Disrupting the traditional format of how we shop jewellery, Aquae Jewels is a direct to consumer brand that offer well-made pieces at contemporary price points. Established by Catherine Klastersky in 2011, all of the collections are designed and made in Dubai.
After moving from Belgium to Dubai, she wanted to create a brand that cut out intermediaries costs to focus on the delivery beautifully made pieces of jewellery directly to consumers at attractive prices.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I was particularly interested in painting and modern art. I always liked to express beauty through colours and various elements and motifs.
What was your first job?
My first job was that of a French language teacher. I discovered the way human beings worked from a social perspective and found ways to capture the focus of the mind by little things which were not always academic.
What inspired you to launch Aquae Jewels?
It’s definitely my life in Dubai. The sun shining every day, the gold everywhere and the sparkles of this city that I love so much! I can spend hours strolling by myself in Gold Souk or Malls and never get bored. The golden city inspired me to start my gold chain, Aquae Jewels.
What are the key elements of your role?
Designing of the new pieces and supervising the quality of the preexisting pieces to ensure and maintain quality control so that they are in line with what I exactly had in mind. Also, ensuring our entire team is always paying attention to customer feedback and making sure that customer service remains up to the mark.
Talk us through your daily routine.
Monitoring the social media handles of Aquae Jewels as that is our biggest revenue generator considering we are an online only business. Liaising with my team and also taking their opinion over a lot of matters. Regular brainstorming sessions, making sure our customers are happy, answering their questions and assisting the team in finding the right answers. Controlling the quality of the daily production.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Do everything in regard to your passion. Always move forward and stay open to the messages people are sending. Make sure to do something new every day, even if it’s something small. Surround yourself with happy and positive people.
Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
Hermes, Missoni, Massimo Dutti, Rouje Paris, Chloe, Hollister, Yse Paris.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
It would not be fair to say only one as I believe that success is made of a huge number of different pieces of advice. But if one only, believe in yourself.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Facing unfair competition from entities that are unethical and are deceiving customers with false promises.
