IN CONVERSATION WITH SHARON FERRARI - WOMAN BEHIND A NEW UNIQUE JEWELLERY BRAND-GEMINERA

Sharon was dreaming about starting her own jewellery business and guess what..she made it happen and she achieved the success! I have decided to find out a little bit more about her journey and what helped her to make her dream come true.

Tell me a little bit about your background… How was your journey to starting Geminera?

Starting my own jewellery brand has been something that I have always dreamed of doing. I have a real passion for beautiful jewellery and always have done, which is why I was so excited to start Geminera.

Where do you look for inspiration when you start buying a new collection?

I always keep a close eye on the catwalk, matched with what my market and customer are interested in. I regularly look through online magazines and blogs which I feel are relevant to who I’m trying to access in this industry.

What's the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I love hearing positive feedback from the pieces that I buy. I hand pick each stone so it’s important to me to know that  is appreciated and the pieces are enjoyed.

What has been your biggest challenge and success so far?

Quite simply, the biggest challenge has been to take that leap of faith to start this business, and the biggest success I have had so far, has been the launch 

Where do you find strength and motivation to overcome any obstacles that you come across? 

Starting my own jewellery business is something that I have always had ambition to do. Motivation comes from knowing that you can learn from your mistakes and move forward with a positive attitude.

What success means to you?

Happiness. If I’m  happy, I consider myself successful

What is your creative process like?

I take inspiration from those that I admire, trust and look up to. When I’m on my buying trips through India, it’s difficult not to be creative and inspired by one of the most beautiful and inspirational countries in the world.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It’s usually out of bed by 6.30am, breakfast comprises of lots of tea! I check my emails and print off orders which have come through overnight; I then ensure the item/s are checked and packaged in one of our beautiful wooden lacquered boxes, the posted out to the buyer.

As India are about 5 ½ hours behind the UK, I need to discuss any new ideas/queries as early in the morning as possible. I try to end the day at 5.30pm to allow me to spend time with loved ones, relax and have fun!

Which other jewellery designers have inspired you?

I own pieces from all sides of the jewellery industry spectrum. By that I mean I am lucky enough to own a piece from Cartier, however I also love brands such as Mawi, Monirca Vinader and Alex Monroe

Who would you say your collection is designed for?

I couldn’t necessarily pin point a specific type of woman (or man!) however I would like to feel that the pieces are bought by people who like to feel unique, special and comfortable with who they are. My pieces are not for mass market, they’re one of a kind as is my customer.

If you could only wear one piece of jewellery for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My engagement ring

What is your most cherished wardrobe staple?

I have the most wonderful little black dress from Marni which has been in my wardrobe longer than I can remember. As they say, every woman should have the perfect LBD!

What are your hopes for the future and for the Geminera brand?

The biggest plan I have for Geminera in 2014 is to expand the collections exponentially. I dipped my toe in the water of buying the pieces in 2013, and the reaction to the brand has been so wonderful that it has given me the confidence to believe in what my customers like. I’ll also be looking at stocking independent jewellery designers from the UK which will be very exciting.

What piece of advice would you give to aspiring designers/what is your recipe of success?

The biggest advice I could give to aspiring entrepreneurs/designers/buyers, is to have the confidence that you can launch a successful business. It takes a lot to break off and take the step, but you have to have faith in yourself first and foremost. You might surprise yourself

CHERRIES IN THE PARK

     

Last weekend we have seen more and more sunshine in London, which put me in such a summery mood.  I decided to wear my favourite baby blue cherry dress and relax in the park while playing some badminton. As much as appreciate the fact that the dress might be not very suitable outfit for this kind of sport...who said that you can't look stylish while playing in the park! Plus for me baby blues, pistachio greens and pale pinks are the colours of summer and happiness – and cherries just add a touch of joy. That’s why I just LOVE SS14 Burberry Prorsum collection simply because it epitomizes all of them! Now it really feels like summer!

W ostatni weekend widzieliśmy coraz więcej słońca w Londynie, które wprowadziło mnie w letni nastrój. Postanowiłam założyć  moją ulubioną blado błękitną sukienkę w wisienki I zrelaksować się w parku, grając w badmintona . Oczywiście doskonale zdaję sobie sprawę, że sukienka może nie być odpowiednim strojem dla tego rodzaju sportu ... ale kto powiedział, że nie można wyglądać stylowo podczas wygłupów w parku!  Plus dla mnie dziecięce błękity, pistacjowe zielenie i blade róże są kolorami lata i szczęścia - a czereśnie po prostu dodają odrobinę radości. Dlatego po prostu KOCHAM kolekcjię Burberry Prorsum na wiosnę/lato 14 głównie dlatego, że uosabia wszystkie z nich! Teraz naprawdę czuje się jakby było lato!

