Mia Phan is the brain behind Easter Mia, a cruelty free brand that she founder alongside runnng her own local nail salon which is in Burlington, Ontario.
All her life, Mia has been surrounded by strong, caring, and hardworking women; including her mother, Helen Nguyen, who spent over 30 years in the nail industry. So it was inevitable that she would follow in her footsteps.
We spent some time with Mia to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launch your brand, Easter Mia…
My mother has been in the nail industry for over 30 years and seeing her, her peers, and myself working in a toxic chemical environment led me to want to create a polish brand that is nontoxic and chemical free.
How do you ensure that your products are vegan and cruelty free?
The manufacturer and chemist I work with only creates nontoxic and cruelty free products. EasterMia is part of the leaping bunny association and cruelty free kitty. Being part of these associations ensure EasterMia polishes are vegan and cruelty free they verify background checks.
Why was this important to you?
It’s important for me because EasterMia’s goal is to transform the nail care industry and to better the environment by sourcing eco-friendly materials and ingredients that are better for our clientele and the environment.
How do you want women to feel when they use your products?
I want every client of mine and customers to feel good about themselves and know that EasterMia cares about their nails.
Have you got plans to expand your product range in the future, if so, what else do you want to offer?
I haven’t decided if I want to expand in to more products. If I did, I would love to offer gel polishes in the future.
You’re an accomplished woman in business and you wear multiple hats. Of all of the things you have achieved, what’s your proudest moment and why?
My proudest moment is when I opened my nail salon back in 2016 and from this it helped me understand better what clients wanted and their needs and it directed me to create EasterMia. This was the moment when I knew I had to create EasterMia for my clients and customers who wanted a nail varnish that has no toxins and chemicals for healthy nails.
Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?
Yes, I would not create so many different products and just focus on the nail varnishes. I had a foot mask product that would peel off dead skin and it wasn’t very successful. I find that clients prefer to go to salons and get pedicures and be pampered.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
Right now, it’s myself doing all the roles. The marketing, sales, and social media.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
My average day morning, I workout with my trainer and after that I head to the salon and prepare and organise everything ready for my appointment with my clients. Usually, I have about 5 or 7 clients a day. I always make sure I get my lunch between clients.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
When I lack creativity, I always step back and take time for myself. Going hiking and feeling nature’s energy always grounds me and helps me get back to creativity.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you truly love. It will not lead you astray.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
My must visit list is Paris! I love seeing older buildings and their history, the fashion and yummy pastries.
What does self care mean to you?
The importance of taking care of you and loving you. If you don’t do self-care, then you lose yourself.
Where do you see Easter Mia in the next 5 years
I see EasterMia expanding more into other salons and educating consumers about the Importance of having healthy nails.
From being ridiculed as being just a mum with a hobby, Bec Connolly has succeeded in becoming so much more than that. With her love of skincare starting from a young age, it was inevitable that she would one day launch her own brand.
Here, we spent some time with her to talk about how she has launched, grown and is scaling her skincare brand, Botanicals by Luxe. The sky really is the limit for this entrepreneur…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand, Botanicals by Luxe?
I have been a skin therapist for 17 years now, I have always wanted to have my own brand – I wanted to bottle my experience and education into a brand. Having two little boys, this was absolutely put in the ‘too hard basket’ for quite a while. I decided to take that leap and launched Botanicals by Luxe in April 2018; it was difficult at the start to find a small batch manufacturer to take me seriously – one of them even called me a “mum with a hobby”. I finally found a beautiful, local manufacturer who aligns with my values and ethics and we still work together today. I started with just one product, our Hyaluronic Serum, we had 200 units of the serum, and they sold out in 12 hours! Since then, I have launched one product at a time, and now there are 19 products in the range and counting.
Where did your love and interest for cosmetics come from?
From a very early age! I remember sitting in mum and dad’s bathroom as a very young girl, maybe 4 or 5, with a mixing bowl and making “potions” with all of mum’s products – sorry Mum!
I love chemistry and cosmetic chemistry, so turning this love into a brand has been a great fit.
How do you want people to feel when they use your products?
The aim with Botanicals by Luxe is to make people feel good, to feel empowered and increase that self worth through the skin. I also focus on keeping the routine super simple so as to not make things overwhelming – it needs to feel good!
Do you have plans to expand your range in the future and if so, what will you expand into?
Absolutely – my main focus at the moment is formulating a sunscreen to add to the range. I have been working on this for the past 2.5 years and hope to launch in early 2023. It will be a perfect addition to the brand, and I can’t wait to release it.
Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?
For sure, being a small business owner – you wear so many different hats every single day, from packing orders, stock control, social media, customer service, marketing and so on. I found delegating and outsourcing hard in the beginning and I tried to do it all, this almost led to burnout in 2020 as the business leapt to new heights – so I definitely would have outsourced some roles earlier in hindsight.
For anyone interested in launching a skincare brand, what advice would you offer them?
I say go for it! If it is your passion then absolutely give it a go. Make sure you have a point of difference, and do your research, also have some great people in your corner to help bounce ideas around.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Oh haha every day is SO different and it is absolutely a juggling act, but the flexibility the business has given the family has been incredible. Usually, mornings consist of getting my little boys ready for school (breakfast, pack lunches etc etc) Once they are at school it is time to pack the orders, check stock levels, emails, and meetings. I try to get down to the beach at least one day a week and take my admin work there for a change of scene. Then it is time for school pick up and wind down time, the days fly!
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
As mentioned – I get myself down to my happy place – the beach or anywhere near the water, I find grounding myself and doing some meditation really helps to recharge my batteries and get that motivation back.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Socials have been huge for Botanicals by Luxe, particularly Instagram. Around 80% of our sales come from the platform so it is super important for me to be active on there – providing brand updates, skin tips, product run throughs or just sharing behind the scenes and local love. Geelong is a really supportive community for small business owners, so I have found that people love sharing their unboxing and skincare routines on IG which has been so beneficial.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Trust your hard work, it is unlocking doors you can’t see yet.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
One of my goals for the next few years is to take my family to visit the Maldives! It is the background on my computer and I am always daydreaming of visiting there. A tip for your readers visiting Australia – we went to Hamilton Island earlier this year and wow – just beautiful, white sand, beautiful warm blue waters, so relaxing!
