It’s no secret that I have a total penchant for rockabilly, tattoos and all things 1950s, so I am in total cartoon-heart-shaped love stuff with Dolly Cool. Totally unique and original, not mass-produced, jewellery, accessories, clothing and bags – come meet Clare, she’s the girl behind the label and I heart her and her creations of rockabilly wonder mostest!

Describe the lady behind the label in 5 words…
50s tattooed retro rockin’ redhead!

What is it you do exactly?
I am the designer/maker for my own brand Dolly Cool. I make jewellery, accessories, clothing and bags and I’m also a graphic designer specialising in alternative and punky subject matter.

How did you discover you could create items of wonder and that you were going to sell them?
I have been making things as long as I can remember, and started selling my jewellery at craft fairs about 10 years ago.

Is it difficult to be creative AND business-y?
Sometimes yes! This is because you have to wear many different ‘heads’ – doing accounts is boring, but necessary and all part of running your own business…The rest of it is mostly fun!

What’s a day in the life o’ Clare like?
I get up around 8am, make breakfast and check emails, log sales etc. from the night before (it’s great making sales when you’re asleep!

Then I have a shower, get ready and begin to make my orders. Everything has to be ready to meet the last post at 5.30pm so I’m always a bit stressed from 4.30 to 5.30! The evening is spent updating my blog and website, doing any design jobs and making stock for when I do fairs. I rarely watch TV…my business always comes first!

Who and what inspires you?
Mid century design, tattoo art, other designers/makers who have created and built their own business from scratch.

What 5 tracks would be on a DollyCool soundtrack?
Rancid – Timebomb
Rock This Town – Stray Cats
Sugar Doll – The Jets
Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon jovi
Letter to the Censors – The Peacocks

Whats your life motto?
If at first you don’t succeed, try again!

The Sassy List: What’s your favourite:
Book: Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
Movie: Pretty in Pink
Hang out: Rockabilly Weekenders and gigs
City: Manchester…My home city
Must-have beauty item: Benefit IT Stick concealer
TV programme: Medium

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?
An independent, fun lovin’ gal who knows what she wants and works hard to get it!

Go check out her creations o’ fabulousness: www.dollycool.moonfruit.com