I was kicked out of school at 15 with no qualifications but now I run a successful jewellery business
A MAN who was kicked out of school aged 15 with no qualifications now runs a successful jewellery business.
Lamar Berko, now 29, spent his teenage years working at William Hill when he began paying more attention to his hobby in between shifts.
At the age of 19, after researching precious metals, stones and designer brands, Lamar become a self-taught jewellery consultant.
Over the last decade, the London-born businessman built his empire – LB Jewellers – and has since worked with the likes of David Beckham, Wizkid, Joey Essex and Stefflon Don.
Lamar said people would call and ask for his advice on jewellery pieces which gave him the “eureka” moment to create his brand.
He said: “People used to call me and ask my advice as friends and word of mouth spread.
“That’s when I had my eureka moment to create a brand, LB Jewellers, and to charge consulting fees.
“Then I moved into personal shopping and customisation which became the business I run today.”
Lamar said his company now has A-list customers splashing £100,000 a time.
The Brit also flies around the world to meet clients.
He added: “I had high profile clients from the beginning because of who I knew growing up.
“My uncle is an ex-Man United player, Andy Cole, and he has been my biggest supporter and mentor from the beginning.
“He spread the word for me about my business and I got to supply watches to him and his friends.
“I got to go to some amazing events with him and I grew up around the young players who were on their way up.
“After I left school with no qualifications I know everyone was worried for me, my teachers and my family, but I didn’t see it as the end of my prospects.
“I didn’t aspire to work for anyone who would need to see my exam results.
“I always wanted to be my own boss and build the right team around me.”
Lamar said the business is his life and something he’s worked “non-stop” on since 2016.
He said: “I’m not dating, I don’t go on holidays, I work seven days a week.
“I take consultations online 24 hours a day from all over the world so I take naps instead of sleeping at night.
“I have about two or three hours of rest a day.”
LB Jewellers currently have a store in Moorgate, London.
Lamar hopes he can expand his business globally in the future.