From the Classroom to Craftsmanship: An Interview with DH Alumna Anna Kerr

Downe House alumna Anna Kerr has turned her lifelong passions for art, science, and the natural world into a flourishing career in jewellery design. In this inspiring interview, Lower Sixth students Polly and Amelia sit down with Anna to uncover how her A Level choices, sporting determination, and entrepreneurial spirit shaped her path. From mastering the art of work–life balance to building a sustainable business with purpose, Anna shares candid insights, future aspirations, and valuable advice for budding creatives.

What A Levels did you do and how did these help you to find your passion of jewellery?  

Anna Kerr has a diverse background in both the arts and sciences, which has deeply influenced her career path. She studied Art, Photography and Biology, which helped to set her a strong foundation for her work in jewellery design. She later studied illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. Alongside her creative endeavours, Anna has a strong interest in science, which led her to study gemmology. Her fascination with the natural world continues to shape her work.  

How have your early experiences impacted the way you run your business?  

From a young age, Anna’s involvement in competitive and endurance sports allowed her to gain a determined mindset. This perseverance she has developed continues to drive the way she runs her business today.  

Balancing the demands of business with personal well-being is a challenge for many entrepreneurs. How do you manage to maintain that balance in your own life?  

Balancing the demands of Anna’s strong business, ‘Anna Kerr Jewellery’ (www.Anna-Kerr.com), with personal wellbeing has been an ongoing journey. Over time, she learnt the importance of defining your time segments, which didn’t come naturally to her at first. The ability to set boundaries, to switch off effectively is a skill that must be developed. Health and fitness have become a major priority for Anna, helping her to maintain focus and energy within her entrepreneurial endeavours. She emphasises the value of a strong social life and has the belief that staying connected with others is essential when running a business. This work life balance is constantly changing, reflective of her business developments, and it is crucial to be aware of this and adapt. 

Looking ahead, what’s one of your biggest aspirations for your business, and how do you plan to continue evolving it in the future?  

Anna’s biggest aspiration is becoming more environmentally conscious, and she is eager to explore this further. She aspires to become a philanthropist and continues to seek ways to make a positive impact in the world. The environment is a subject that is particularly close to her heart, and she is currently in discussions with several charity organisations to explore opportunities for future development. It is always an ongoing process, but she is committed to finding meaningful ways to help.  

What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in your industry or is thinking of launching their own business?  

Anna advises that careful budgeting is essential for success. She advices creating a network before you need it as building relationships are crucial. She says having a mentor is key, however it is important that the mentor is someone who has found success in your industry and has valuable experience to share. As she puts it, “Having a network is incredibly valuable” – and this also extends to everyone you meet, whether its family, or new acquaintances as you never know who might become a client. When it comes to the jewellery sector, she suggests deciding early on which segment of the market you want to focus on. If you aim to work at the high-end level, she stresses the importance of making that investment from the start. It can be challenging to climb the ladder if you focus on creating costume or affordable jewellery, so it’s crucial to define exactly where you want to position yourself in the market.