Business Matters spoke to Anna Emmett, Founder & Director, of the 10 year old jewellery brand Henryka about what inspired her to form the company and what advice she would give to someone looking to follow in her footsteps
What do you currently do?
I am the founder and director of one of Britain’s fastest-growing jewellery brands, Henryka. The small business I established a little over 10 years ago is now a thriving brand, with an own-brand boutique in Hereford, and e-commerce store and 70 points of sale across the UK.
Henryka’s jewellery collections have a unique aesthetic, which has helped us to stand-out from the competition in what is a saturated marketplace. We are known for our nature-inspired collections using hand-picked gemstones and sterling silver, as well as our unusual bohemian styling.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
To create a world-recognised jewellery brand with what I call ‘heart and soul’. It is my intention to continue building a company and a brand that people truly associate with integrity, goodness and authenticity. Our designs are deeply influenced by our customers and their feedback, and we have developed a wholesale strategy over the past 12 months that has been successfully reactive to the needs of our clients. In addition, we enjoy working with various charities and creating products inspired by their goals to raise funds.
What defines your way of doing business?
Surrounding myself with good people on every possible level. I made it my goal to build a team that genuinely believes in the Henryka brand and its principles, both creatively and ethically. This allow me to trust their judgement every step of the way. As we are a B2B and B2C brand, we place great emphasis on customer service.
Our way of doing business is focused on meaningful relationships and delivering value; whether that is inspiring loyalty among our e-commerce and bricks-and-mortar store customers or attracting the attention of retail partners and stockists. We also prioritise our suppliers and never underestimate the impact they have on our business. Suppliers are equally important to us as our customers – they make us who we are.
Who do you admire?
The world is full of truly amazing people, but I always draw the most inspiration from those who have the courage to make their ideas a reality. It is easy to talk yourself out of things, especially in crowded markets, but having a goal and sticking with it is a form of success in itself.
Looking back is there anything you’d do differently?
Where I am today is defined by my past. Some of the choices I made early in my career might be considered ‘undesirable’ to say the least, but the ups and downs have shown me a contrast – a clear understanding of what I want and what I don’t want.
Unfortunately, there is no universal manual available on ‘How to Succeed’. If there was I am sure it would be a best-seller! It is simply a case of learning from your own experience.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Just go for it! It is impossible to figure everything out at once; these things come with time and a persistence to succeed. Also, remember, no matter how bad or tough your situation may seem there are always some positives.
Focus on them. Finally, never underestimate the importance of building relationships. You need people around you… you just can’t do it all on your own.
