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Pearly Ch 6-9: Tipping point, or just luck...

Majority of what “should” have happened, happened YEARS after. It was tough getting to THIS moment. Maybe it’s the eagerness of the entrepreneur, or the perfectionist in the designer, either way, achieving any kind of success didn’t come easy or quick. My London explorations quickly spilled over to Paris. Through a serendipitous chance I ended up attending Paris Fashion Week with a friend, one night after the show I ran into my NY hero Bill Cunningham (it’s a long story here. I also ended up with a nickname “sweet child” as he fondly called me, which I cherish. I remember meeting him like it was yesterday). “Bill” gave me an invite to the Dries Van Noten party that evening, I brought...

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Pearly 12 years, Ch 5-9: Getting in the Press

The only way real change can happen, is when you shed your ego and let go of your fear. I finally found that perfect moment and circumstances that allowed me to release control, and began surrounding myself with the pros to take Pearly to another level. Yes, my war chest was tiny, but it paid off big time getting myself into London. I finally was able to access creative talents that could tell my story in images, videos, and my PR helped immensely to begin getting Pearly out there. Marketing and sales weren’t easy for me, it was a LOT of hustle and showing up without much results. I was writing non-stop and I had to define and redefine the...

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Pearly 12 years, Ch 4-9: Turning Point

I can’t script this drama up… it was the 2nd last night before I left London while on that big trip, a casual drink and a soul baring convo with my stylist friend Savannah Barthrope yielded a solid contact of a PR /sales showroom. That was the turning point! I called 9AM sharp, banged on their door that afternoon even though she didn’t have time to meet me (I saw her from afar). We sealed the deal over Skype when I returned, and the rest is history. Meet my angel sent Alison Lowe of Felicities, a recently honored MBE that transformed Pearly! Credit’s where credit is due, this super lady was instrumental in shaping the brand, strengthen the line, and putting me on the path...

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Pearly 12 years, Ch. 3-9: London Calling

Let’s just say you gotta be totally addicted to what you do to be an entrepreneur (and slightly nuts). I knew nothing about the world outside of a designer’s desk! I went in for the love of creativity, the quest to create the best, my passion in gems and jewelry, and an undying believe to get to my truth in life. I was searching for pretty much ANY way that allowed me to get my work out. I was hungry, nimble, eager, and desperate to prove my life-altering decision was a great move. My parents backed me, and I switched into full-time Pearly when it got serious. I kicked into gear, and I was determined to make it happen.  Early...

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Pearly 12 years, Ch. 2-9: Setting up our Hong Kong design studio

2nd year in, I found a humble little office in Central near Sheung Wan, and I began to receive bespoke appointments. This little studio has served as a place of design, a buyer showroom (when I had a collection), and an occasional party pad! An unassuming office meant low overheads, and that has been critical to surviving the multiple lows tides that hit over a decade. I was also able to compete on prices especially when we had high-end limited edition products to wholesale. Pearly is a one-woman show, and it’s been a lean mean smart machine!Bespoke fine jewelry work rolled in soon after we had a home, with a friend’s referral of a lovely Swiss HK couple, I created...

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