What does self care mean to you?
Self care is so important to me, I find that when I feel good, and my cup is full – I am a better person, I work better and everything just flows easier. I am a big believer in looking after ourselves and our mental health – in order to look after others. It can be super simple like a solo walk, bath with a face mask on – but scheduling this time helps me actually do it, helping to recharge and feel good.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
I am working on the international expansion of the brand which is really exciting! I see the brand as a household name right across the world – watch this space!
Anjana Varghese is a self taught artist who is super woman by day, creative by night. With a career in the medical industry, she is a serious powerhouse who sees art as her escapsim.
We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to become a full time artist?
I have always loved and enjoyed painting from a very young age. Like most people who enjoy art, I did art at GCSE and then unfortunately didn’t pick up a paint brush until third year of medical school. One of my friends kept asking me to paint her something for her birthday, and eventually I gave in and painted her an autumn-themed painting. After creating that painting I realised how much I loved to paint and then I began to paint more and more. Starting off with painting gifts for people which then led to me thinking that I could sell my paintings. Whilst working as a full time doctor during Covid, I started to paint during the weekends or on my days off. Painting allowed me to completely escape medicine and it really helped me relax and avoid burnout. After painting for a while, I then created my own website to sell my paintings and used social media to promote my art.
Where did your love and interest for art come from?
I have always loved painting even as a young child and especially loved using bold vibrant colours in my paintings. I find it easier to express myself through art than words. At the end of the day, art is powerful and as the saying goes ‘a painting speaks a thousand words’. I have always been curious about light and painting is all about understanding light and how it interacts with everything else in the world.
How do you want people to feel when they use your artwork?
I want people to feel empowered and moved by my artwork. I want my art to evoke an emotion in my audience, that emotion is completely up to the viewer. I want my audience to keep discovering new elements in the painting which draws them in to ask more questions. People should be able to feel connected with my artwork and feel like they have been inspired to explore this world further. I want my paintings to inspire people to travel the world and appreciate the natural beauty of the it. In my eyes, nothing beats nature, which is why I particularly love to paint sunsets, seascapes and mountain views.
Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?
If I could go back I wish I could have launched my business earlier and engaged with social media platforms from the start to promote my art. I also wish I never had a break in painting and I wish I did art at A-Level too.
For anyone interested in launching a career as an artist, what advice would you offer them?
Practice and practice and keep on practising. Always have a growth mindset and keep painting as much as you can because the more you paint, the better you will become. I would advise you to create your own website alongside using social media to sell your art.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
An average day would start with me coming back from the hospital after working 9-5 day and then after a quick break, I will start painting. I am usually a fast painter especially when it comes to sunsets, I paint for a few hours till around 9pm and then relax with a movie and go to bed around 11pm. I prefer painting for the whole day like on my off days or weekends as I can get more done in the day.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
I think we all sometimes feel the lack of creativity and I think the best thing to do is to go back to painting something you really love to paint. For me, whenever I feel stuck, I always go back to painting a sunset and then slowly I feel more motivated to paint other things. Sometimes you have to force yourself to paint and when you take that first step, then you get into a creative mood.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
It is really hard to pick one quote, but these three are among my top quotes.
‘If you really want it you’ll find a way, otherwise you’ll find excuses.’
‘The teacher has failed more times than the student has tried.’
‘Don’t compare your page 1 to someone else’s page 100.’
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
I love travelling and most of my landscapes are inspired from places I have visited while travelling. I am a keen photographer and I often use my travel photos as reference to paint from. I really want to visit Latin America, especially Patagonia. I would love to explore the amazing landscapes of South America and I really want to paint Patagonia one day.
What does self care mean to you?
I think these days self-care has become unnecessarily complicated. For me, it is all about the basics. You need to eat a healthy balanced diet, have a good sleep routine, exercise and create time for fun and relaxing experiences with your loved ones. In a regular week, your time should be divided to cover these four areas: career, health, relationships, and personal hobbies. I believe life is simple but not easy.
Where can people find out more?
To find out more, you can check out my website www.anjanavarghese.com and follow my on social medical platforms:
Here at House of Coco, we are huge advocates of self care. We believe that you have to fill up your own cup before you even think about pouring in to someone else. One brand that knows all about that is the Ambitious Candle Co, a brand that empowers women to perserve through life.
Their founder lives and breathes self care and for very good reasons. Here, we spent some time with AnaLisa Garcia to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Ambitious Vibes Candle Co…
I started out making candles as a form of self care. As a healthcare worker and single parent during the pandemic, I really struggled mentally. I had just relocated with my son to California 2,000 miles away from my family and support system in Wisconsin. Because I was an essential worker, I was unable to work from home the way many other parents were able to while the kids attended school virtually, and childcare was extremely difficult to come by. Candle making became a therapeutic way of giving myself a break from the everyday stress to focus on creating something beautiful.
The decision to turn candle making into a business stemmed from trying to create a solution to my difficult situation. I was trying to figure out how I could work from home to eliminate the constant struggle of childcare and just wanting to be a more involved mother. I worked on branding and creating my first candle line and then started selling them at markets, while also working on building my website.
The success I have gained has been from simply showing up on a consistent basis. My candles started becoming well-known in areas that I showed up frequently. Most of the retail stores that you can find my candles in, happened that way because shop owners found me at markets in their area.
How do you want people to feel when using your products?
