Ike and her sister Marion set up their online, luxury jewellery boutique, Colour Couture, six months ago, after becoming frustrated by the lack of sophisticated, luxury jewellery, available online.

The sisters decided to design and create their own bespoke range of handcrafted silver and gold jewellery, inspired by couture, and incorporating high quality gem stones and crystals.

Friends and family became so keen to get their hands on the sisters' elegant jewellery that they realised there was a demand for such a product in the luxury online market.

The exclusivity of the jewellery is also reflected in its satin packaging, accompanying 'Couture Rocks' magazine and Colour Couture's website.

Now, Ike has beaten hundreds of young hopefuls to be short-listed for the inaugural HSBC Unipreneur Awards.

Her entry will be considered by a panel of local business experts who will select 10 top new businesses to go through to the national heats.

The competition culminates with five finalists being quizzed on stage by a panel of experts at a gala evening at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' headquarters in Piccadilly, London.

HSBC Head of Business Banking, Huw Morgan, said; "There is a new breed of young businessmen and women who don't plan to use a good education making money for someone else – we call them the Unipreneurs and we are keen to support them.

"Their academic study has given them an awareness of structure and an appreciation of discipline.

"They have an understanding of business plans, finance and strategic thinking. They are analytical, creative, focused and so bring credibility to their business ventures that make them enthusiastic and competitive.

"We are delighted to sponsor these unique Awards in association with the NCGE, which will recognise their growing contribution to the community and economy."

READ MORE
Your Business channel video bulletins.
Latest appointments.
Main business index.
Main news index.