Like many young women in their 20s, Heather Macdonald wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life.

But an unexpected internship helped pave the way.

The serendipitous opportunity came eleven years ago in St Barts. She had secured a post at a gallery in the Eden Rock Hotel over the summer. It allowed her to work on her own art, and flex her limited French.

While there, the salesgirl in Eden Rock’s clothing boutique quit unexpectedly.

“She just up and left, so the owners asked me if I would work [there]. One thing I realised was I really enjoyed it. I’d always had a pipe dream of wanting to have a boutique of my own. I love clothing, jewellery, accessories, homewares — anything design-oriented.

“I had this idea that if I could have a small boutique with jewellery, accessories, things that I loved and then be able to paint; that would be icing on the cake.”

Atelerie was born out of that experience. In eight years it has grown from a 400 square foot “hole in the wall” to its central Reid Street location; from carrying eight to ten brands to more than 100.

The downside to sourcing goods and curating the store is that she rarely finds the time to paint.

The 36-year-old works with brands she admires — from London to Los Angeles, New York to South Africa. Her most recent collaboration is with local photographer Meredith Andrews on a line of colourful, silk-screened leather pouches.

But, perhaps most notable is the boutique’s growing selection of fine jewellery. According to Ms Macdonald, customers appreciate that the lines are able to withstand salt, sea, sun and sweat. She credits Gigi Clozeau for her leap into that arena. Ms Macdonald is rarely seen without one of the designer’s fine gold chains around her neck — the friends met in St Barts that fateful summer.

“At 26 you’re still trying to find your way. I had all these ideas, but I wasn’t entirely sure about my path.

“I was sure I needed to be doing something creative, but also making my own vision. Customers responded to Gigi’s line immediately; it’s 18-carat gold, so it doesn’t lose its sparkle. Everyone who has one can attest to that.”

Atelerie also carries Asha by ADM, a jeweller famed for its zodiac pendants. Ms Macdonald approached the company with her own design — a silhouette of Bermuda imagined in the company’s traditional mother-of-pearl and gold vermeil. That success encouraged her to design additional Bermuda-centric items: sweaters, caps and solid-gold pendants and charms. Her most recent is a collaboration — a Helen Ficalora pendant that reads BDA with a single diamond. Jacquie Aiche, Suzanne Kalan and EF Collection can also be found in the store.

“Customers have said they don’t want to put money into things that could potentially tarnish,” she said. “It’s not a faulty product; it’s this environment. In Bermuda, upkeep on everything is a lot harder — on your house, your car, your jewellery. If you’re going to buy something, it’s nice to know you can have it forever. With some of these delicate lines, where you can wear something and never take it off, there’s luxury in that.”

Atelerie, 9 Reid Street, Hamilton