Natasha Faith and her business partner Semhal Zemikael, both 21 and based in London, launched their semi-precious jewellery business La Diosa in January 2007 after receiving an initial loan of £5,000 from the Prince’s Trust.

What was the most valuable lesson you learnt from your school days?
Wow – I learnt many! However, the one lesson that stands out is DISCIPLINE. When you run a business you have to be strict, and mostly with yourself! If an errand needs to get run… I run it, if I have to wake up on time to make a meeting… I do it, if I have to stay in and focus on my business rather than go out with friends… I will and the list goes on.
The best part is that none of these things are chores. I enjoy doing what I have to do when I say I have to do it and the best part is I’m the only one who tells me what to do. But to achieve the best possible results I need to have discipline.

When you were at school did you know what you wanted to do for a career?
Yes and no. I’ve always been quite independent therefore I knew at school that the main thing I needed for my career was freedom.

What were you doing before your talent became your job?
I met my business partner while we were at college and we both had a common passion for fashion and jewellery. We both decided to expand our passion into an ambition and set our sights on travelling to gain inspiration and experience.

How did you get your break?
La Diosa’s first major break was getting stocked in Harvey Nichols, London. This was a huge achievement – and still is! Big breaks come from persistence and belief in your product or service.

Why do you think it’s important to support young people's talents?
As a young person myself I strongly believe that we are the future. What we think and do today is relevant and important for tomorrow. If people don’t support our ideas and talents it becomes extremely difficult to envision our own success.

Who in your life has helped you to Shine? Who inspires you?
My mother. She is literally the one thing that keeps me motivated. I love making her proud of me, it’s the best feeling in the world!

What other talents do you have?
Apart from being a designer I’m also an entrepreneur, which I feel is a major talent in itself!

How do you think schools can help young people to develop their ideas and have the confidence to take them forward?
I feel strongly about schools teaching a class on Entrepreneurship. This is such an under-valued skill to learn whilst at school however it is probably the most important to have in any line of work, regardless of whether or not you want to start your own company. Being entrepreneurial means more than just being an entrepreneur, it’s also mastering the art of initiative and resourcefulness.

What do you think about the Shine festival of talent? Is it something you would have engaged with if it was available while you were at school?
Definitely! I wish there were more outlets to channel my independent spirit while as at school and I think the Shine festival is a brilliant one.

What advice would you give to young people taking part in Shine?
Be open minded about the experience and let it tap into your sub-conscious.
LISTEN. There isn’t a substitute for this and it’s too important not to do.
If you don’t understand, ASK QUESTIONS – only smart people do this! Those who stay quiet are restricting themselves of knowledge and intelligence.
Remember what you think and do today is relevant and important for tomorrow.

To find our more about La Diosa visit www.ladiosa.co.uk