Loved by celebrity supermodels like Bambi Northwood Blyth, Miranda Kerr and Rosie Huntington-Whitely, just to name a few, By Charlotte is an Aussie jewellery label you really ought to have on your radar.
Miss FQ‘s Skye Ross caught up with Charlotte Blakeney, the brains behind the operation that launched in 2012, to discover the story behind her delicate adornments and to get the scoop on what fans of the brand can expect in 2017.
Trust us, you’ll feel more zen just reading about her…
Miss FQ: You were a makeup artist before launching By Charlotte. What inspired you to delve into jewellery?
Charlotte: I have always wanted to design my own jewellery range, my passion began when I was younger, playing around in mum’s jewellery box; I’d adorn myself with all these Indian-inspired pieces and coloured gemstones she had. It was just a matter of time before I made it happen. I just always loved making women feel and look beautiful as a makeup artist so I guess thats why I chose jewellery design as my next profession. The right piece of jewellery can really make someone feel amazing!
Who is the By Charlotte girl?
The By Charlotte girl or woman is a free-spirited bohemian, Fashion has no age limit. She love’s delicate, fine and feminine jewellery that is symbolic and meaningful. She love’s to layer and have fun with her jewellery.
What inspires your designs?
Travel always inspires me, learning from new cultures and exploring their spiritual meanings. I love feeling relaxed, sitting on a beach somewhere is my most creative space in the world for me.
A photo posted by By Charlotte (@bycharlotte_) on
You tend to use a lot of spiritual symbols within your range. How are you spiritual on a personal level and what do these symbols mean to you?
I am a very creative person which has lead me down a spiritual path in my life. All the jewellery I have worn over the years has always had a meaning behind it, I am a believer that jewellery shouldn’t just been worn for its beauty but have an emotional connection.
The philosophy behind my brand was to create each collection with the foundation of being symbolic and meaningful. I wanted to create an emotional connection to the pieces, which was created through semi precious stones, crystals and symbols. My very first collection started with the Lotus flower, the symbol of purity and enlightenment. The Lotus is now a signature motif of the brand.
What advice do you have for young women who have an exciting idea but are scared to start their own business?
My advice is to make sure that you have a unique idea, be 100% committed to your vision and to believe in yourself! I’m a big believer in following your dreams, and have recently created a collection focused on these positive affirmations in ‘Beyond the Sun’. It also important to have the right team around you, all striving toward the one goal and supporting each other on the journey.
How do you manage to maintain that ‘work/life balance’ everyone wants but struggles to achieve?
Truthfully at times it is a struggle, with work obligations and peak business periods, its important to make time for yourself and your family. I try practice meditation daily, which has been a great help with my anxiety and minimising my stress levels. I also enjoy going to yoga retreats to disconnect from technology and daily worries.
What has been your jewellery career highlight so far?
Two major highlights would be the opening of my flagship store in Paddington, Sydney and also Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing my jewellery on the cover of the Australian Harpers Bazaar.
Share your favourite everyday piece from your collection?
It’s very hard to choose my favourite item, but my very first collection and signature range, ‘Lotus & Little Buddha’ is still one of my most cherished items and our new Love chain earrings. I just love them!!
What’s next for By Charlotte?
I have achieved a lot of my goals in the brands short 5 years, I am really enjoying designing and developing new styles within the collections that girls will love to wear. My next goal, is to expand the brand into the bridal market then I hope to enter the US market in 2018. It’s exciting times for us, that’s for sure!
By Charlotte has number of stockists throughout NZ including Superette, Sills + Co and Maman.
