Lorraine Boothe - Lambeth Business Awards 2008 Winner

Designer and retailer Lorraine Boothe became a parent at 17. Now aged 29, she has achieved her life’s dream of owning her own company – an ethical Fairtrade jewellery business.

After five years working for ITV and then running the business side of her mum’s childminding service, Lorraine gained exposure to marketing, accounts, web-sites and communications.

Fuelled by her desire to lead a life filled with passion and make a difference to people who are less fortunate, Lorraine set up Zen health and well being in Perren Road, Tulse Hill, which creates unique hand-made jewellery sold through an online boutique.

The businesswoman’s mission is to open up consumers’ awareness of Fairtrade jewellery. She said: “My company’s ethos is a fair vision, fair play, Fairtrade – our aim is to maintain an ethical business with a conscience.”

The collection is hand crafted by artisans from developing countries.

Originally published in the South London Press February 1^st 2008 [www.southlondonpress.co.uk]

Lorraine is an active member of the Digital Women's Club having taken the Antersite training course in Flash ActionScript [Technology meets creativity]. Lorraine's company Zen Health and Wellbeing (ZHW) is in fact two businesses: Zen Designs (Web development and design) and Akalico (Fair Trade Jewellery).