This week we chat to Chalene de Klerk about her jewellery business Curated for U.
Q: What service do you provide?
A: We provide gold plated, sterling silver and high-quality cosmetic jewellery. We also have a bubble house which we hire out for parties or events.
Q: How and when did you decide to start offering your services?
A: We have always been creative and with this business we found our outlet for our creativity. Started in May this year where we had our Mother’s Day packages which was a huge success.
Q: Which type of jewellery do you specialise in?
A: We cover a whole range of jewellery pieces from necklaces to toe rings. With our jewellery we try to cater for everyone from young and adorable (old) to funky and posh.
Q: What skills or experience does one need to be able to do what you do?
A: You don’t really need to have any skills or experiences. All you need is to just be passionate, a self-starter and goal driven. You must not be afraid of challenges.
Q: Do you work alone?
A: No, Curated for U consists of three sisters namely, myself, Evette Jina and Monique Jina.
Q: How would you describe the creative process when you package your jewellery?
A: For us it comes naturally as we have always been doing decor for family gatherings or celebration gifts for friends. When we do our packages, we always ask ourselves what is it that we want our customers to say or feel like when they receive their package. We want them to have that ‘wow’ experience and to also feel the effort and love their package was packed with.
Q: What are some of the most popular pieces that your business offers?
A: Now, we don’t really have popular pieces as everyone has their own favourites. If we must say then it will have to be our personalised curated boxes for birthdays, token of appreciation and anniversaries.
Q: Are there any challenges that you have encountered in your line of work, and how did you overcome these challenges?
A: Challenges are juggling between full-time jobs, family time and other activities. We are still new at this, so we try our best to make sure our orders are packed and delivered on time by putting in long hours after work or weekends.
Q: What would you say makes your pieces unique?
A: It is the personalised touches which we try to incorporate into our pieces. We make sure that our pieces are telling a story of the person who is buying the piece.
Q: What are some of the future goals you have for your business?
A: It will have to be for Curated for U to become a household name, known for affordable good quality cosmetic jewellery with packaging that delivers an experience every time.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is also interested in starting their own small business?
A: Do as much research on the product/s (or services) you would want to market. Speak to other businesses and seek some positive advice from them. Failure is a possibility, but not the end. So, take the risk and just do it.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A: Never think that your order is too small to make a difference in supporting a business like ours or any other business. By supporting small businesses, you are also supporting the local community and keeping business booming within the local region.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: They can find us on Facebook at Curated for U or on WhatsApp on 072-427-5894, where they can check out our catalogue.
