I think more than ever this year has seen a movement to shopping small, locally or supporting craftspeople which has been incredible, so on this special Saturday which was created to highlight us small folk, I wanted to offer you a discount as a big thank you for every order, review, comment and follow. It means so much to me.
15% OFF FOR 48 HOURS | USE CODE SMALL15
There is such a talented tribe of makers, crafters and small brands out there and it’s been so lovely being able to connect with some new faces this year.
I’m pretty nosey myself and love to get to know the face behind the brand so if you’re interested to learn a little more about ANUKA - how I got started and what’s next for the brand, I have put together a little get to know me blog...so for all you nosey lot out there, enjoy!
WHAT MADE YOU START ANUKA?
“Very simply, the absolute love and joy I get from making. I think it’s so satisfying to go into the workshop at the start of the day with the raw materials and finish with a completed product that will perhaps be very sentimental to somebody one day - being a small part of that journey is hugely satisfying. The other side I would say is that I just wanted to do things a little differently. Ten years ago when I was studying at university, there wasn’t any mention or lectures or teaching surrounding the ethics of the jewellery industry and it was only when I was living in South Vietnam in such a beautiful place, I became more aware of the impact we were having on the environment. It led me to question what impact I’d be having as a business owner and once that door was slightly opened there was no going back.”
HOW HAVE YOU NAVIGATED RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS DURING COVID-19?
“Covid has affected us all very individually, whether it be personally, through business or, part of a workforce even, it’s just been a very challenging year all round. A real positive from it for me is that - and I think I can vouch for a few other small businesses here - is that it felt like in the first lockdown a pause button was hit and we weren’t allowed to go to our high street, you couldn’t go and shop at major retailers and I think what happened was that allowed space for people like myself to be seen by more people, people were at home, they were looking. I think people have started to become a bit more discerning in how they’re wanting to spend their money as well - whether it be through small independents and shopping local or more purpose-led businesses that are wanting to make a change or shake up an industry and so, from that perspective we’ve actually gone from strength to strength and this year has been our most successful year, despite the horrendous challenges we’ve all faced.”
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR?
“I think one highlight would be the Rainbow campaign. That was a lovely campaign to put together and felt like we were making a small impact in some way this year towards people that help us to create our jewellery. Every single bespoke order and online order, this year especially, is a highlight. It’s meant that I’ve been able to continue doing what I love and growing with it as well. You talk about small businesses doing a happy dance every time they receive an order - I don’t quite do a dance, but I definitely thank the person who’s made the order. I think as well, the Fine Collection that we launched more recently is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s nice to now have a selection of wedding bands, engagement rings and small pendants to add to the offering. Perhaps as well, on a more personal note, getting engaged!”
FAVOURITE/MOST WORN PIECE?
“This is a difficult one. I have so many favourites. I think for sentimental reasons, the KOTI stacking rings were one of the first pieces I ever designed and the first collection and I love them. I love how comfortable they are, I love that they’re so timeless and flattering on the hand, especially my jewellery hands! And then, the KOTI crawlers are really lovely - I have been wearing them for a couple of months now. I’ll leave it at that, otherwise I’ll just say everything!”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ANUKA?
“So we have a new main collection launching early next year, which I’m really excited about because we haven’t actually done one for a couple of years now - so that will be great! A big goal - there is a certain certification that I want to try and achieve for the business, I’m sure I’ll tell you more about that as and when but that’s a big goal. Other than that, is to just keep on keeping on, maintaining and growing in a positive 2021.”
Francesca x