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Exquisitely British - The British Entrepreneur Club for Luxury Brands
Martha Mawson
Founder of Ailleas Designs
By Clare Heighway - 24th February 2015
We chat to Martha Mawson, Scottish based jeweller and founder of Ailleas Designs
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Martha
I’m an American ex-pat, born in New York City, raised in Virginia and moved to the UK in 2000. I’ve always been involved with the arts, mostly the theatre, but was always creating something – from clay sculptures to acrylic paintings to set designs or choreography! For over 25 years, I was part of the publishing world. I am very much right brained and hoping that someday I will decide what to do when I grow up. Of course, I’ve just celebrated my 59th birthday, so I better hurry up and figure that one out.
Where did the idea for Ailleas Designs come from and how did you get the name?
During the summer of 2000, my parents, my daughter and I spent our last summer holiday together at our favourite spot in Truro on Cape Cod. On one of the first days there, I drove out to Provincetown and saw a pair of earrings in a gallery window. I had to go back five times before I dug deep in my purse and bought them. They were my favourites. When I had to return to the States in 2008 to be with my mother after my dad died, I couldn’t find a job – the unemployment was terrible at the time. So, those earrings inspired me to try my hand at artisan jewellery making. And that was the beginning. Ailleas is Scottish Gaelic for jewel – a tribute to my home here in the highlands.
Who is your ideal customer?
My ideal customer is someone who understands the value of what I do, that each and every piece is a miniature work of art, never to be duplicated.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Getting recognition in a very saturated market. While fine jewellery isn’t as crowded as handmade jewellery in general, finding an audience has proved very difficult. Things like Google algorithms and website hits muddy the water. I would rather be creating than marketing, but marketing has to be done and it isn’t easy.
And your biggest highlight?
I love doing commissions and I suppose one of the greatest highlights was seeing a photograph of a beautiful bride wearing the ‘backlace’ I created for her wedding day.
What or who are you inspired by?
I am very much inspired by the beautiful gemstones with which I work. I am also inspired by great artists and by the landscape that surrounds me here on the northwest coast of Scotland.
What do you think is important in developing a successful British brand?
Honestly, integrity and a dedication to produce the very best product you can. I have made it a point with my brand to work exclusively with suppliers based in the UK. I think that is very important as well.
Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?
Just believe in yourself and in what you create. It is so hard these days – the number of people registered as self-employed is at one of its highest levels and everyone is trying to get a piece of the pie. Love what you do, present yourself and your work honestly. It won’t happen immediately but, with persistence and self-belief, it will happen.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to see Ailleas Designs in more shops and galleries. I feel that my jewellery has to be seen in ‘real life’ to be appreciated. So I’m setting my sights on securing more outlets.
To learn more about Ailleas Designs visit them online at www.ailleasdesigns.com
Ailleas Designs are a Best of British member.
View their listing here.
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