Two years ago, Lowery came home from school devastated after being told by teachers that she would not succeed in life if she didn’t pass her GCSEs in English and Maths.

Determined to prove her teachers wrong, Lowery and her family focused on her strengths. As she loves making jewellery and keyrings, she started selling her creations at local fairs. Over the past 18 months, Lowery, who is autistic, has grown tremendously in confidence, learning to talk to customers, handle money and understand the basics of running a business, including costs, profit and reinvesting in her venture.

What began as a response to hurtful comments has become a wonderful success story, showing that there is more than one path to achievement and that belief, perseverance and opportunity can make all the difference.