by Kat Dibbits FROM budding psychologist to jewellery designer - Rachel Hutchinson certainly hasn't taken the traditional route into fashion.

The 24-year-old sales and marketing assistant at the J2 and Smooth nightclubs in Nelson Square took her degree at the University of Central Lancashire before completing a Graduate Diploma in psychology at the University of Bolton.

But fate took an unusual turn, and Rachel found herself working at J2, back when it was known as Bar Juice.

Working her way up from glass collector to her current position, Rachel didn't harbour any particular dreams of becoming a designer.

But six months ago, and sick of the jewellery available on the High Street, she decided to start making her own.

It was a fateful move.

"I've always wanted to work for myself and I was fed up of all the stuff in High Street shops," she says. "I started making stuff for myself to wear when I went out and lots of people were saying Oh that's nice', so I thought I'd start a business with it.

"I've made loads and loads of stuff and I've got a few Christmas fairs coming up, a stall at the ladies' night at Smooth and I'm just getting my website up and running."

The "ladies' night" that she refers to looks set to be a spectacular affair, with "butlers in the buff", a male podium dancer, pink champagne and canapes for guests and Marcus Hallows appearing as Elvis. And even better, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Bolton Hospice.

Completely self-taught, the former Turton High School pupil, who describes her personal style as "unique, eclectic, and individual", is inspired as much by what she doesn't want her designs to look like as what she does.

"I'm trying to stay away from what everything else looks like, and to be honest I just come up with it from what bits and bobs I've got," she says. "I only do one offs, so they're all individual and unique."

Her necklaces, bracelets and earrings feature sparkling gems, butterfly and leaf details and an unusual combination of gold chain with black beads that is sure to glam up any outfit over the party season.

Having just moved house to Bradshaw, and holding down a full time job which involves working very long hours, surely Rachel must be super-dedicated if she is going to continue to make enough pieces to supply demand?

"At the moment I've nowhere to do it in my house because we've just moved in, so I'm going home to my mum's and putting stuff all over her kitchen table! I'm just trying to fit it in whenever I can," she says.

Pieces cost between £6 and £15, and are available from Rachel's eBay shop, which can be accessed via her website, www.rachelanne.co.uk.

The jewellery is also available in Brown Cow in Halliwell Road "but I am looking for more places to take it," she says. "Anyone interested can get in touch through the website."

Ladies night in support of Bolton Hospice, Thursday, November 29, Smooth Nightclub, Nelson's Square. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and are available by ringing 01204 392391. For more information on Rachel's jewellery, visit www.rachelanne.co.uk. For details on becoming a stockist, email info@rachelanne.co.uk.