One of the reasons I love having this blog is because I get to introduce other people to the things that I've fallen in love with. Having this tiny little space on the net means I can write about the people I adore, the projects I'm in awe of and, the brands I'm inspired by.
Today, I'm going to introduce you to Bijoux Bazaar - a new online jewellery boutique launched by one of the most creative, stylish and fashion forward thinking girls that can call a friend. Can you guess who? Yup, it's the lovely Lucy Smith - ( I've chatted to hear before on my blog, remember?). Lucy is a fashion intern queen (think ASOS, GRAZIA and Company) who graduated with a First Class Honors in Fashion Promotion.
Lucy's new fashion venture is her beautiful new baby - Bijoux Bazaar. This wonderful online treasure chest of the most beautiful jewels you've ever seen, offers you on trend, staple items for very easy on the eye prices. If you like statement necklaces, bejewelled cuffs and gem speckled earrings then Bijoux Bazaar is going to be your favourite boutique ever. Believe me.
Obviously, in true By Mimi style, I couldn't resist chatting to Lucy herself to get a little insight into her new project.
Q&A with Lucy Smith - founder of Bijoux Bazaar
Hi Lucy, first of all, huge congratulations on launching Bijoux Bazaar! I've already bought my first purchase and my wish list has been written! Last time we chatted you had just completed your time working as a Company Grad - when did you decide to launch your own jewellery bazaar?
I've always been business minded, but never really considered it as a career option until I was in my final year of Uni. As a kid I would drag my Mum to car boot sales to sell my old toys and clothes.. I loved the whole buying and selling thing.. a right little Del Boy! ha!
We know of quite a few graduates who have decided to launch their own brands, why do you think it's becoming so popular?
I think with the job market the way it is at the moment, graduates are having to get creative when it comes to making a living. Especially with creative courses.. students are becoming wise to the fact that they have made all of the contacts they need whilst at Uni, whether it's through class mates or whilst interning.
What can we expect from Bijoux Bazaar? Tell us about your inspirations/styles and where did the name come from?
Well, our site is quite basic as the moment. I hope to expand with strong editorial content and a stronger, more interactive website. I pretty much just shop for the business as I would shop for myself! I take into consideration trends, commerciality and what all of my friends are wearing and loving. They are my target customer.. so it's pretty easy in that respect. The name was something I agonised over for such a long time. I really liked the word 'bijoux', which is French for jewellery. The word Bazaar just completely encompasses the brand as a whole. I wanted the website to be like a digital Aladdin's cave.. like the bazaars and souks in Eastern countries.
I think with the job market the way it is at the moment, graduates are having to get creative when it comes to making a living. Especially with creative courses.. students are becoming wise to the fact that they have made all of the contacts they need whilst at Uni, whether it's through class mates or whilst interning.
What can we expect from Bijoux Bazaar? Tell us about your inspirations/styles and where did the name come from?
Well, our site is quite basic as the moment. I hope to expand with strong editorial content and a stronger, more interactive website. I pretty much just shop for the business as I would shop for myself! I take into consideration trends, commerciality and what all of my friends are wearing and loving. They are my target customer.. so it's pretty easy in that respect. The name was something I agonised over for such a long time. I really liked the word 'bijoux', which is French for jewellery. The word Bazaar just completely encompasses the brand as a whole. I wanted the website to be like a digital Aladdin's cave.. like the bazaars and souks in Eastern countries.
Does an item have to have a specific look to catch your eye?
I guess I look for the more 'statement' jewellery. I've never really been a dainty jewellery lover.. the first thing my boyfriend said he noticed about me was the ridiculous sized turquoise stones wrapped around my neck.. so I guess that says it all. It's not to everyone's taste, but I would't feel comfortable selling something I didn't love and feel proud to offer our customers.
I guess I look for the more 'statement' jewellery. I've never really been a dainty jewellery lover.. the first thing my boyfriend said he noticed about me was the ridiculous sized turquoise stones wrapped around my neck.. so I guess that says it all. It's not to everyone's taste, but I would't feel comfortable selling something I didn't love and feel proud to offer our customers.
We know that you're a huge admirer of fashion ( just take one look at Lucy's blog and you'll see the amazing depth of knowledge and keen eye for on trend pieces), so why did you decide to go down the path of jewellery?
Well I'm a huge accessories girl. They're a total outfit game changer, with jewellery being my guilty pleasure. I felt there was room in the market for an online retail destination where customers could shop beautiful trend let statement jewellery at affordable prices.
Well I'm a huge accessories girl. They're a total outfit game changer, with jewellery being my guilty pleasure. I felt there was room in the market for an online retail destination where customers could shop beautiful trend let statement jewellery at affordable prices.
We know this is just the beginning, but what plans do you have for BB? What are you hoping to come of this new venture?
It is hugely early days, as we only launched on Wednesday.. but I would like to see the business grow. I would love to build up a strong customer base.. stock a larger variety of jewellery and maybe branch out into other accessory areas. The main thing for me is developing the website. I have big dreams that I would love to fulfil, but I'm constantly reminding myself to take one step at a time. We have had a fantastic response already from customers and the fashion media. Look out for us in some of your favourite fashion glossies soon!
It is hugely early days, as we only launched on Wednesday.. but I would like to see the business grow. I would love to build up a strong customer base.. stock a larger variety of jewellery and maybe branch out into other accessory areas. The main thing for me is developing the website. I have big dreams that I would love to fulfil, but I'm constantly reminding myself to take one step at a time. We have had a fantastic response already from customers and the fashion media. Look out for us in some of your favourite fashion glossies soon!
By Mimi
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