My candles come with an empowering message on the back label. I wrote each one inspired by my life journey. I realized that the overcoming I had endured resonated with many other women’s journeys. I want my customers to feel understood, inspired, and empowered when they fill their space with my candles.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
Stop letting fear hold me back. There is so much growth that happens in the entrepreneurial journey. You are constantly being challenged to get out of your comfort zone. There’s always something new to learn and you really have to put yourself out there if you want your business to grow. This has been one of my biggest challenges that I am continuously putting the work in to overcome.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
My business is mostly run as a one-woman show. My aunt does assist at some of the events and I also bring my 7 year old who loves to help and learn about the business. He now wants to start his own business one day. My family back in my hometown in Wisconsin are always extremely supportive, ordering on a consistent basis and spreading word of my business any way they can.
Do you plan to launch new products in the future?
Definitely. I just added reed diffusers and car diffusers to my line that my customers are absolutely loving. I enjoy creating new and exciting products to offer my customers. I have something special I am working on now that my VIP e-mail subscribers will get first access to!
For anyone interested in launching a business, what advice would you offer them?
Do at least one thing everyday that will move your business forward. Trying to get everything perfect first and thinking you need to have all of the answers before you launch will delay your success. Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Stop overthinking and just do. You will learn as you go and there’s always going to be something you don’t know how to do that you will figure out when you get there.
Also, don’t fear failure. Every failure is just a pivot in the right direction. It’s just as important to find out what doesn’t work, as it is to know what does. You won’t know what’s right for you and your business until you try.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
My morning starts with school drop off and then I try to get the cleaning out of the way so that it doesn’t distract me. I catch up on business emails and social media, and then start working on other aspects of the candle business which includes pouring candles, packing/shipping orders, ordering supplies, signing up and preparing for markets and events, listing and promoting new products, and so much more. I am then off to work for my evening shift at the hospital. When I get home around 10:30 pm, I try to squeeze in a few more business tasks before bed. I do try to get at least 6 hours of sleep every night in order to have the energy to be productive the next day.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
As a business owner, I have an endless list of things to do, which allows me the ability to focus on being creative when I want to be. When I am lacking creativity, I choose a non-creative task from that long list to check off. Some days, all I want to do is work with my creativity and avoid the daunting tasks. So it all balances itself out.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has been such a great way for me to connect not only with my customers, but also with other brands. We have really created a community to support each other and collaborate to help each other grow. I love to highlight fellow small businesses on my page. Instagram is where I am most active and has helped the growth and exposure of my business in such a huge way. I enjoy doing giveaways and sneak peaks of what I am working on.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Her life changed the moment she let it. It reminds me that I can create my own reality by going after what I want in life. If I do nothing, nothing happens. If I resist when opportunities arise, I stay stuck.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
I have heard great things about Greece and it looks like an absolute dream.
What does self care mean to you?
Taking care of myself mentally. If I feel myself approaching burnout, I need to give myself the grace to rest. I’m always trying to use every moment in the day to check things off of my to-do list but sometimes I have to allow myself to check out, eat snacks, and binge Netflix.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
My current goal is to quit my job and be able to focus on my business full time. Being an entrepreneur brings me so much excitement and is extremely fulfilling. My candles can be found in a few California retail shops but I’d love to see my candles in boutiques internationally. I’d also love to open my own candle boutique here in California. My big dream is to open a non-profit to offer young girls and single mothers the assistance and education to become financially independent, whether that’s helping them go to college or start a business.
You can order from my website ambitiousvibescandleco.com and sign up for my newsletter to get first access to new launches and events I will be attending. I am always looking to collaborate with other brands and showcase my products in new retail shops.
Launching and running your own business is not for the faint hearted. It’s a never ending rollercoaster and often, life can catch you off guard at any given moment.
Luckily for Nina Hargrave, despite all of the testing times she has been through, she has the resilience and strength to power through and continue to grow her brand, Serene Body Health.
We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launch your brand, Serene Body Health?…
My mission to create a beauty, wellness and lifestyle brand began from my love of plants, herbal medicine and essential oils, combined with my love of meditation. I started using oils combined with my mediation practice as a way of supporting and healing myself from the trauma that I had experienced when I lost my mother and sister to illness in 2013. This was a very challenging time for me because I also had my second child in that same year. I had experienced so much pain and joy in such a short time which seemed to open my perception and my awareness and I began to embark on a more mindful and spiritual life, which is how Serene Body Health was born.
Where did your love and interest for fragrances come from?
It really come from my love of nature and my interest in plants. I studied horticulture, then landscape architecture so I’ve worked with plants for a large portion of my life. Fragrance for me is always natural and never synthetic.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your fragrances?
These fragrances are really designed to support emotional health and to boost your mood! I’d love for people to feel nurtured and supported wearing my scents. My perfume oil range is all about supporting our moods and our emotional health. I love the idea of helping people connect more to themselves on a deeper level, checking in with how they feel, then choosing a scent that best supports them in that moment.
Do you have plans to expand your range in the future and if so, what will you expand in to?
Yes, we are already expanding our range into natural perfume sprays and we are about to launch into some sexual wellness products.
Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?
I’ve really learnt along the way because I certainly had no experience in marketing or in any aspect of creating a brand. I’ve made lots of mistakes but I can’t say I would necessarily change anything because I’ve learnt so much from all of the things that didn’t work out. Our mistakes are our most important learning opportunities.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
At the moment the business is still very small. I do most of the general running of the business, the formulating, making, social media and communications and other aspects are sub contracted out. We also have a PR company that is working on some press for us.
For anyone interested in launching a beauty brand, what advice would you offer them?
