The Welsh Women’s Awards were established in 2019 to recognise and celebrate the talent and achievements of female entrepreneurs, business women, professionals, civil servants, charity workers and many others across the length and breadth of Wales.

A-level Business student Sadie Pearce of Templeton is one of the amazing young women to have been shortlisted as part of this year’s awards. Nominated in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, Sadie is now up against eight entrepreneurs from across Wales with her jewellery business My Coast.

With a dream of seeing a plastic-free coastline, Sadie launched My Coast, a handmade jewellery business which donates 10 per cent of every sale to Surfers Against Sewage.

Launching her business after completing her GCSEs, Sadie accessed support from Big Ideas Wales and online tutorials to design and make a selection of plastic-free silver jewellery inspired by the coast which she sells online via her website www.mycoast.co.uk and Facebook.

“Living by the coast I have seen first-hand the devastating problems facing our oceans with a growing issue around plastic pollution. Every day approximately eight million pieces of plastic finds its way into our oceans, which paints a picture of how massive and detrimental the problem really is,” she said.

“I wanted to do something to help, and during the summer holidays I had a lot of free time which made it a great opportunity for me to start a business. The jewellery design allows me to be creative while raising money and awareness for charity.”

Hoping to progress to Swansea University to study Media and Business, she added: “I want to go to university to help develop my skills and understanding of the industry. The goal is to run my business while at university, and once I get a degree I would love to open a shop selling my jewellery and continue to support and raise money for Surfers Against Sewage.”

Enterprise co-ordinator at the college, David Gleed put Sadie in touch with Big Ideas Wales: “Sadie has a clear goal and the determination to make a success of her entrepreneurial journey. Her commitment to supporting a charity through these endeavours is to be highly commended.”

Nominated by the public, the finalists will find out at an event on June 4 who are the winners in each category.

Organised by Creative Oceanic, Irfan Younis CEO said: “We’re delighted to bring the Women’s Award campaign back to Wales for the second time. The awards will celebrate the most dedicated, hard-working and successful women across Wales and recognise those who are pushing boundaries and showing the world that there is no limit to the things women can achieve. We wish all finalists the best of luck.”