Joie talks to Erin O'Connor, founder of jewellery boutique Pärla about her balancing her blossoming new business with 'me-time'.
What inspired you to start your jewellery business, Pärla?
For a very long time now, I've dreamt of having my own boutique
and my love for jewellery and minimalist style made the concept behind Pärla a
pretty obvious choice. Unashamedly, it's a rather selfish venture of
mine! I have chosen designers that I would buy and wear and that I
believe my friends would also love.
The
big push for me came when I lost a necklace that my mum had given me whilst on
holiday in Brazil. It made me realise the emotional attachment that
we have with jewellery and inspired me to create a space where you don't just
buy jewellery but meaningful symbols of something much greater.
What
have you learned in the last four months since opening the shop?
I've
always struggled to stay focused and I do still find myself getting easily
distracted. When I first started to plan for Pärla, I would get carried
away when doing the buy, laying out the website and even designing the layout
of the shop. With time, I've started to realise that having a clear focus
is key to making the business a success. The simple layout and carefully
edited collections of quality, local and scandi design are what customers
appreciate and the result of a clear focused mind.
What's the best thing about being your own boss?
I'm
extremely fortunate to be in control of a brand that I am truly passionate
about. When I have an idea for an event or promotion I can implement
it. When I find a new designer that I love, I can speak to them about
introducing their collection in Pärla. Equally, when I don't like the way
something looks in store or on the website, I can make the relevant changes so
that it fits the brand aesthetic in a better way. It's hard work, but being
my own boss is a lot of fun and definitely worth it!
Running
your own business must mean little time for 'me', especially in the early days,
what do you do to make sure that you look after yourself?
When
Pärla first opened, I found it hard to tear myself away in the fear that
everything would fall apart without me... then I realised that I was doing more
damage to the business and myself. If anything was going to fall apart,
it was going to be me. Now I go to the gym most mornings or run (when
it's not raining)! I try to eat well, drink lots of water and get plenty of
sleep. I also make sure I make time to see my friends and family.
They're who really keep me going!
How
do you like to spend your (rare!) days off?
I
am a big fan of lazy Sunday mornings. If I'm not working in the shop,
I'll make sure I don't set an alarm and wake up when I'm ready. I usually
go for a run and follow it up with a brunch with friends (Hoi Polloi at the Ace
is a favourite of mine), before heading to Columbia road to pick up fresh
flowers for the shop. If I have time, I'll try and visit an exhibition
(Tracey Emin at the White Cube and 'Women Fashion Power' at the Design Museum
are currently on my 'to visit' list) and finish the day with a roast at The
Talbot in Dalston. They do the best Yorkshire puddings outside of
Yorkshire.
What
does happiness look like to you?
Happiness
is being surrounded by friends and family... And if they happen to be wearing
beautifully crafted jewellery from Pärla whilst handing me a glass of gin and
tonic, then that's even better!
Who
or what are you inspired by?
I
am so lucky to be surrounded by so many inspirational people. Each of the
designers I stock in Pärla are dedicated, hardworking and passionate about what
they're doing. The jewellery industry is a really exciting community and
it's great to be a part of that. My friends are also amazingly wonderful
people who give me the distraction I need to explore the world outside of the
shop and have fun!
I
must also mention my mum and sister who have taught me to take whatever life throws at you and embrace it.
Things don't always go to plan, but that's probably because they weren't meant
to!
Visit www.parlaonline.com