I don’t feel at all like an expert yet! I am very much learning as I go along. I am still very new to this beauty/wellness industry. But my advise would be to always go back to why you started and to always believe in your dreams. We all make mistakes along the way and that’s how we learn. Stick to your plan but don’t be afraid to pivot along the way.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
My first priority is always my family so I make sure I get them ready and off to school, I tend to get my coffee on my way back and then I hit the computer and start work. Some days I’ll do a yoga or pilates class at around 10am, then back to work, then I’ll often walk my dogs, then back to work again and most days I pick the kids up from school. I will often do my social media in the evening time before dinner. I usually try do some journaling or mediation before bed because It helps me sleep. I love my sleep! And I often go to bed early because I like a lot of sleep.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
Exercise, meditation and journaling is very helpful for me and I love to experiment with ingredients, making oils and perfumes, trying out new scents and getting creative always makes me happy.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has hugely played a role in the creation of the brand as we’ve often ran ads, done giveaways and built relationships with influencers. It’s been a very important aspect of the brand, especially during covid lockdowns, advertising through facebook and Instagram was amazing for brand awareness and online sales.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I like the quote – “Great things never came from comfort zones”. This motivates me, otherwise I just say this to myself – Nina You can do this!
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
I would love to go back to Europe, love to go to Croatia, Ireland, Iceland and the
Maldives.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care is about showing up for ourselves, It’s listening to our bodies and It’s setting boundaries to support our own emotional health. It’s learning how to say no when something doesn’t feel right or is not serving our greater good. Self care is a process, as we are always learning and evolving, It’s checking in with ourselves, accepting ourselves and loving all aspects of ourselves so that we can be kind, not only to ourselves, but kinder and more accepting of others.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
I see Serene Body Health in online stores, hotels and resorts all over the world because It’s such a fantastic travel product.
Where can people find out more?
To find out more about us please go to our website and Instagram page. Follow and join our mailing list.
Daniele Klien is the brainchild behind the luxe handcrafted and bespoke jewellery brand that is Anne x Joseph. Like many others, she used the global pandemic as an opportunity to finally go all in on her dreams and that is when the brand was born.
We spent some time with Daniele to find out more about how she arrived at this point, what’s coming up in the future and so much more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launch your brand, Anne X Joseph?…
Like a number of the incredible female entrepreneurs I’ve come to know, my business was born during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in the US. At the time, I was living just outside of Washington, DC, and both my husband and I were required to begin working remotely. With a new infant, and an older child who had to begin kindergarten remotely as well, the restrictive nature of the lockdown while maintaining career and family began to take its toll. Understanding that I was in a very fortunate position, having my family healthy and together, as well as my career intact, I decided I needed to find an outlet. A realistic form of self-care. I also understood that while my feelings were valid, my situation could have been much worse.
While my educational background is in Finance, and my 20-year career is in Corporate Insurance & Risk Management, I have always naturally been drawn to the Arts and design. One evening, while scrolling through social media, I saw a few pieces of jewelry and thought “I think I would enjoy make something like that. I wonder what it would take.” From there, I began researching materials, techniques, etc, and I started off making beaded bracelets for myself and my sisters. I added vintage buttons to some of my beaded bracelet stacks as I had not seen that done before, and the initial feedback was incredible. From there, I opened a small Etsy shop where I began selling my beaded bracelets, and as my designs became more unique, I thought I could do this on an broader scale.
In January of 2021, my company was officially registered in the US, then my website was launched. In the space of a few short months, I went from making beaded bracelets as a form of self-imposed therapy to launching my brand, Anne X Joseph, LLC. People often assume that my name is Anne, however, the brand was named after my two children – my daughter, Ellie Anne, and son, Tristan Joseph. My pieces now include handcrafted, semi-fine necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets and more. I take pride in sourcing high quality materials to make my pieces, providing jewelry that will last at a price-point which won’t break the bank. I also love receiving custom design requests, as I enjoy the process of working with my clients to design pieces that are truly unique to them.
Where did your love and interest for jewellery come from?
I was born in Guyana, South America, and grew up with a paternal grandfather who was the precious stones & metals mining business. From the time we were babies, my grandfather always designed and made us, his granddaughters, the most beautiful items of jewelry. Always dainty, always unique. This is where my love for beautiful jewelry was born, and it has grown over the years.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your designs?
There is a quote which I love (it is not mine, and I am unsure of the name of the original author) – “Beauty is who you are. Jewelry is simply the icing on the cake.” It is a heavily used quote, but I love it because it accurately describes how I want people to feel wearing my pieces. Anne X Joseph pieces are not needed to make you look beautiful – they enhance what is already there. I try to make pieces which appeal to a range of individuals. You should be able to feel stylish, classy, bold, unique, luxurious, and sophisticated when you wear one of my pieces. That is the goal.
Do you have plans to expand your range in the future and if so, what will you expand in to?
Some of my customers do not realize this, but since I started my brand in the US, my family and I have made two international moves (we could be professional expats if there were such a thing!). We lived in the Cayman Islands for just over a year, and have just recently moved to Ghana, West Africa.
While I will always have the classic pieces which are true to my personal style (I love pearls), I’ve incorporated a bit of local style into some of my collections. While in Cayman, I enjoyed making lighter, brighter, fun, flowy pieces. Perfect for summer, or a Caribbean vacation, as we essentially lived at the beach. Now that we are in Ghana, I look forward to working with bright, bold, beautiful colors and patterns. I would love to us my platform to showcase the incredible fashion, style, and culture in Ghana, and on the African continent as a whole.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
When I started the brand and I was still physically based in the US, I handled all aspects of the business from sourcing my materials and making my pieces, to order fulfillment and shipping. When the opportunity came us for us to move to the Cayman Islands, I wanted to maintain my brand with no disruption to service. So while our home base remains the US, and this is where my business is registered, I hand craft my pieces at home, which is now Ghana. To maintain my initial fulfillment turnaround time, I began working with a trusted friend who owns and operates a logistics company out of Miami, FL. I continue to source my materials from my original vendors (mostly based in the US), make each piece, and ship them to Miami for distribution.
For anyone interested in launching a fashion brand, what advice would you offer them?
