August 03, 2011
Interview with Henrietta Askew, founder and owner of Mai Pearls
I recently interviewed Henrietta Askew, founder and owner of Mai Pearls, to find out more about the person behind the beautiful designs. These are some of her answers.
When did you start Mai Pearls?
Henrietta: May 2005 was my first sale – I had a very small table, really a card table sized table at Badminton Horse Trials.
Why did you start the company?
Henrietta: I lived and studied in Beijing for a year before and when I returned to the UK to look for a job I was not sure what job I wanted to do but I did know that I wanted to stay connected with my time and experience in China and with the Chinese people. It took a little while to realize that what I really wanted to do was to start up my own business.
What was you background before Mai Pearls? Was it in jewellery design?
Henrietta: No, I studied History of Art and Chinese language at university. I am a quick learner!
What are your main inspirations for the jewellery?
Henrietta: I am mainly inspired by the catwalk colours along with designs that I see around me in magazines, being worn or in shop windows. My suppliers are very inspiring as well, they have loads of pearls and stones in their workshops for me to play around with whilst I am creating a new design.
What is your favorite thing about Mai Pearls?
Henrietta: There are 2 things; the charity that I support – it does great things. Once a year I receive translated letters from some of the children that the money has gone to help and their words are so encouraging. I also love the flexibility that having my own business gives me on a day to day basis.
Where do you see Mai Pearls going in the future?
Henrietta: From strength to
Posted: August 3, 2011 11:48 AM
August 24, 2010
Mai Pearls features at The Wedding Community Blog!
We were all very excited to see the designer and founder of Mai Pearls, Henrietta Askew, been interviewed by The Wedding Community Blog!
In the interview Henrietta has shared the history of Mai Pearls, its vision and even her favourite jewellery piece! It was great to tell them a bit more about who we are, the blog is a great source of information for brides and events organisers.
Moreover, we have shared the vision of fairness in business. Mai Pearls is really glad that it supports local communities in China, especially through paying fair wages to the women who work with us.
The best of all is that fairness does not imply higher prices. In fact, everyone wins because Mai Pearls still provides quality jewellery and genuine pearls at affordable prices.
If you want to learn more about our brand or company, please make sure you visit The Wedding Community Blog or About Mai Pearls section in the Mai Pearls website.
Posted: August 24, 2010 10:54 AM
May 12, 2009
Sophiei.com
I absolutely love the collection of ready to wear bridal head pieces from sophiei.com. Hand-made silk flowers adorn simple bands of mother of pearl and swarovski crystals; with curled goose feathers and soft hackle adding to the unique style.
Feather spines are crystallised; ribbon cleverly manipulated in folds and drapes and simple strands of crystals add to the opulence of the collection.
The ever popular cocktail hat has once again been adapted and now features soft veiling with butterflies and mother of pearl buttons; or alternatively an explosion of ivory feathers for the wow factor!
And to complete the look, add a simple pearl bracelet from Mai Pearls.
Posted: May 12, 2009 10:26 AM
May 06, 2009
Networking
Networking is something that I certainly shy away from - it is probably because so many people tell me how important it is and good for me that it just puts me right off. However, last night I went along to a networking event held by Bigwigs London in the Wandsworth area which made my networking fears disappear. Bigwigs is a social networking group that arrange monthly meetings for women living in south west London who run their own businesses. The goal is to increase sales & revenues for all those involved. I left the meeting having had a free sample of some business coaching from one of the bigwigs members, feeling much more positive and motivated about my work and goals. If you are interested in finding out more about bigwigs, please click here, or perhaps you would like to browse the Mai Pearls pearl jewellery collection, the click here.
Posted: May 6, 2009 02:47 PM
June 11, 2008
Cherry Woods Skin Clinic
As the weather warms up, we start to think more about being pruned, plucked and massaged for forthcoming summer events.
Cherry specialises in facials and has a growing number of loyal clients in the Richmond, Surrey area who are huge fans of her uniquely designed ‘face and relax’ facials using Environ cosmeceutical strength vitamin skincare.
This treatment is a real treat for connoisseurs of facials who love to see results but without compromising on relaxation. Cherry is a fully qualified beauty therapist and skincare expert. Her treatment room is located within the beautiful, Grade II listed building of The Smile Studios Dental Spa, right in the heart of Richmond.
For a 10% discount on any of her treatments, just mention “Mai Pearls” when booking. www.cherrywoodsclinic.com
Posted: June 11, 2008 05:20 PM
October 10, 2007
Bigwigs
Starting your own business can be a daunting experience however well qualified or enthusiastic you might be. There inevitably will always be those awkward questions that arise and that need answering but you just don’t know who to ask or where to find the correct advice. Maybe they are highly complicated and fearfully technical or maybe you just feel a bit of a fool asking them?
And then there is working from home which many starter uppers have to do. Why waste money on renting a desk space when you’ve got a perfectly spacious kitchen table at home? No more commuting; less time and money wasted surely it’s a win-win situation? So when you are snugly sitting at your computer in your own home surrounded by just the same four walls day in, night in, day in, weekend in and so it goes on, is it surprising that you begin to feel a little isolated and in need of some encouragement?
But then there’s light at the end of the tunnel and a solution in sight. Bigwigs is a women’s networking group on a relaxed level; the ultimate on-line guide to creative & highly individual small businesses in south west London.
The companies listed on the website www.bigwigslondon.co.uk have all been started by young, enthusiastic women with an entrepreneurial eye and a natural talent just waiting with an abundance of ideas to fulfil your needs; all offering a friendly, personal service and come highly recommended by clients and stylists alike. So, whether it’s fashion, interiors or accessories; kids painting parties or pampering, there’s something on the website to inspire everyone. Hats, handbags, jewellery, underwear, games, children’s furniture and baby gifts; nutritionist, caterer, beauty therapist, interiors consultancy, the choice is endless and continually expanding.
So here is the female south west London entrepreneur’s solution to those unanswered questions, that feeling of isolation and lack of enthusiasm. And yet Big wigs is still so much more, it is every woman’s solution to Christmas!
Posted: October 10, 2007 11:53 AM