Featured blog- Interview with Valkyrie Magazine

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To kick things off, here is a short 10 Questions with Eriko from ERIJEWELRY, to chat with us about their jewellery business based in Brisbane, Australia.

【１】Nathan (N): Thanks for making time to talk, Eriko. Can you introduce yourself?

Eriko (E): Thanks Nathan. I am a Japanese jewellery business owner living in Brisbane. I started trading at the Southbank Collective Markets and subsequently expanded our brand as a pop-up shop in Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. We constantly continue to improve and evolve our brand and products. I'm very grateful also to my partner, who has a design background, and supports me a lot in managing my business, and when it comes to advice on shop displays and product photo editing.

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【2】N: Favourite Film?

E: 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 – I was impressed and admired Walt Disney’s journey to success. I found this film to be delightful and educational. We all could learn from him and how he fought for his dreams.

And I like his quote: All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

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【3】N: What are some things you love about Jewellery?

E: My jewellery is simple yet sophisticated. I am from Tokyo, Japan, fine and delicate styles are valued and seen as beautiful in Japanese culture. So appreciation of dainty jewellery comes as second nature to me. Simple & dainty, we commit ourselves to make gold-filled jewellery which is long-lasting and perfect for everyday use.

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【4】N: Challenges and highlights in the journey so far?

I guess they are definitely related. The 2020 pandemic was a tough time. I couldn’t receive any support from the Australian government as I am not a permanent resident in Australia yet. I wasn’t sure if I should open the pop-up store, I was scared and worried about the risks involved but decided to just keep pushing on. Christmas 2020 was my second time running a pop-up store. I gradually increased the number of my regular customers since I first started my market stand and pop-up store. Many of my customers said they were waiting for me to open a pop-up store again in the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. I didn’t expect so many of my regular customers to return to purchase my jewellery at the store. I was deeply appreciative and grateful of my lovely customers and their supported along the way.

So, my favourite experience has been my customers returning to choose my jewellery again, which shows they trust me and like my jewellery.I believe building a trust between me, my jewellery and customers is very important.

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【5】N: Tell us when the story first began. Was there any specific reason or event that inspired you or got you started in the Jewellery business?

E: I was attracted to gemstones and surrounded by a creative family my whole life, leading me to develop my style. As a young girl, I had an artistic flair and was always interested in creating a unique style of jewellery.

I love being surrounded by beautiful art, jewellery, plants, and flowers. I couldn’t find the jewellery I like, and I knew what my favourite designs look like, which brought me to self-taught jewellery making. My passion is creating my own world of beauty, expressing my inner feeling into my jewellery, and making people smile.

Ever since I was small, I always dreamed of becoming a business owner. None of my family members were business owners so it took some time to figure out how to run a business.

I had very different career in the past, I was a pharmacist in Japan. I only made jewellery as a hobby when I was free and sold them online. I always had a passion for making jewellery, but I had a full time job as a pharmacist so it was on and off, I never thought it would become my full time job.

I just gave it a go focusing on what I really want to do after I moved to Australia. I decided to be honest with myself and believe in myself.

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【6】N: Can you describe a day in the life of what it is like being a Jewellery Designer? What it’s like when you start, planning a piece? Where do you even begin? Any challenges? Any favourite moments?

E: I think most jewellery designers draw what they create, but I tend to just visualise my jewellery and start the process of creating it, being guided by how I feel while I am making it. So trial and error is a big part of my creative process and it helps make my jewellery perfect.

All my jewellery is what I love to wear, so I have strong confidence that it is attractive to people.

Because I do love what I do, and I put my heart and soul into it.

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【7】N: Are there any particular projects you’re working on or excited about?

E: I am working on launching a new addition to my 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 collection. I’m very excited for the upcoming online release! I’m also planning a 10-year Anniversary giveaway is coming via Instagram.

My dream plans are running and managing a multi-faceted business – online as well as retail, in shops, pop-up stores, and having a beautiful office with trustworthy staff. I want to have an ERIJEWELRY family .

Creating a valued brand and releasing my jewellery to the world as part of a team, is my long-term goal.

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【8】N: If you could tell your younger self anything, what would you tell your younger self?

E: Don’t be scared to start something new. Believe in yourself, follow your heart and just do it.

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【9】N: What are some tips you would give people looking to purchase a piece of Jewellery?

E: There are so many kinds of gold jewellery out there which can be very confusing and frustrating when you shop. Aiming to be Simple & Dainty, we commit ourselves to make gold-filled jewellery which is perfect for everyday use.

With proper maintenance, gold filled jewellery can last you for a lifetime with little or no trace of wear and tear. In terms of cost, you should expect a slightly higher price tag, while still being more affordable than solid gold. High-quality gold-filled jewellery can withstand everyday wear without tarnishing. You also don’t have to worry about allergies because they are hypoallergenic (there’s less chance of getting allergies from wearing gold -filled jewellery)

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【１０】N: How can we support you and your wonderful work? How can people support or get involved in what you are doing? Can mention social media links and so on, understanding and appreciating Artists and looking after them!

E: You can stay in touch with us via

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eri_jewelry_shop

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erijewelry

and our online store - https://erijewelry.com/

Make sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you can receive our special deals, early access to our new launches and other beautiful content.

You can also direct all enquiries to info@erijewelry.com.

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N: Thanks Eriko, and all the best!

-END

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Feel free to let us know your favourite jewellery designers in the comments below!

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Sending you positive energy as always for an amazing week!

- Your Valkyrie Magazine