jewellery workshop, where craftsmanship meets creativity. From bespoke designs to expert remodels and repairs, we bring new life to your treasured pieces.

How many people does it employ? Laura: Our team of seven brings together more than 100 years of jewellery expertise. We now have an apprentice to pass on those skills.

What did you do before you started this business?

Laura: My journey started as an apprentice at Gowan Jewellers in Sawbridgeworth while training in Hatton Garden. From there, I joined Simon Lawson, where I spent almost seven years refining my craft and deepening my love for jewellery-making.

Jennifer: I began my journey as a trained goldsmith and diamond grader before specialising in production and development for leading Bond Street designers.

When did you start your business? Laura: October 1, 2025, when Lawsons Goldsmiths entered a new chapter.

What was your objective?

Laura: To carry on Mr Lawson’s legacy, valuing the loyalty and trust of our customers who have been at the heart for more than three decades.

Who or what influenced you?

Laura: Henley has always felt like home, from watching my dad row as a child to building my career at Lawsons. When Simon offered me the chance to continue his legacy, I was truly honoured.

Jennifer: My dad. I grew up seeing the challenges and the rewards that come with running a business and witnessing his passion inspired my own.

Do you have a mentor or role model?

Laura: Mr Lawson was always incredibly supportive and passionate about seeing his team carry on his beloved Goldsmiths.

Jennifer: It has been wonderful having Mr Lawson still lending a hand. We joke that he’s on speed dial for all our business questions.

What would you do differently if starting again?

Laura: Although it has been a whirlwind of paperwork, solicitors and HR, we feel incredibly fortunate to have had the guidance of Mr Lawson and the support of our loyal customers — all cheering us on as we continue the story.

How is your business doing compared with last year?

Laura: It’s early days and, yes, buying a business comes with plenty of investment refreshing the shop, upgrading our systems and re-vamping the website.

Do you compare on a regular basis? Laura: Our new computer system makes comparing and looking at stats very easy. We are having lots of fun looking at all the graphs and “geeking out” as Jenny calls it. Clearly seeing our strengths and weaknesses.

How do you market your business? Laura: So far, we’ve advertised in the Henley Standard and we’re excited to grow our online presence — something Simon never felt was necessary. When he started, there were just nine jewellers in town, yet his business stood the test of time.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Laura: Being able to spend more time with my young children and able to create a good work-life balance.

Jennifer: For me, it’s all about the team. The atmosphere in the shop is fantastic.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

Laura: In these early months, I have felt at times I need a law, then accounting and HR degree, as well as DIY and decorating qualification.

Where is your business headed?

Laura: Our vision is to become a true jewellery gallery — featuring a mix of talented British designers and masterful craftsmanship.

How important are online sales and why?

Laura: We’re eager to reach customers near and far, sharing our story and welcoming them to Henley.

Do you have a five-year plan?

Laura: Yes, we hope when we are in a good position we can remodel the flow of the shop layout, as well as create our own legacy collection using Simon’s beautiful loose gemstones he has collected over his
32 years.

Do you have a work-life balance?

Laura: Taking on the business with a supportive partner has allowed me to have more time with my children. We are able to split our time in the shop, although you can never truly switch off.

Jennifer: The past month has been a whirlwind with the takeover and all the business changes but it’s great to finally feel a sense of normality. That said, the Christmas rush is here — so it’s all hands on deck!

Do you set any goals for your business at the start of a new financial year?

Laura: We will be with the help of our fancy new computer system.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Laura: To listen, show gratitude and support the needs of our fantastic team and loyal customers.

What advice would you offer to anybody starting a business?

Laura: Take it one step at a time, try not to feel to overwhelmed with all the paperwork and get support on areas you need help with.

How organised are you?

Laura: By dividing the main tasks of running the business, we’ve taken real ownership and started creating our own systems to stay organised.

How are you planning for retirement?

Laura: We have our workplace pension scheme.

What’s the secret of your success? Laura: Passion, hard work and knowing when to play to your strengths (yours and everyone else’s).

What three qualities do you think are most important for success?

Laura: Passion, empathy and adaptability.

Do you continue to study?

Jennifer: Yes. I’m a certified diamond grader and am now pursuing formal qualifications to become a certified gemologist.

Interview by Will Hamilton,
intermediary and global

marketing consultant, Hamilton Associates