Do your research. Understand the commitment required to not only create and sell your products, but to deliver the absolute best customer experience. An appealing product may win you a new customer, but outstanding service will turn them into a repeat customer, who will also recommend your brand to their friends and family. Most importantly, be passionate about whatever it is you are delivering. Yes, it is a business, with the ultimate goal of generating income, but there should be enjoyment in the process.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I am usually up by 6:30am with my husband and children. We tag team with getting them ready for their school day while each enjoying a very strong cup of coffee. Once he is off to his office, and the kids are settled in school, I usually have another coffee, then get online to tackle work related to my Corporate (remote) role. I do try to make time for myself during the week, whether it’s with a massage, pedicure, or lunch with a friend. Once my children are home, all evening activities are completed, and they are in bed, my husband and I share a glass of wine while I create my Anne X Joseph “magic.” That is my favorite time of day, as it is when I truly feel the most relaxed, and it is how I unwind.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has played a very important role in the awareness and growth of my brand. I am able to constantly keep my clients and friends apprised of what I am working on, what has been newly released, sales, and more. It also gives me an opportunity to interact with my customers, many of whom have become friends throughout this process, and that alone is invaluable.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“The important thing is to believe in what you do. Have a big dream and take small steps.” – Diane Von Furstenberg
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
Portugal! I consider myself well-traveled, and while there are so many cities and countries I adore, Portugal has been my favorite to date. I found the people to be so very welcoming, the food incredible (there isn’t a variation of bacalhau fresco that I do not love), the crisp, refreshing Vihno Verde, the sights, the laid back nature, I could go on and on. If a relaxing, stress-free escape is what you are after, Portugal is my recommendation!
What does self care mean to you?
Self-care for me means carving out time, no matter how hectic life may get, to do something that is truly for me. Some days it means sitting on my balcony with a good cup of coffee and a book. Other days, it may mean some time at the spa. Regardless of the chosen activity, the goal is to feel refreshed and recalibrated at the end of it.
Where do you see the brand in the future?
I am enjoying the pace at which Anne X Joseph has grown since I launched the brand. Continual growth at this pace would be ideal. I would like to maintain the ability to handcraft my pieces, ensuring each piece is made with love, care, and attention to detail. Additionally, I would love to partner with local Artisans here in Africa to collaborate on some designs which would fit the profile of my brand, yet showcase some of the incredible talent here on a more global scale.
Araceli Concordia is the founder of Aracheli Studio, a jewellery brand where being sustainable, conscious and designing with a purpose is at the forefront of everything that she does.
We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launch your brand, Aracheli?…
I have always been a creative ever since I could remember but a designer/creative as a career path has never crossed my mind, for many reasons. But I also feel that this path also waited for the right chapter to be written in my life.
The pandemic in 2020 brought out this chapter. In March 2020, I was pregnant at 5 months with 2 little boys and homeschooling. And when I was almost 7 months pregnant my husband had to go back to work and was alone at home with kids most of the days. There was a point where I couldn’t move much anymore and so big activities was out of the question. But I needed a distraction, I needed to pour my energy to something positive. I needed something to help me coup, distract me from what was happening in the world. I needed to be OK, for myself and for my family.
It just so happened that a few months prior to the pandemic my mom brought my boxes of arts and craft things from 15-20 years ago where in there was my jewelry making supplies and collections of trinkets, beads, yarns and fabrics. Before you know it, I was creating and creating helped me stay sane.
My amazing supportive husband, I thank him for seeing my talent and my unrealized dream. He would see my finished creations and he constantly would tell me my work was beautiful and that people would love it. After talking about the possibilities for months, I finally gave in. No, not to him but to my unrealized dream. I knew I would love to have my designs, my creations out in the world.
So, in June we decided to hire for help at home. Also really lucky that it’s a relative. The best decision my husband and I have made. I was going to give birth to my daughter in July and we also have 2 little boys at home plus I have just decided to take on a big project. God really helped things align for us. I decided on a niche, I was able to create a website, then launched in September 2020. I was lucky enough to have been accepted to sell on a couple marketplace by December 2020 and that’s how it all started. I am truly so happy to have found myself in this path.
Like so many, it was a tough, challenging, scary, crazy times. For me it was also busy, productive and the most fulfilling times in my life. I am so grateful. My family was complete, healthy together and I was able to create my dream job.
Where did your love and interest for vintage come from?
My love for vintage goes back from when I was in middle school. I would tag along to vintage stores with my cousin. We would walk for miles all over LA, particularly Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Melrose. Those days were so much fun!!
I love vintage/antiques for the feeling of nostalgia that it gives me. As a kid and till now, I find them so intriguing; different from what I would see at the mall and I loved that. It also meant that it’s now one of kind or rare and I love that even more. In addition, vintage items are also made well. The art of crafting and labor that went on a vintage/antique piece are very visible and I appreciate that so much.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your jewellery?
I want people to feel distinctive and intriguing.
Do you have plans to expand your range in the future and if so, what will you expand into?
Yes, I do. I plan on adding a fine jewelry line. Also, other accessories such as belts, hair accessories and the list goes on.
Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?
Getting a system together from the very beginning is important. It will organize and streamline everything and you will save a lot of time. I didn’t start putting a system together and now it’s taking some time to put one together, to get organized and to streamline everything.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
It is mostly just me at this time. But I have been very lucky to have been able to call a few of my cousins to help me when I’m swamped. When I do get help, their role is usually organizing inventory, admin and photography.
For anyone interested in launching a jewellery brand, what advice would you offer them?
There are many great talents out there and so I feel it’s important to constantly tell yourself that you too is talented. To stay true and not lose sight of why you started in the first place.
To delegate task when possible to avoid any burn out. To accept that you can’t do everything yourself if you want your business to grow.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I have 3 children and my schedule is worked around their schedule.
