A Kilmarnock jewellery business is celebrating after its young apprentice, Katie Wood, was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Katie, a Business Management Graduate Apprentice at JOY by Corrine Smith, received the award during a landmark year for founder Corrine Smith, whose two businesses have gained national recognition and expanded.
Apprentice's journey and founder's pride
Katie joined JOY in May 2025 and is in the second year of her Business Management degree, combining academic study with hands-on experience in the jewellery business. Corrine, who has known Katie since childhood, said the recognition was particularly meaningful.
“Of all the wonderful things that have happened this year, seeing Katie win Apprentice of the Year has to be one of my proudest moments,” Corrine said. “I’ve known Katie since she was a little girl, so watching her grow into such a capable, confident young woman and seeing her achievements recognised is incredibly special.”
She added: “She’s worked so hard and become a valued member of our team. I’ve spent more than 20 years building my businesses, and it’s lovely to think I’m now helping someone else develop the skills and confidence to build their own future.”
A breakthrough for independent creative businesses
Corrine said Katie’s success represents an important moment for smaller independent businesses, noting that the award has traditionally recognised apprentices in sectors such as engineering, often within larger organisations.
“The creative industries make an enormous contribution to our economy, yet the skills and career opportunities they offer can sometimes be overlooked. I’m delighted Katie’s achievements have helped shine a spotlight on that,” she said.
Katie’s apprenticeship has included opportunities beyond the day-to-day running of the business. Earlier this year, she accompanied Corrine to an international trade show in Paris, gaining experience of product sourcing, design and business development.
“Winning Ayrshire Apprentice of the Year means so much to me. It’s an incredible feeling to have my hard work recognised, especially as I’m still learning and developing new skills,” Katie said. “Working at JOY has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, build my confidence and understand everything that goes into running a successful business.”
JOY's landmark year and Pocketful of Joy expansion
Katie’s award is the latest milestone in a notable year for JOY by Corrine Smith, the jewellery brand founded in 2004. JOY has grown into an established personalised jewellery brand with annual turnover exceeding £1.5 million and more than 500,000 customer orders fulfilled.
A partner of online marketplace notonthehighstreet since 2013, JOY was shortlisted for Partner of the Year at the 2026 Small Brand Awards, following its Designer of the Year win in 2024. The business has also been invited to participate in a growth initiative with entrepreneur Sara Davies and the notonthehighstreet team, while a move into new premises in Kilmarnock marked another step forward.
Corrine said: “JOY has been part of my life for more than 22 years, and it’s sometimes difficult to believe how far we’ve come. We’ve grown, adapted and navigated plenty of challenges, but I’ve never lost my love of designing and creating.”
Alongside JOY, Corrine has developed her second brand, Pocketful of Joy, a boutique which opened on Kilmarnock’s Bank Street in August 2025. Celebrating its first birthday this summer, the shop offers jewellery, accessories, gifts and original designs, including a create-your-own jewellery charm bar.
Following the launch of its own e-commerce website, Corrine introduced the brand to the wholesale market in summer 2026, securing its first 12 UK stockists within weeks through wholesale platform Faire. The expansion has taken her to international trade shows and supplier meetings in Paris, China and India.
Corrine has also joined the Business Beats Cancer Ayrshire board to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK and championed initiatives encouraging support for Kilmarnock’s independent traders.
Despite the awards and expansion, she said Katie’s achievement remains the standout moment of the year. “It’s been a whirlwind, and behind every exciting announcement there’s a huge amount of hard work and a team of people making things happen,” she said. “Seeing Katie recognised for her achievements really brings that home. I’m immensely proud of her, proud of our team and proud of what we’re building here in Kilmarnock.”
