77 UP AND COMING with simplicity in mind. But they are so popular as I guess they can be dressed up or down. The highlighting factor is their impressive durability. They’re designed to resist rusting or tarnishing over time, giving a long-lasting gleaming accessory. They’re also incredibly light and comfortable to wear, making them an ideal choice for longer wear. How do you keep your designs fresh and current? Do you follow trends? Essentially, the designs are all of jewellery I’d wear myself. To say that I am not influenced by the current trends would be disingenuous because I have always followed fashion. The difference I suppose is that I tune in to the timeless, the chic, and the stylishly sustainable, rather than chasing ephemeral fashion fads. In doing so, I continually dream up fresh designs, ensuring that each piece is a breath of fresh air in the world of jewellery. Crafting the future of trends, that’s where the excitement lies! How important is the sustainable, fairtrade and ethical backstory to the company? Can you tell us more about that? Île Kekere was created to inspire love for beautiful things and natural products. This sentiment was deeply rooted in my childhood experiences. My mother always spoke highly of the benefit of natural items whether food, beauty products, or clothes. She shared that everything we used during my upbringing was directly sourced from the land, showcasing a deep respect and care for nature. My commitment to sustainability, fair trade, and ethical practices is the very heart that pumps life into Île Kekere. We opted not to use mined gold in our products due to several ethical and environmental concerns. One of the main reasons is the inability to guarantee that mined gold is fairly traded and ethically sourced. Moreover, the mining process can have a massive negative impact on the environment, polluting air, water, and soil, damaging habitats, and scarring the earth. Additionally, the working conditions for miners are often brutal and can have detrimental effects on people living in nearby areas. As a result, we work with lab-made gems (labstones) and glass beads in our jewellery, prioritising ethical and sustainable practice. Every gem is man-made so there is no risk of buying gemstones that have been mined to the detriment of the environment or communities. All metals are recycled stainless steel and brass coated with PVD gold. I’ve seen the devastation to land and already scarce water supplies as a result of mining first hand, lead poisoning that continues to claim the lives of several hundred child labourers, all in the pursuit of gold and on starting the company, could not with any conscience use mined gold. Every piece of our packaging is recyclable, it all contributes towards creating an ecosystem where luxury flourishes sustainably. I find it a stylishly empowering way to make every day a little friendlier to the planet. What sets you apart from your competitors? We offer a medley of exclusivity, sustainability, affordability - all wrapped up in the cosy blanket of chic luxury. When someone purchases a piece from Île Kekere, they aren’t just acquiring an accessory; they’re making a bold, stylish statement about their ethical values. Quite a fabulous makeover of the meaning of luxury, I think. Our main assets are... Sustainability: We are committed to creating handmade, unique jewellery using eco-friendly materials. We also focus on revolutionising the jewellery industry with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Ethical practices: We take ethical procedures very seriously, from sourcing materials to the production process. Craftsmanship: Each piece is designed and handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. This dedication enhances the uniqueness of the products and ensures high quality. Support for a Greener Future: Not only do we create sustainable jewellery, but we also use sustainable packaging to reduce waste and support local businesses and environmental initiatives. Inclusivity: We cater to women of diverse backgrounds, championing female empowerment, aiming to be a go-to destination for those seeking to merge style with social consciousness. Our clientele often comment that when they receive an Île Kekere package, they feel they have just received a gift from a friend. Uniqueness: Our one-of-a-kind, ethically produced pieces feature exquisite detail, proving that original design does not have to come at environmental cost. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? The UK is slowly embracing the concept of sustainable luxury. This interest is indeed boosting our business and encouraging us to work even harder towards our dream of a chic revolution in sustainable jewellery. Our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices place us in a strong position. The global push for sustainable, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly products is growing. This trend, coupled with our dedication to these values, might even present some opportunities amidst these challenges. The climate has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but one that we relish riding! How do you view the future of independent retail? Generally speaking, I see the independent retail sector teeming with untapped potential. I consider that it is independent retailers leading the march towards sustainability, truly revolutionising the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=