Lindsay Hayman describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur. Her professional journey began after she earned a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering Design. She initially worked in the construction sector before transitioning into manufacturing. Over the years, she progressed from design roles to project leadership and engineering management, eventually holding the position of company data controller. However, her career trajectory changed when she started a family.
Lindsay Hayman | Founder | Ojewellery
Her eldest child was born with significant health challenges, making conventional childcare and full-time education unsuitable options. As a result, she became a full-time carer. When her second child was born, she found herself a single parent. To support her family financially, she started selling items through online marketplaces. This experience opened her eyes to the business opportunities in the online retail space, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. At EliteX, we are proud to have Lindsay Hayman as part of the edition: Prominent Businesswomen in UK, 2025.
Her first business model revolved around purchasing and reselling branded jewellery. The venture grew quickly, requiring VAT registration within the first year. However, as the digital world evolved, her established supply channels became inaccessible. Attending physical trade shows had always been challenging due to her caregiving responsibilities, but the shift towards online events presented new opportunities. This change led her to explore international online trade shows, where she connected with suppliers. One particular supplier, recognizing her design background, proposed a collaboration to create bespoke jewellery lines. This moment proved to be a turning point in her business, and she has not looked back since.
“It’s far more effective to excel in one area than to perform inadequately across multiple platforms.”
Navigating a male-dominated industry early in her career came with challenges. As a woman, blending into the background was not an option, which made her highly visible in her roles. Although initially daunting, this experience helped her develop confidence and a strong sense of self. She learned to recognize and assert the value she brought to her work, which played a crucial role in her professional growth. Her business stands out in the UK’s competitive jewellery market due to its focus on authenticity and longevity. She is passionate about using genuine gemstones, appreciating their uniqueness and the geological timescales involved in their formation. Her designs incorporate meticulously crafted settings made from precious metals, ensuring durability and fine finishing. Additionally, having faced financial challenges herself, she understands the importance of affordability. This awareness drives her to price her collections thoughtfully, making quality jewellery accessible to a broader audience.
Balancing work and personal life remains a priority for her, particularly as a caregiver. She has structured her business to grow at a manageable pace, allowing her to dedicate time to her family. A strong support network has been instrumental in maintaining this balance. Relocating to be closer to her parents and sister provided access to both emotional and practical support, as well as the specialist care facilities her child needed. She takes immense pride in the independence and personal success her child has achieved despite the challenges. To stay ahead in a competitive market, she maintains a clear business strategy. She regularly benchmarks her progress against industry peers and monitors market trends. In addition to tracking revenue, she prioritizes profitability to ensure sustainability. Her meticulous approach to performance analysis allows her to cover operational costs while ensuring fair compensation for her time and efforts.
Like any entrepreneur, she has encountered setbacks. Early in her online selling journey, she received a warning from a marketplace regarding a potential policy infringement. Frustrated, she invested in multichannel listing and inventory management software, leading to overexpansion. This period of rapid growth stretched her thin, forcing her to work seven days a week while struggling to maintain quality across multiple platforms. Realizing the unsustainable nature of this approach, she scaled back to establish strong foundations before resuming growth. This experience taught her the importance of mastering one marketplace before diversifying. Now, with an established business, she appreciates the resilience that comes from leveraging multiple trading channels. This diversification ensures that setbacks in one area do not jeopardize her entire operation, allowing her to make informed decisions rather than react impulsively.
“Success comes from embracing diverse influences, committing to continuous learning, and pushing personal boundaries.”
She values mentorship and actively supports other women in business. She participates in online business communities, particularly eBay forums, where she shares knowledge and fosters connections. She co-founded quarterly eBay seller meetups alongside another female entrepreneur. These meetups, funded by eBay, provide a space for learning, networking, and knowledge-sharing. The initiative has gained momentum, expanding across the UK with plans to include Northern Ireland. The growing participation and volunteer leadership demonstrate the value of these sessions. In addition to organizing the Manchester meetup, she mentors a talented teenager taking a gap year before university. She helps the young artist develop confidence, accurately assess her value, establish a business, and generate income from her artistic skills. Seeing her mentee’s self-assurance grow has been one of her most rewarding experiences.
Her advice to young women aspiring to build successful careers is to have confidence in their unique path. While it is helpful to learn from others, she believes that individuals should not feel confined to a specific trajectory. The world is full of opportunities, and success comes from embracing diverse influences, committing to continuous learning, and pushing personal boundaries to achieve goals. Staying motivated during difficult times requires a strong support system. She finds inspiration in her eBay meetups, which foster a sense of community among entrepreneurs. Running a business alone can be isolating, especially when facing challenges. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share similar experiences provides reassurance and encouragement. This sense of connection reminds her that she is not alone in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Looking to the future, with her family life now more stable, she is focused on growing the Ojewellery brand. She has developed a clearer vision for her business and is committed to expanding her market reach. She aims to enhance operational efficiency and implement strategic outsourcing to optimize her time. These steps will allow her to scale her business while maintaining the quality and authenticity that define her brand.
“Being a woman meant that blending into the background wasn’t an option; I was invariably visible.”
