An interview with the creative mind behind Loouy Magroos
Loouy Magroos is a fabulous, unique label, which specialises in selling personal gifts that really and truly come from the heart. We had the opportunity to interview the creative mind behind this independent British business.
How did your thriving business begin?
Very humbly, I trained at the School of Jewellery in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, where I gained a First Class Honours Degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. After that I worked from my boyfriend’s Mum’s spare room on a tiny desk and makeshift Jewellery peg. I started by selling to friends and family, making commissions and repairs, I then started selling on Etsy. I supported myself and grew the business by waitressing part time at night and working during the day. I now have my own workshop in my own home and sell through my own website and Not On The High Street as well.
What do you enjoy the most about Loouy Magroos?
I like being able to make my own designs, and see people enjoying them. I like that I make the decisions that take my business in the direction I want it to go in and that I have control in how Louy Magroos is seen by the world. I also like the processes in making jewellery and thinking about how something should be made, not just in terms of quality but also aesthetics. I like the traditional jewellery making techniques and that people find what I do and the processes I use intriguing. I like to use social media like Facebook and Twitter to show photographs of what is going on in my workshop on a daily basis, and the processes I use. I think it adds an extra dimension to my work to see shots of it being made and where it has come from.
What inspired your jewellery label?
A lot of my work is inspired by 1920s Art Deco design. Art Deco to me is elegance, glamour, pure decadence, it’s linear symmetry and geometric shapes lends itself to jewellery and metal work perfectly and makes it a style that is modern, bold and easy to recognise.
The products you sell seem very personal, would you say it is this that makes it stand out?
Many of my personalised products are my best sellers, I think that nothing shows how much you care more than a gift that has been specifically made with someone in mind. I have had orders for messages that make you laugh and orders that make you cry, and I love that each one is tailored to someone very specific and they will cherish it forever. I think the handmade quality of my work appeals to people because its something unique and it has a story behind it. It’s so fashionable now to find one of a kind or unique gifts or to have something different to everyone else.
Where do you see your business two years from now?
Two years ago I would never have believed I would be in the position I am now so who knows! I would eventually like to have my own shop, and to have a workshop where people can see me making and talk to me about my work and understand how it was made and my ideas behind it.
Who were your main inspirations when starting up your small business?
My parents run their own business as does my boyfriend’s Mum so I think it’s perhaps always been something that been there even if I didn’t know it.
I think that maybe there is something intrinsic in me that makes me need to be making something, all the time. I like to knit, sew, and bake, and find it difficult to relax unless I have some sort of project to do. So the fact that people will part with their hard earned money for something I make and I get to do what I love everyday is perfect, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
Which is your favourite piece of jewellery from your collection?
I don’t know if I can chose just one, I don’t have children but I expect it would be the same as choosing a favourite child. My Deco Collection is my favourite range of jewellery. I love the black and silver contrasts and the simplicity of basic shapes being repeated or layered to create something beautiful. I also like that the style lends itself to male and female jewellery.
What is the aim of your business?
I want to make jewellery that people love as much as I do, and I want the experience of shopping with me to be enjoyable. I like to be personable and make sure I make customers something they will truly treasure. I think this is often overlooked especially when shopping on-line, but it’s very important to my brand.
Take a closer look at this gorgeous, affordable jewellery here.
Sasha Hilton
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