Sarina out-sparkles the competition

The votes are in for the Jewellery Channel’s design contest and the winner is Sarina Morris. As well as having her glittering creations manufactured and sold, Sarina wins a contract as a freelance designer for the Jewellery Channel, but having more than one string to her beads, she’s still ambitious to shine in the spheres of painting, interior design and fashion. Sarina puts her gloss on our ten questions and reveals why you can’t judge a jewellery designer by her appearance.

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
It can certainly enlighten you and bring you into a world that you didn’t know existed. I’ve become more in tune with myself and appreciate life.

What makes you angry?
People who take one look at me and say: “But you look great!”

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment?
“I wish I had what you have: I could do with losing this weight!”

If you were Prime Minister what one thing would you do to improve things for disabled people?
For my condition especially, I would increase the amount of public toilets and their ease for accessibility, including cost.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?
Non-surgical, non-steroid, pill-free treatment for Ulcerative Colitis. Oh yes, and brand new bones.

What do you most like about designing jewellery?
The creative outlet it gives me, and the practicality of being able to design from the comfort of my own home.

And what do you not like about it?
Not being able to afford the very high-end pieces I’d love to own and add to my jewellery collection.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?
Stephen Hawking. I admire his ability to not let his condition get in the way or hold back his passion for his research.

Do you have any special or hidden talent?
I did once make it through to the second auditions for a girl group, so singing and dancing.

How would you sum yourself up in ten words or less?
I’m passionate, spiritual, creative, original, visionary, innovative, but also perfectionist, sometimes compulsive, and unpredictable.