STARTING a business in the middle of a recession might seem daunting to most people – but Antonia Booker believes it was the best decision she has ever made.

The 23-year-old Derby jewellery maker and designer decided to start out on her own after leaving university.

Based in a workshop in the Jasmine Cottage Gallery in Chaddesden, she admits starting up has been hard work – and she juggles two part-time jobs with her jewellery business.

But help and advice from organisations such as Business Link have enabled the former Woodlands Community School pupil to follow her dream.

Antonia, of Mackworth, said: "Setting up a small business has been difficult but I've thrown myself into it because I knew this was what I wanted to do.

"I've been to as many business seminars and courses as I could find and have found them very useful.

"Business Link in particular has been great – they run various workshops and put you in touch with a personal business adviser who helps you for the first six months.

"The Inland Revenue also runs self-employment seminars which they tell you about when you register."

After graduating from Staffordshire University, in Stoke, last August, Antonia also joined the Design Factory – an organisation which supports Midlands designers by offering advice and promoting shows and events of interest to local artists.

She now plans to increase her skills by taking a stone setting course.

She also hopes to start an enterprise management course at the University of Derby this autumn to help her business grow in the future.

All this is on top of working three nights a week at Asda, in Spondon, to top up her earnings, plus weekends at the Ferrers Gallery in Staunton Harold, near Ashby, to gain more business experience.

Antonia said: "It is hard work but I know what I want to do and really want to succeed, which is what drives me.

"I have met so many people along the way who have decided to start a new journey into self-employment after being made redundant.

"There is a lot of help out there for people thinking about setting up their own business and, in many ways, now is an ideal time to give it a go."

For more information about Antonia's work visit www.ant oniabooker.co.uk or call Derby 663529 ext 802.