KATE Everson started making her own jewellery after recuperating from a stint in hospital.

She sold her wares at craft fairs and through third-party websites, but found the results were unpredictable and it was difficult to get across the quality of the designs over the internet.

She said: “Customer feedback always the same – things looked even better in real life. The internet can only do so much. You can’t hold, feel, or try on the item and see the quality that is in something made by hand.”

It was the new year feeling of 2010, and starting a new chapter that drove Kate to realise her dream of opening her own shop.

She said: “That very day I began researching properties and preparing a plan that combined my love for crafted items with having a shop.”

Within ten months she had written a business plan, attended Business Link courses, secured premises on Shambles, identified artists and makers, got married, and on September 27, 2010, she opened The Gift Gallery.

Now she is hoping her achievements will be recognised by entering New Business Of The Year and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year at The Press Business Awards 2011.

After only 11 months, the business now displays the work of 125 designers making items from jewellery to cards, cushions and coasters. More than half of her suppliers are based in Yorkshire, and local items are sought out by customers, she said.

“Customers are looking to take home ‘a piece of Yorkshire’ from their visit, or to send as gifts and so ask specifically which things are made locally.

“Many of the products have a story, such as how the glass necklaces are made, or the inspiration behind the coasters depicting garden birds. As they are handmade, many items are unique, one-of-a-kind creations and we are lucky enough to have exclusivity on many items.”

Kate continues to source new suppliers and has a waiting list for popular items such as jewellery and cards, meaning customers always know new products are on the way and she is currently developing an e-commerce website.