We have to be out of the house at about 8:00am for school. I’m back home by 8:45am. I spend some time with my little girl for at least an hour. I’ll squeeze in a work out, 2-3X a week in the morning depending on how busy things are. I’ll be in the studio till 12pm. I’ll have lunch and feed my little girl and hang out with her for a bit. My studio right now is at my home so it’s very convenient but can also be really difficult at times.
I’m back in the studio at about 12:30pm or when my little girl takes her nap, again this is depending on how busy things are . I’ll work till about 2:30pm when I have to pick up my boys from school. Sometimes my husband is able to pick up the boys which is great as I get more studio time.
At about 3:15pm my boys are home and at this time, my girl has just woken up from her nap. Will kiss and hug the kids then back in the studio till 5pm until they go to sleep for the night. Between that time, it’s homework, a little house chores when possible, hang out with the kids, dinner time then it’s bed time ritual. My kids are in bed at about 9-9:30pm, which means for me is studio time.
I have to admit , work is not as productive in the day time as I am during the night since I constantly go in and out of the studio. So, I do easy task like packing and shipping orders.
During the day time my family is my priority and that is why I really have to be productive on that night shift. I do really love working during these hours and I am very productive. I get my alone time and get my work checklist done. I mean, it’s quite and all my loved once are near, safe and sound asleep and that gives me peace. I also choose to work some hours during the weekends because my studio is at my home, it’s really convenient.
This schedule is will likely not change for another 1-2 years until my little girl goes to nursery.
What’s great about being an entrepreneur?
It is so hard to be an entrepreneur. You have to understand and accept the risk. You have to embrace the challenge and learn how to pivot fast. It is a constant test of self-discipline, a constant battle with your insecurities and so much more but with it comes with so many rewards.
Being an entrepreneur means you are in charge of your own success, the sky is the limit. It means you have the opportunity to do what you love and if you’re lucky you can choose on which opportunities to take on. For me as a mother, it’s important to have some sort of grasp of my own schedule and my priority.
With that said, your choices, your priorities coincide with your success. It can mean making it or not.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
When I’m lacking creativity, I don’t even try to do any designing or creative work for days. Sometimes my family and I will go on a 2-3 days getaway. 2-3 days is usually what it takes when I start missing my studio and that’s when my creative mindset kicks in.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
It has definitely played a major role. It is how I have connected with my customers and the media.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on you must visit list?
There are so many wonderful places to visit. I think anywhere that you would feel free, feel alive, feel relaxed is where you ought to be. However, discovering new places is always great.
What does self-care mean to you?
Aside from eating healthy and working out; getting enough sleep is a must. During the week, I try my best to get at least 6 hours of sleep, it’s hard right now to get a full 8 but my body seem to be good with it, for now. But I also take naps when my body tells me to and sleep in during the weekends and on vacations. Without enough sleep, you can’t function to your fullest.
Traveling. Going on family vacations, mini weekend getaways is definitely a must for self-care, not just for me but also for my entire family.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I hope for Aracheli to be a well-established brand with a fine jewelry line, as well as carrying other accessories. It would be wonderful to have a studio/store front with a small but mighty and amazing supportive team.
Angie is the founder of Tiny Birds, a brand that she founded after struggling to find a toddler group for her son. Instead of seeing this as a problem, she turned her mess in to a message and launched Tiny Birds.
Here, she tells us more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Tiny Birds…
TINY BIRDS was founded out of a difficult situation. In 2019 when my younger child turned 2 I registered him for day care. Where we live, you only get a spot in a day care center when you have a job. When I found a job I had to cancel it as there was no space left anymore in any day care center nearby. It was a hopeless catch 22 which was nerve-racking.
To launch my own Online Shop was a big dream I always had in my mind but only out of this bad situation I found the courage to go this big step and I never regret it. Sometimes it has to be extra hard to find all these great opportunities. I am very grateful for what I have now. I love to work on my shop and grow with my label.
How do you want mothers to feel when they using your products?
Muslin swaddles have been the most used and loved item when my kids were Babies. Motherhood can be really messy at the beginning as you need so much stuff. With the simple and minimal style, I want them to not feel overwhelmed with all the colorful baby stuff. I want to give them peace and room to breathe and I want their Babies to feel cozy and comforting.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
The journey of a startup is always a crazy ride with many ups and downs. I think it’s very important to make mistakes and learn from them. There is not a major thing which I would change. I actually would do it the same way I did.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
Since day one I do it all by myself. My sister is a good consultant when I need someone to talk about decisions. She also helps out with the kids or with packing when there is workoverload.
Do you plans to launch new products in the future?
Yes, my list is long. Next we will have sheets for bigger beds.
For anyone interested in launching a business, what advice would you offer them?
If you are in with all your heart, just do it. Talk to people who are from the business, listen to podcasts, inform yourself about how to start. Stay true to yourself. Make mistakes and learn from them and don’t look back. Get better every day.
How do you juggle being mum whilst growing your business?
It challenges me every day. As I am a single mom, I have to carefully plan everything. Kids things come first and then I plan everything around it. It is doable. I survived lock downs including home schooling and next to a kindergartner. It can’t get any worse.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Every morning after I take my kids to school and kindergarten I plan the day, answer Emails and do some housework where I do calls simultaneously. Afterwards I take pictures for my Instagram feed or work on the Onlineshop. Then I go downstairs to my office which is in the same building as we live. I prepare the items and check and reorder goods or packaging material and pack all current orders. Afterwards I drop the parcels at the post office. Before I pick up my kids I went to the supermarket or run some errands. In the afternoon after homework we are outside, meeting friends or go to things like guitar class or sports. In between I answer emails or do Instagram-work. With my phone I can literally work everywhere. Before preparing dinner, I do a workout with my sister. When I brought them to bed, I answer emails, do Instagram-work or administrative things like taxes, invoices and some housework which is left.
