Crystal magic
LA-based jewellery designer Jacquie Aiche has built a brand based around a heady mix of nature’s beauty and real connections. We were lucky enough to sit with Aiche and her tribe in Paris to find out more about organic success and staying true to yourself
What do your first 30 minutes of the day look like?
I love to begin my day with a short meditation. I find whenever I take time to meditate, I feel more grounded and present. Then I’ll check my emails, get dressed and do a quick Pilates session.There’s no better way to feel energised and clear your mind.
Your schedule is packed with work/ family/ travel. How do you maintain a sense of balance when you’re always on-the-go?
It’s all about the little things. I give myself moments throughout the day to reconnect and re-energise. Whether it’s with a spray of Gypsy Face Mist, lighting up my favourite candle, or listening to Kundalini music to re-centre. It’s so important to take time for yourself.
At the age of eight you were painting on rocks and selling them to neighbours – did you feel entrepreneurial from then?
I’ve never been afraid to try new things. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a rebellious, creative side to me, and I believe that fuels my entrepreneurial spirit. You have to be willing to get into some trouble!
Did the path to launching Jacquie Aiche feel like an organic one or did you only want to have your own business from the outset?
This entire journey felt organic. I have always followed my intuition, designing just lights me up inside. Putting that type of energy out into the Universe attracts magic, and everything else just falls into place.
How did having your own boutique before launching your brand give you insight into what drives sales and what did you notice?
My time with the boutique was so pivotal because it opened my eyes to what was missing from fine jewellery. I wanted to give women layers that made them feel feminine, playful and strong – pieces that they would never take off. When I saw the way customers were responding to my designs, I knew this was what I was meant to do.
It can be rare to have both the creative and business side of the brains. How have you chosen the tribe around you at Jacquie Aiche to support both?
I choose every member of my tribe based on feeling. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by incredible women who have passion and drive. They love this business just as much as I do and when you have a group of women all working toward the same goal, only good things can happen.
What has been the biggest hurdle since starting your own brand and how did you overcome it?
Of course, there are ups and downs to everything. I can’t think of one hurdle that stands out more than the rest. When a challenge does come up, the support of my tribe makes it feel so small.
Do you have any mentors who helped guide you along the way?
My father is my greatest mentor. He is an amazing businessman and dad. I’m constantly picking his brain and he advises me on any decisions I need guidance on. He truly is the best.
To read the full interview pick up a copy of the Emirates Woman ‘Go Your Own Way’ April Issue or download it here.
Images: Supplied
