40 When did you start up and why? I started the company in 2004 because I love jewellery and gemstones, my Mum was a jeweller so I grew up surrounded by stones, even though I wasn’t really interested when I was young, it did catch up with me! What prompted you to launch the business? I had a few different ones before having lived in Asia and Australia. Coming to the UK reunited me with gemstones and jewellery, it was organic easy and clear that it was going to be my path in the UK. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? Finding good reliable suppliers with consistent quality and ethics, as well as finding customers when I started! Tell us about your product offering. Offering handmade, ethically-produced jewellery handmade, designed inhouse and made with genuine gemstones. What are your most popular products? The Lolita earrings are still the most popular since Kate Middleton wore them on a few occasions. Our crystal balls are also popular as well as varied gemstones pieces – a bit of everything really! How do you keep your designs fresh and current? Do you follow trends? I follow trends from afar, I’m more interested in the symbology and gemstones, which never go out fashion, with a modern twist to keep it fresh and current. What sets you apart from your competitors? My genuine love for designs, gemstones and ethics, making sure I carry ethical and unique gemstones and also making sure the people I work with, whether near or far, are also trustworthy and have the same values as I have. I also keep the jewellery affordable so that anyone can own a genuine gemstone. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? It can be challenging, I get it but I’m a small business and I feel blessed to have a following that has been faithful for 20 years. We also have new accounts, which is always welcome. We don’t do hard sales – I believe people find me for a reason. How do you view the future of independent retail? More passion is needed – the ones who will shine are the ones who loves what they’re doing. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? Yes, it’s very important as you need a window to the world, especially when you’re online. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Passion will guide you through, you need to love what you are doing! The rest will fall into place – trust that and don’t give up. Be willing to receive feedback, make mistakes and listen to the customers! What can we expect in the future from the company? Exciting new designs – we’re always very excited about doing new things and I feel grateful that I can continue to do so! MIRABELLE JEWELLERY Tel: +44 (0)207 6938 129 www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk
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