Digital media key to customer outreach
“It is for everyone; our prices are very reasonable and we love to be part of our clients’ important life moments. We mainly operate through Instagram and most of our customers found us through social media,” she says.
Amreen says Piece of You can change the way people view jewellery purchases. Instead of buying from a set collection of jewellery at a shop, they can unleash their creativity and get a unique piece designed for themselves.
“Customers can contact us with a short note on the particular life moment they want to celebrate with a customised jewellery piece, whether rings, bracelets, necklaces or anklets. They can let us know their preference for yellow or white gold, diamonds or other precious stones and I send them a few designs to choose from. Once the design is finalised, I bring it to life. It is then delivered to the customer in a beautifully crafted box,” she elaborates.
Amreen started the business almost two years ago. Since it is personalised jewellery, she does everything from design to packaging.
“I also have a factory in Dubai to produce custom pieces. I am very particular about the design and quality. I spend time with the clients to understand exactly what they want and create designs that they can choose from. I really enjoy this creative process and I am not keen to outsource it,” she adds.
Amreen believes the UAE has a very strong start up eco-system for various industry sectors.
“There is a great startup movement in the UAE. The government has many initiatives to encourage young entrepreneurs. The process of obtaining a trade licence and setting up a company is very much streamlined. The UAE’s Smart Government initiatives make it easy to do everything online,” Amreen says.
Mentorship programmes
“The UAE also has many conferences and mentorship programmes for entrepreneurs to learn from others. If you have a plan you are passionate about and you are persistent, there are many opportunities in the UAE,” she adds.
Amreen started her business through Instagram, now she has a factory and an e-commerce website. “Due to the nature of our business, it will grow mostly through e-commerce as it is all about personalised design, not readymade designs. I Recognising the potential of social media, Amreen Iqbal, founder and chief designer of Piece of You, started her business through an Instagram account.
“Social media is a great way for lifestyle and design businesses to get out there and establish a presence. I see digital playing a great role in reaching out to potential customers. Shares and likes have helped Piece of You to extend our reach.”
“I think it is crucial for the jewellery industry to adapt to latest technology. Automation of the jewellery process is necessary to deliver prompt service to customers. Now with a factory, I am able to better serve our customers,” Amreen says.
My advice to mompreneurs is that creating a work-life balance is very important to being a successful mompreneur
Amreen Iqbal, Founder and chief designer of Piece of You
also intend to set up a kiosk or a design consultancy in the future where customers can come for a face-toface consultation,” she says.
Advising young entrepreneurs, Amreen says setting up a business and growing it takes patience.
“It’s a constant process of learning and improving. It’s important to have a plan and be organised so that you can have a healthy balance in life. Above all, listen to your customers and be willing to take constructive criticism,” she urges.
“I am a mompreneur who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur. My advice to mompreneurs is that creating a work-life balance is very important to being a successful mompreneur. You should not feel guilty, both the roles should be equally enjoyed, find joy in parenting as well as entrepreneurship. By being an entrepreneur, you are also being a strong role model to your children and instilling good values in them as they grow up,” she concludes.