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
I go out to nature, listen to podcasts or talk to inspiring people, read motivational books or just let this time pass. I also love to travel which always inspires me the most.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
It has played a major role. In the beginning I think I gained 95% of my total sales via Instagram.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
The gap between the life you want and the life you are living is called mindset, focus and consistency.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
I love to travel myself. I have worked in Dublin and Ghana. I went to University in Beijing and I spent a lot of time in California. I love all of these places. I think whenever there is an opportunity to travel it shouldn’t be missed. Each destination has its own charm.
What does self care mean to you?
To take care of my body by eating healthy food and doing workouts, to take care of my mind by reading books and listening to podcasts, to be in nature and of course traveling.
Sisters, twins, and fashion revolutionaries, Eda Franci and Seda Aksoy are bringing Turkey’s largest fashion rental platform, DCEY, to the UK. Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies gets the scoop.
DCEY brings together 80 of the world’s most fashionable labels, making them available for rent for savvy fashion lovers. The company was founded in Turkey in 2010, at the beginning of the rental economy breakthrough, and has been making waves since.
Now, it has set its sights on the UK – and we think that soon, DCEY’s sustainable, circular and downright stylish platform will take over the fashion world too.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background – how did DCEY come to be?
Even though we chose different career paths after graduating from Saint Pulcherie High School, our passion and interest in fashion was the biggest thing we had in common as sisters. I used to work in the Marketing and Purchasing departments of several brands such as Ralph Lauren and Harvey Nichols at Unitim Holding, and Seda has extensive experience in finance. Both experiences prepared us to start our own business.
Our interest in fashion comes from our family, especially from our mother. She loved fashion since she was a young girl and wore every piece with style and taste.
Nowadays, most people don’t want to spend a lot of money for a dress to wear for one event, because they don’t think they’ll wear ever it again, which is quite understandable.
As sisters, it was very common for us to borrow items such as bags and dresses from each other. This gives us more options and is more economical and ethical. One day, we thought why not turn this into a business?
The first seeds of DCEY were planted here. We established DCEY in 2010 as the first fashion rental company in Turkey.
Do you think renting is the future of fashion? What role do companies like DCEY play in the rental revolution?
We can all buy a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, or a bag that we see through the windows of a store. Nowadays, people are more conscious about the value and quality of what they buy.
When buying occasion wear for example, the option to rent something saves time and money and is better for the planet. All while giving people access to more than one product.
In our opinion, rental prevents needless fast fashion consumerism. The role of DCEY and other brands that are open to renting in the fashion industry is that we can be the biggest players in a fashion revolution.
How does the rental process work? From choosing the right pieces, to sizing, to returns?
Contrary to the popular belief, the rental process is faster and more practical than buying something. You can filter your options by brand, size and style, creating a personalised selection for yourself. If you are unsure about sizing, you can opt to receive additional size options with your order. Even if you have length or size issues, we offer bespoke alterations.
Once you have selected something, you select the rental period and occasion for your order. The process is completed with the shipping of the product, after all the necessary cleaning controls are done. You will then receive your order 1-2 days before the date of your rental.
After the dresses have been worn, we ask our customers to ship the products back in the same packaging, within a certain time frame. Since the rental period includes the shipping period, the product must be delivered to the courier the day after the event date.
The cleaning process is then carried out by expert teams using organic dry-cleaning methods. This way, we can once again list the item on our system to be sent to other customers in pristine conditions. It’s that easy!
What is the best and worst thing about working with as sisters?
As sisters, twins, we have always been quite different from each other. Even if we look the same and we went to the same school and grew up in the same house. As DCEY’s founders, that distinction has perhaps laid the foundation for the company’s success.
Let’s consider the advantages of using the right and left sides of a brain, which in my opinion applies to us as Co-Founders of DCEY.
Seda is the creative one. She has artistic and sharp point of view. She travels frequently as our creative director and participates in fairs and expos abroad. She makes sure that we are up to date with new trends and seasons.
My job is strictly with numbers and strategy. One of the hardest parts of working as twins is trying to keep a balance of our personal lives and work, but we’re apparently doing just fine. I am more prudent in terms of business partnerships and Seda doesn’t hesitate to take risks. We cannot deny that it makes it tough sometimes when making decisions.
At the same time, our differences create a perfect balance for us as business partners – and I think this is what brings us success.
How important is sustainability to your ethos at DCEY? How are you incorporating sustainable and conscious practices in your own business operations?
Sustainability is a way of life. As the founders of DCEY, we are also prioritising sustainable actions in our personal lives.
Sustainability is a movement that aims to change the fashion industry through circular practices, conservation and promoting social justice and conscious consumerism. This includes changing not only the products but also the social and cultural goals with which fashion is linked.
DCEY continues to progress with the aim of promoting the rental economy, where people can extend the life cycle of a product and see themselves as stakeholders in circular process.
We try to be sustainable across all our operations. We use organic cleaning methods and minimise the waste of our logistics.
In our rental and return policy, we have added a guide section where we educate our customers that by keeping the products they use in good conditions, they can extend its lifecycle and prevent landfill.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?
Making people understand our concept is the hardest part. Trying to explain something that has never been done before is usually very tricky. My advice is to give the idea time to grow. Believing and achieving are the two most important parts of running a business.
What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own business?
If you have a start-up or a business idea, and you are planning to introduce an unusual and new business model, you must own your idea and use all the positive and negative feedback as a steppingstone to take your business idea to the next level.
Launching a new business is the first step, but you need to give that business time to grow. You need to have a good understanding the customer and the market well by using the right marketing strategies, making the right moves and following the right trends. Working in a disciplined way and believing that it will bring you success is crucial. The rest will follow.
What is next for you and DCEY?
Like every company, we have growth and sales targets. However, the most important thing for us is to increase our brand equity by strengthening the bond with our customers, without losing our values in the process.
We entered this industry with the aim of creating a sustainable fashion business with a conscious approach. Our goal is to show our customers that they can create value thanks to renting. We created a platform to help fashion loves include join the sharing economy and we want to be the market leader. We want to be the first point of call for fashion renters in the UK just like we already are in Turkey.
