Danish-born entrepreneur Anne Mette O'Connor was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board in September 2008.

Anne launched her handmade jewellery design business, Amoc, in Ireland at the beginning of 2008. We asked her the secret of her success.

How did it all start for you?

I studied as a goldsmith here in Ireland and in 2003 moved back to Denmark to start a jewellery - designing business there. After four years I decided to return to Ireland and establish myself in Greystones. Prior to moving I had been testing the market in Ireland by displaying my work at the Design Yard jewellery gallery in Dublin and found there was a market for contemporary jewellery here.

Why do you think your business has been so successful?

In general, I think people like my style of jewellery making. But above all I think people really like being able to customise a piece of jewellery and to have personal contact with the designer. Also, regularly attending craft fairs and being a member of the Craft Council of Ireland, as well as the local enterprise board and chamber of commerce, has helped. It's important to get out and about and network to build up your brand.

Since you've been in business, have you made any mistakes?

Yes, of course, but I believe in mistakes. If you don't take risks, you will never get any further. I realise now that I should have made my business plan earlier as it can help you to focus on identifying your goals. In the past I've also gone in directions I didn't really believe in; now I focus on areas where my passion and skills are strongest.

What do you think forms the basis of a good business plan?

Thoroughly mapping out what your goals actually are. By doing this it becomes much easier to work out how to achieve them. Also, remember this is a plan, and plans can change. But by actually writing down your goals, you automatically become realistic about your possibilities.

What advice would you give owners of start-up businesses, particularly in their first year?

My best advice is to keep your costs as low as possible to start with; there are a lot of investments in the beginning. And be honest in all aspects; your customers will respect you for it.

Do you have any advice for businesses on how to survive through these tough times?

I believe it will be a challenge to survive this recession, but it's possible. My main advice would be keep your head up, stay positive, train yourself within a specific area - don't try to do everything. Instead, focus and build your strength in key areas.