Business Profile:
A mumpreneur’s fine jewellery brand
Mumpreneur KARIN MAJDALANY is the founder of Kabochon, a fine jewellery brand in Singapore that offers both a ready-to-wear collection and a bespoke service. We asked her about her career curveball and why she loves what she does. Was your move to a creative career a conscious one?
It was rather a long journey of self-discovery! I never knew that I had a creative side, even though I was always pretty good at the arts. But I always considered myself more “sciencey”. After graduating from Oxford University, I actually worked for many years in banking in the City of London after also training as a Chartered Accountant. Once we had kids, I decided to take a career sabbatical. When the kids were older, by chance I started co-creating silver necklaces to help my mother-in-law for a Lebanese charity. That was really the start of my jewellery adventure 12 years ago.
Tell us about your services and products.
We offer a personalised jewellery creation service via private appointment. It’s relaxed and informal so clients feel at ease. The key to the Kabochon experience is that anything can be customised or personalised – the world is the client’s oyster!
The ready-to-wear collection ranges from diamond pave pendants, trendy “evil eye” and diamondencrusted casual pieces to classic elegance such as South Sea and Akoya pearl necklaces. More high-end staples such as diamond tennis bracelets, solitaire studs and engagement and wedding rings are by bespoke order.
What are you working on right now, and what projects have you particularly enjoyed?
I’ve just finished designing my new collection, which I’m super excited to share with everyone! The pieces are in production as we speak. I also have a number of bespoke client projects currently on the go. One is a modern diamond engagement ring for a very special couple – I’m chuffed they chose Kabochon to be a part of their romantic journey.
There are many favourite projects, but it’s definitely special when clients choose us to help them mark their engagement or wedding, or an anniversary or birthday. We recently did an amazing sapphire and diamond set for a couple to mark their ten-year anniversary and we also just completed a statement diamond ring for a “push” present.
I also love working on projects close to my heart. For example, for my LoveLB project I designed a range of Lebanon-inspired bracelets to raise funds for the Red Cross after the devastating Beirut blasts.
How have you coped in the pandemic?
It’s been a tough year not being able to travel freely to visit family, and generally a roller-coaster ride of anxiety. I haven’t seen my eldest daughter since she went back to university, nor my parents and extended family for a long time.
In terms of my business, at the beginning I didn’t know what to expect. There have been various hurdles to overcome such as the cancellation of bigger physical events, delays in production and delivery, scarcity of materials, and higher costs in general. Thankfully, though, things have remained stable, and I’m infinitely grateful for this.
What do you love most about your work?
Definitely the people and the creative design process. I generally love meeting people and creating long-lasting connections – and this is even more true in the pandemic. Through my business, I have met some wonderful people and discovered truly rewarding connections amongst clients and suppliers; trust is a big element in the jewellery business. From the first trade fair I attended a decade ago, I’ve worked with some of the same trusted people over many years and that’s very special.
I’m so truly grateful for my customers too, as well as for all the other supporters (on Instagram, for example). Seeing an idea come to fruition through the design process and be appreciated by my customers is hugely rewarding.
What are the benefits and downsides of owning your own business?
A big plus is the flexibility: I’m my own boss so I can work to my own schedule, take time out during the kids’ holidays, and generally manage my workload. It’s hugely fulfilling to know that over the course of the last decade I have built my (small) brand, and quite a few people now recognise it.
On the other hand, owning your own business can be stressful and there are no boundaries between work and personal life; as the owner, you take all the risk and responsibility. In recent years, there have been added compliance and regulatory requirements too.
How has having two teenage daughters influenced your business?
It’s so great having their input as they’re very into fashion, style and, of course, jewellery. I love getting their advice on matters. They do have strong likes and dislikes so they naturally can sometimes influence what I create too. At the moment, they’re keen on crosses, evil eyes, anything chunky yellow gold and anything with white diamonds!
The girls are the ones that introduced me initially to the world of Instagram; more recently, they also encouraged me to use TikTok to create music videos of my jewellery.
Who is your role model?
From a young age, my parents have been a strong, supportive and influential force. My father definitely sparked in me the ambition that still drives me to this day. My mother has always been inspirational too: she is multi-talented and instilled in us a great work ethic. Last but not least, my husband is always my rock: an incredible force of support and encouragement.