Burberry Prorsum SS14 Show

 

 

Dress handmade by Lovekillsclothing.co.uk , Shoes Primark , Sunglasses Prada

THE STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL SUCCESS - MARY KAY ASH

During the time of my self-doubt My Wonderful Friend gave me a fantastic book with a very meaningful title "Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office" written by Lois P. Frankel. Not only it pointed out some key mistakes that most of us do in our adult life (which jeopardise our chances for success),  but it also introduced me to the name of one of the most iconic businesswoman of our times-Mary Kay Ash. I would like to take a moment and tell you the unique story of this visionary woman. She was born on the beginning of the 20th century and lived in the world ruled by men. Even as a very successful training director she was ignored in promotions and earning twice less than men in her position-doesn't it still sound familiar? But she had courage to say NO MORE inequality, and quit her position to start her own business at the age of 45. However risky-and some (men) would say stupid- it seemed, she invested her all savings and embraced the empowering “can-do” spirit in her remarkable company opening the doors of opportunities for women in the future. She inspired and still continues to inspire the generations of women, by showing that through the incredible dedication, determination and self-belief they can change their future. She truly wanted to make women’s lives more beautiful and empower them to achieve great things, and her multimillion dollar cosmetics business, which she built from scratch, is the proof, that her mission has been accomplished. Mary Kay has set an amazing example for the girls like us and proved that we can always bring our dreams to life.
I am not saying that you have to wait until you are 45 to start fighting for your dreams, but setting your goals might be a good start. Even if you feel you don't have what it takes, think how to create opportunities to get what you want. And if there is someone who doesn't believe in you...make sure you prove them WRONG!!!

W czasie mojego samo-zwątpienia Moja Wspaniała Przyjaciółka dała mi fantastyczną książkę o bardzo wymownym tytule " Grzeczne dziewczynki nie awansują" napisaną przez Lois P. Frankel . Nie tylko zwróciła ona uwagę na kilka kluczowych błędów, które większość z nas popełnia w dorosłym życiu (które niszczą nasze szanse na sukces ) , ale także przedstawiła mi nazwisko jednej z najbardziej znanych bizneswoman naszych czasów -Mary Kay Ash . Chciałabym poświęcić chwilę i powiedzieć wyjątkową historię tej wizjonerskiej kobiety. Urodziła się na początku 20 wieku i żyła w świecie rządzonym przez mężczyzn . Pomimo faktu że była  bardzo zdolnym dyrektorem szkoleniowym, ignorowano ją w promocjach i zarabiała dwa razy mniej niż mężczyźni w jej pozycji -czyż to nadal nie brzmi znajomo? Ale ona miała odwagę powiedzieć NIE dla nierówności i rzuciła swoją pozycję , aby rozpocząć własną działalność gospodarczą w wieku 45 lat. Jakże ryzykowne , a niektórzy (mężczyźni ) powiedzieliby głupie wydawało się to , ona zainwestowała wszystkie oszczędności i tchneła motywującego " da się zrobić " ducha w jej niezwykłą firmę otwierając drzwi szans kobiet w przyszłości. Mary Kay zainspirowała pokolenia kobiet , pokazując , że dzięki niesamowitemu poświęcenia, determinacji i wierze w siebie można zmienić swoją przyszłość . Ona naprawdę chciała uczynić życie kobiet piękniejszym i umożliwić im osiągnięcie  wielkich rzeczy , a jej wielomilionowy  biznes  kosmetyczny świetnie prosperujący do dziś , który zbudowała od podstaw jest dowodem , że jej misja została zakończona sukcesem . Mary Kay stworzyła niesamowity przykład dla dziewczyn takich jak my i udowodniła, że zawsze możemy wprowadzić nasze marzenia w życie.Nie mówię, że macie czekać aż do 45 roku życia żeby zawalczyć  o swoje marzenia , ale ustanowienie swoich celów może być dobrym początkiem. Nawet jeśli czujesz, że nie masz tego co potrzeba ,pomyśl jak stworzyć możliwości , aby osiągnąć to, co chcesz . A jeśli jest ktoś, kto nie wierzy w Ciebie ... udowodnij im  że się mylą !