If it doesn’t have gin then it doesn’t mean a thing. With the rise in gin lovers all over the world, we’re all becoming connoisseurs when it comes to choosing the best brands out there to compliment that glass of tonic. Recently, we stumbled across Le Tarot Spirits, a gin brand that speaks to us on so many levels.
Launched during difficult times, this is a brand that is going to last the test of time. We spent some time with one of their founders, Liz, to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Le Tarot Spirits…
The beginning of Le Tarot coincides with the early days of Covid-19: I suspect several new enterprises boast a similar tale. We were sitting as a group discussing ideas and opportunities to create a business, clawing back a little control in our respective lives. The burgeoning pandemic had caused job losses and uncertain futures for our little band, and out of the blue came the idea to create a brand of gin using the iconography and artistry associated with tarot.
We have always had an affinity with France and moving down to the Occitanie region only opened our eyes to just how much culture and history is woven into everything: from the markets to the buildings and to the landscape itself. Every building has a story; every doorway seems to have a link back to its medieval origins. Most notably, the Occitan Cross is ubiquitous, adorning everything from castle gateways to corner shop doorways. Originally used as the coat of arms for a French count, it grew popular in the region and is still to be found in modern iconography of the area. Its importance is paramount, and so we wanted to make sure it was equally prominent in our design work.
We soon realised that the mystique and artwork of the age-old French Tarot card game would perfectly translate to what we were attempting to create, and it inspired the intricate designs that adorn our bottles. Our aim was to not only create a distinct flavour using botanicals found in this rich area of France, but to bottle it in a way that was equally vibrant
Where did your love and interest of gin come from?
On a hot, sultry, summer’s day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as the zesty citrus flavours of a quality summer gin, poured over a rockfall of ice and mixed with a splash of tonic water. I first discovered this sensation when I was attending a wedding on a glorious summer day and a friend suggested I try a good-old G&T. Since then, I have sought out and collected (sampled too!) a wide range of gins from different parts of the world. I have always been drawn to not only the tastes but also the bottle and label designs, which I find fascinating at times.
Do you plan to expand your range in the future to offer more than gin?
Interestingly, we are just in the process of doing so. We have recently introduced new barware items to our online shop, as well as some fabulous gin-infused Belgian chocolates made for us by an excellent chocolatier. In addition to this, this autumn we will be launching a new gin! I can’t give away too much, but House of Coco will be first to know what we have up our sleeves!
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I think we would probably have researched and better understood the implications of events like Brexit and the impact on our ability to reach out to the European market: something that even bigger and long-established gin producers are simply not bothering with.
Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?
Le Tarot is very much a team effort. I work alongside my fellow directors, Ben and Mike; and between us we set the course for the brand and products. Behind us we have several colleagues and contributors – Josh and Rebecca carry out much of the day-to-day activity involved in running a drinks business. Holly Burnston provides us with much of our marketing imagery. My brother Paul has been indispensable as both a sounding-board and advisor on all things creative (he works as a creative producer for a television company). Of course, there is the extensive list of friends and family without whom we would not be where we are now.
For anyone interested in launching a drinks brand, what advice would you offer them?
Really get to know and understand your numbers! The up-front investment costs can be significant, particularly for small-batch producers like us at Le Tarot. There are numerous cost elements that build up to the selling price of a bottle, many of which only become apparent when you have passed the point of no return in investment terms! Once you have done the less than inspiring work on the figures, focus on realizing your dream; don’t be put off pursuing anything you are passionate about whether it be imagery, taste, design, description – nothing! If you keep pushing, you will achieve your end goal. Oh! And don’t expect to make your fortune: margins are tight, and the market is very competitive. Do it for the right reasons first and foremost: because you want to!
What do you do when you are lacking creativity?
Pour myself a gin and tonic: Le Tarot Soleil, of course! Seriously though, I find that taking the time to “re-set” is often the best way to reinvigorate the creative mind. This resetting takes many forms: it could be a simple walk through the local forest; sitting on a sandy beach, eyes closed, listening to the sound of breaking waves and feeding off the energy they have. It could be inhaling fresh mountain air and bathing in the surrounding nature. In essence, for me, rejuvenating the creative process is about putting aside the complexities that come with life generally, and modern life particularly, and getting back to what is important: an affinity with the natural world and fellow human beings.
Being creative has become easier for me in a way as I now live in the part of France that was largely responsible for the whole Le Tarot concept. I live in a mediaeval village north of Carcassonne in the Occitanie region of what is technically South-West France – Cathar Country.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Until recently, social media was our only platform for marketing and brand exposure, other than old-fashioned word of mouth. In the last few months we have expanded beyond this with the assistance of wonderful magazines such as House of Coco. We have been wowed by the interest from sources like this, and we are very proud to be associated with high-end publications like yours.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
That’s an easy one. US President Calvin Coolidge:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
The team and I believe this to be harmonious with our inspiration “Terre Courage”, which is found on the neck-label of our bottles and our logo. It is the motto of the Ariège département of Occitanie, nestled between the Carcassonne plain and the foothills of the towering Pyrénées. Ultimately, Terre Courage represents an enduring human spirit, and the rewards that living with nature can bring – just like the botanicals brought together and distilled into our artisan gin.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?
I have visited this country before, but I really want to go back and spend much more time exploring everything this incredible place has to offer: New Zealand.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
We have a medium-term plan for the creation of a number of gins that will each be distinct in flavour, style and branding; yet they will form a recognizable group of products. I firmly believe we will be able to achieve our goals without losing the heart and soul that makes Le Tarot spirits what it is: exclusive, artisanal, of the highest quality, and gins that take you on a journey from wherever you happen to be at the moment to an inspirational place where you experience the differences in culture, geography and the essence of what makes a location special.
