Nic Willet, a versatile jewellery-maker, is embarking on a mission to ignite people’s creative sparks by imparting her skills through a series of engaging workshops. Willet, who carved a colorful and diverse career path before settling in Bourne, took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, launching her own jewellery business.
Her journey began with mature student studies in Brighton, where she graduated as a prop-maker for film, television, and theatre. In her early career, Willet worked at the Madame Tussauds studio in London, where she contributed to the creation of lifelike celebrities by crafting their eyes and teeth. Notable figures like Elle Macpherson, Stevie Wonder, and Christopher Reeve received their intricate details from Willet and her colleagues.
Transitioning to Robert Allsopp and Associates, a prominent props and costume creator in the entertainment industry, Willet later made a career shift to join the RSPB as a fundraising and project manager.
Venturing away from the entertainment industry provided Willet with the freedom to pursue her creative interests. Her passion for jewellery-making flourished, leading her to establish a business and organize workshops to share her expertise with others.
Willet expressed her passion for teaching, saying, “I’d been making jewellery as a hobby but realized what I really loved was showing other people how to do it. Part of it was also about having the opportunity to meet people.”
Having relocated to Bourne eight years ago, Willet observed a vibrant and creative community in the area. After running workshops from glass artist Claire Hart’s studio in Northorpe, she is now finalizing preparations for her own workshop at Wake House in Bourne, where she plans to commence workshops next week.
The jewellery workshops cater to beginners, attracting craft enthusiasts eager to explore something new. Willet emphasized the mindful nature of jewellery-making, describing it as an absorbing activity that demands full attention while providing a fantastic way to clear the mind.
Classes range from three-hour evening sessions crafting stacking rings to full-day workshops and six-week courses, with each session limited to four participants. Willet’s new workshop at Wake House has already garnered bookings until the summer.
In the welcoming workshop space, participants may find a furry companion in the form of Nic’s dog, Eva. The business name, Kokoni Creative Workshops, draws inspiration from Eva and Nic’s late mother, incorporating the term “kokoni,” derived from “kokona,” meaning daughter.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Willet said, “Wake House is the perfect venue for my workshops. I think what I’m providing aligns really well with the various arts and therapy practitioners in the building. The staff and trustees have been amazingly supportive, plus it’s a great community to get involved with, and I can’t thank them enough.”
