A jewellery designer has turned her childhood hobby into a sparkling success.

Cara Brennan's entrepreneurial career began at the tender age of 12 when, by making and selling her own range of earrings, she raised £400 to fund a trip to the United States to visit friends.

She launched her Brighton-based company, Cara Mathia, in early 2001 to continue her lifelong love of jewellery and to "go for it on a more serious basis". Every piece is unique and hand-crafted, punctuated with semi-precious gems.

Her best-selling line is chakra jewellery.

Balancing the chakras is an ancient healing art increasingly used by many alternative health practitioners.

Cara, 27, said: "One of my goals is to remain unique.

By creating something that not only looks beautiful but has healing properties, I believe I have achieved this."

She has built her company to the level where she is able to travel to source the beautiful gems and beads that she incorporates into her pieces, including silver and fresh water pearls from Thailand, semi-precious stones from India and rare glass beads from Venice, Italy.

Cara, who has a degree in contemporary arts, said:

"I've reached the point where running the business is getting easier.

There's such a lot to get done, from marketing your products to keeping your books up-to-date.

"I think marketing is a particular problem for young entrepreneurs because often it's a case of being in the right place at the right time. It doesn't matter if your work is a best-seller in one place - if you miss meetings or can't get hold of the right person, it's very difficult to make an impression."

She has received practical and financial support from the Working Links scheme and The Enterprise Agency - Brighton, Hove and Lewes' business class programme.

Cara said: "The business class scheme has helped a great deal with the development of my company. I have received a marketing bursary and been able to get advice on the areas crucial to the success of my business."

She also has a good idea about how to develop: "I want to set up a shop in which I can both sell my jewellery and teach children and adults how to make their own.

"I could use cheaper beads for the children and silver and gold for adults who feel confident enough. I thought I could call it Cara Tiara."

Her work is currently available in two Brighton shops - Brighton Designer and Makers, Sydney Street, and Soma, Meeting House Lane.

She can also undertake commission pieces, head pieces for weddings and necklaces of specific birthstones.

Contacts: Cara Brennan: 07980 312010, The Enterprise Agency: 01273 666800, Working Links: 01273 773436