Phillippa is the founder of Angel Rocks, a brand that she launched after clocking up more air miles that our entire team combined. With travel as one of her passions and inspirations, it’s her love of music and an effortless Rock n Roll vibe, paired with uber-luxurious attention to detail that resonates through everything she creates.
Phillippa could be accused of having a heart of gold, thoughtful and kind as well as a seriously talented designer, her brand is one that needs to be on everyones lips. Here, we spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launching your brand Angel Rocks…
I was a fashion buyer for many years and enjoyed travelling all over the world buying from brands, developing products and sourcing materials. I would return home from buying trips dreaming of one day designing my own brand, making unique accessories with lux attention to detail.
In 2016 I left London and went to live in Bali. This is where my dream of designing and creating Angel Rocks began. I worked with the most amazing artisans hand making stunning bags, accessories and jewellery. I learnt about bespoke craftsmanship and set up a small team of ladies who still hand make many of the styles I sell today.
The inspiration for the Angel Rocks collections comes from my love of music, travelling and above all, island life. Places close to my heart are Bali and Ibiza, with their laidback vibe and eclectic mix of free spirit, which resonate through my designs.
You spent 20 years as a buyer so it’s no shock that you would one day launch your own brand. Was there a pivotal moment where you decided to finally take the leap?
After being in Bali for 6 months and having worked on the product, materials and supply chain etc. and then also creating the photoshoot, look book, logo, artwork and website, it wasn’t until it all came together that I saw my vision translate into the brands personality.
But I’d say it was when I saw the final styles, with the stunning handmade attention to detail I just thought … wow! I fell in love with the product, and it gave me the confidence that if I loved it this much, there must be customers out there who would appreciate it too. I then couldn’t wait to come back to London and launch the brand!
When did you first discover your passion for jewellery?:
For as long as I can remember! My Grandma always wore her string of pearls and had matching handbags and shoes that she kept beautifully in her wardrobe. I always marvelled at them when I went to visit.
When I was about ten years old my father bought me a stone polishing machine and I polished and collected gemstones as a hobby. I was a little magpie for anything shiny! (I still have that machine in my workshop today, to remind me of my early passion and where it’s led me – it’s my nostalgic motivation!). It feels good to finally be fulfilling my purpose.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your pieces?
Our Mantra of ‘Confident, Unique and Individual’ is embodied in each piece I design, and this empowering feeling hopefully translates to the customers.
How jewellery makes you feel is so important. Many of our pieces are bought with meaning and intention in mind. There is a positive and empowering vibe throughout the collections.
For example, each style from our Rock Star Collection comes with an affirmation card that reminds our customers that they are amazing, and to not forget that they are absolutely the rock star in their journey of life!
What makes you stand out from other jewellery brands?
As we only make small production runs, and often I make one-off pieces, it’s our uniqueness and individuality that stands out.
The perfect blend of intention and inspiration goes into the creation of each piece, along with attention to detail, beautiful boxes, bows and an individual affirmation card of an items meaning, together with a handwritten note with every order.
We often get lovely feedback from our customers saying they can feel the love and attention that has gone into each piece. Our Mindful bands come with little cards with a message for the wearer. We pass this onto our customers and hope they love them as much as we have loved making them.
If you were to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
‘Confident, Unique and Individual’ … we are all about walking your own path and creating your own style.
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?
“Love what you do” … always keep that passion alive, remain curious, creative and energised about what you do … that energy will shine through …and your vibe will attract your tribe!
How would you describe your personal style?
Addicted to black, black and more black … with a Boho and Rock Chick edge!
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Every day is different thankfully, as I tire quite quickly of routine, so I usually juggle a hundred different things … keeping me on my toes!
Designing jewellery and wrapping beautiful gifts is my thing – I often melt and hand stamp wax seals on the envelopes of our handwritten cards. I can get blissfully lost in this process.
However, running my own business means I have to wear many hats and they can be anything from social media, website, customer and retail enquiries, packing, posting and ordering everything from ribbon to gold. It’s certainly varied!
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
It’s been a great way to connect with customers, many of whom have become friends along the way. It feels like a small tribe of likeminded souls, and I value that forum greatly.
You’ve traveled extensively through America and Asia but where do you feel most at home and why?
I love Bali and always will, as its where Angel Rocks was born. However, more recently I have fallen in love with Ibiza, which is now my spiritual home. It’s the relaxed, fun, sunshiny lux hippy vibe of island life that sings to my soul.
I now split my time between Ibiza and the UK, as running my own business has given me the freedom to live by the sea.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
In my early twenties I took time off the career ladder and went round the world on a solo adventure! I ended up travelling to 23 countries and out of all the bright lights and wonderful scenes, my favourite place was a tiny atoll island near Rarotonga in the Cook Islands of Polynesia … called Aitutaki.
There were no cars and limited electricity, so I slept when it went dark and woke with the sound of the cockerels singing at dawn.
It was a tiny blue lagoon of paradise!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I have two! One is written on my studio wall and the other in the front page of my journal.
Both give me goosebumps of excitement!:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
What’s next for you and the brand?
For the Brand – I’m working on some beautiful new pieces for The Guardian collection. I have handpicked the finest crystal points, and these are being handmade into gorgeous ‘Goddess’ necklaces. A Spiritual Rock Star vibe.
Its more about slow, considered fashion and I want to bring in newness as investment pieces, rather than feel I need to change the whole range every season.
For Me – I’m passionate about coaching, mentoring and empowering others to create a life they love and fulfil their purpose. Perhaps this means walking a slightly different path to the one expected or recreating a whole new life strategy. Finding the right balance in work and life is key.
As such, I am spending my time as an Entrepreneur Coach and building my more personal brand ‘Life Rocks Coaching’ – Instagram: @_life.rocks_
What does self-care mean to you?
BALANCE – finding alignment, harmony and peace.
I am most creative when I’m immersed in the flow, but I can often veer into workaholic territory. So, I often remind myself it is about working hard, but also taking good care of myself and finding time to play.
Balance was the first Mindful bracelet Mantra I designed, and I wear it as my own daily reminder.
Where can people find out more?
Instagram: @angel.rocks.london
Website:www.AngelRocks.co.uk
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