The Olde Towne Market in St George’s started up again last weekend. In the first of a weekly series ALEX WRIGHT speaks to traders about their businesses and experiences.A passion for jewellery led Rachel Perry to set up her own business which has today grown into a thriving market stall trade.What started out as a hobby nine years ago has turned into a part-time business selling accessories and costume jewellery at vendor markets across the Island from Harbour Nights in Hamilton to the Olde Towne Market in St George’s.Ms Perry said that the beauty of her items was that every one was unique so nobody was wearing the same design, sourcing her products from as far afield as places such as Turkey and Tibet.“Originally I started it I guess as a hobby with a goal to have a boutique, but at the moment it helps to pay the mortgage,” she said.“It is a good way to supplement your income but it is also fun to take part in markets and meet people.”She said that her discerning clientele were also on the lookout for something a bit different which she offers in her mostly hand-made and semi-precious stone pieces, all at reasonable prices in line with those in the US.“I would say they are a fashion statement,” she said.“What I always say to people is that I use my clothing as a canvas and my jewellery is the star of the show.“Because of the economy I decided to expand my offering to cater for the tourists who don’t have much money to spend but want to take home something to remind them of their holiday, so I also do hand made soap bars at $8 each.“And from a local perspective I think a lot more people are buying from vendors now rather than in store because of the economic situation.”Her range of jewellery includes everything from ornate necklaces to rings and bracelets and she changes out her lines every year to have something new and fresh.Ms Perry, who works as a client administrator at HSBC Insurance Management (Bermuda) Ltd during the day, works the markets Island-wide during the evenings and weekends.And she believes that Bermuda has a lot more to offer in terms of available goods such as those on sale at markets in Europe.Her business model has served her well so far with low overheads operating from home and by word of mouth and the ease of shipping items in, while her flexibility has enabled her to host jewellery parties and one off events like the Christmas Bazaar at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.“Almost any event that I want to do I can go to because so many avenues have opened up now in the evenings and weekends,” she said.Among her more famous clients is the Premier Paula Cox, for whom a piece was purchased recently by a visitor to her stall.In the future Ms Perry, who is on the Harbour Nights committee, plans to expand her repertoire into the Moonlight Bazaar at Moon Nightclub in Hamilton on the first and third Thursday every month between 5.30pm and 10pm, and to exhibit at Ten, as well as to launch a website.For the moment though she is happy to be selling her wares at the Olde Towne Market.“I wish more people would come to St George’s it’s a really nice day out,” she said.“It is a very relaxed family atmosphere and very laid back and you can take your time to walk around and have a look or sit down and have an ice cream or drink.“Everybody knows everybody so it makes for a really good occasion.”For more information contact 533-2359 or e-mail rachel[AT]myhome.bm